Demolition work is happening at the old W-G Hayden Humanities Centre and the old Ipswich City Council building to remove asbestos over the coming months.
The demolition work at 56 South Street is part of the Ipswich Hospital Expansion Project.
As asbestos is frequently present in buildings from this period, an Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) has been developed. This plan is designed to manage potential risks and keep everyone safe.
The following steps have been undertaken to safely remove asbestos from this site:
- containment areas have been sealed where the asbestos has been detected
- all personnel, equipment, and waste will be passed through a multistage containment process
- personnel will wear full personal protective equipment and will move through a two-shower process before re-entering the general environment
- all asbestos contaminated waste is double bagged, showered, and disposed of safely
- the building itself will be wrapped and subject to a negative pressure environment
- air quality monitoring has been installed around the site.
The asbestos removal works are due for completion by late 2025.
A licensed asbestos specialist will undertake the remedial works, with an independent expert overseeing the asbestos removal in line with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland requirements.
The independent expert will work closely with the construction company, ADCO, to ensure the site is safe.
For more information about the removal of asbestos at this site, contact ADCO via email Ipswichcarpark@adcoconstruct.com.au or phone (07) 3511 5555.
Understanding asbestos
Asbestos fibres only become a health risk if they become airborne and are breathed in. Breathing in large amounts of airborne fibres over time has been linked to health issues.
When asbestos is managed properly during the removal process, the risk to the public is extremely low.
Most people exposed to asbestos in their environment will not develop health problems. The highest risks are associated with long-term exposure in unregulated environments.
By following strict safety procedures, we are ensuring the community, and our workers remain protected throughout this project.