Case Study Asbestos - Banaba

Abstract

The project involved the removal of asbestos containing material from selected buildings on the Island of Banaba, and the development of a Strategic Asbestos Management Plan. Three buildings were targeted for abatement activities, with 3,645m2 of non-friable asbestos containing material roofing sheets and cladding to be removed. Tasks included: (1) arranging the Environmental Permit required by the Government of Kiribati for the work to proceed, (2) chartering a vessel to take the asbestos abatement crew to Banaba Island (a trip of about two days) and pick them up after the work was completed, (3) training thirty-eight workers to undertake abatement including local Banaba island personnel, (4) provide logistical support, i.e., meals and accommodations for the workers, (5) provide ancillary supplies and equipment, i.e., sea-sickness tablets, two generators, mattresses, mosquito nets, gas cookers, two motorcycles, (6) providing a Starlink system to enable internet communications, and (7) arrange for the shipment of the asbestos containing material to New Zealand for disposal. The remote nature of Banaba Island meant there was no appropriate landing craft adding additional complications to loading the asbestos containing material for shipment. The asbestos containing material was disposed of at the EnviroNZ landfill, Hampton Downs, Auckland, New Zealand.