RARE were engaged by Zinfra/Jemena to provide asbestos management and environmental compliance services during trenching works conducted along Airport Drive, Mascot.

Zinfra’s scope required several inspections and integrity testing of the Sydney Primary gas main, a 550mm high-pressure gas main.  Friable asbestos was detected in locations of the investigation, which required the investigation works to be completed under the supervision and direction of RARE’s Class A asbestos removal license.

Due to the site’s location, high pedestrian activity and proximity to Airport Drive, works were undertaken at night whereby all asbestos controls were erected and disassembled each evening.

RARE’s proactive approach in lining each trench with geofabric to temporarily disable the use of asbestos controls enabled Zinfra’s specialist tradespeople to enter the trench and complete their works with minimum delays whilst fully in compliance with asbestos legislation and codes of practice. In addition to asbestos compliance and drawing on our extensive skillset, perched water was tested and assessed for offsite disposal along with the relevant pre-works baseline contamination assessment.

Site activities included:

• Development and implementation of all site-specific asbestos documentation including the Asbestos Removal Control Plan
• Undertake trenching under Class A conditions under the direction RARE’s asbestos supervisor
• Continual checking and maintenance of asbestos controls
• Class A asbestos removal works as required
• Provision of dust suppression
• Decontamination of personnel and equipment nightly
• Spoil tracking and disposal;
• Dewatering and management of contaminated groundwater