Ventia delivers facilities management services for the City of Sydney Council, including both reactive maintenance and planned upgrade works. During the planning phase of HVAC upgrades at Alexandria Town Hall, lead dust contamination was identified throughout the heritage ceiling space.

This posed a significant occupational health risk and prevented the upgrade works from proceeding. RARE Environmental, a specialist hazardous materials contractor, was engaged by Ventia to undertake the full remediation of lead-contaminated dust within the ceiling cavity, including the encapsulation of porous timber surfaces to enable safe re-entry and commencement of the HVAC installation.

• Conducted biological monitoring for all RARE personnel and submitted lead risk work notifications to the regulator.
• Developed project documentation and coordinated with the site tenant to ensure minimal disruption.
• Established the site as a designated lead construction zone, including exclusion barriers to protect workers and the public.
• Removed, contained, and cleaned retained items prior to full remediation activities.
• Undertook controlled removal of lead dust using HEPA vacuuming, wet wiping, and specialist lead cleaning agents.
• Encapsulated all porous materials, such as timber framing, to bind and contain any residual lead dust.
• Maintained strict containment of all lead waste within the exclusion zone, including regular area cleaning and housekeeping.
• Managed lead waste by double-bagging in 200 µm heavy-duty disposal bags.
• Decontaminated all personnel, plant, and equipment upon completion of works.
• Transported lead-contaminated waste under EPA consignment for disposal at a licensed hazardous waste facility.