For the Attention of Tenants
Updated on 15th January 2008
As you may be aware following on from the fire event in September 2007 the whole of the ground floor area which housed self storage units has been deemed an asbestos contaminated site. Continual monitoring by independent hygienists since the fire event has determined that the risk of asbestos contamination is considered to be very low. However it is still deemed necessary that the appropriate procedures as per legislative requirements need to be followed for possessions to be removed from the site.
The process that has been in place has been considered to be too time consuming and expensive for all parties. Following on from discussions with both our independent hygienist and Workplace Health & Safety a more efficient process that will still meet legislative requirements has been agreed to.
This streamlined process has become necessary for two main reasons.
Storage Index Pty Ltd have appointed Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd to undertake this bulk cleaning process.
Under this process it is planned to adopt a bulk approach to the decontamination and cleaning of the contents of self storage units. Accordingly a large number of self storage units will be cleared in the one procedure. In saying this we emphasise that the integrity of possessions will remain at all times in that individual contents of each unit will remain separate. Where tenants can be contacted we will advise them of the planned date of clearance of their self storage units. The contents will be cleaned and decontaminated where practical then plastic wrapped on clearly labeled pallets and moved to a clean storage area for your collection. Given the bulk processing nature of this exercise it will not be practical for tenants to inspect their units prior to clearance or oversee the clearance process. This procedure as is required by law will be under the control of a qualified Asbestos contractor. The contents of each self storage unit will be itemized on a general basis and will also highlight any items deemed to not be recoverable.
Prior to the collection of their contents tenants will be required to sign the following two forms. (1) “Information brochure regarding asbestos and mould” and (2)“Authority allowing Specialty Cleaning Services to provide this service”. (copies of these documents are below or can be emailed on request) Additionally payment for this service will be required prior to the collection of a tenants possessions. Storage Index Pty Ltd will be able to advise each tenant the cost of this procedure which will be significantly less than would have been under the previous system.
It is the intention that this whole process will be completed by the 29th February 2008 as the latest possible date if not beforehand.
Should you require any further information regarding these matters please feel free to contact our office on 07 32781835.
The Management Index Business Park
Information Page Regarding Contaminated Items
This information page is to make you aware of the risks associated with asbestos and mould contamination, how to best reduce the risk to yourself and others when dealing with your stored items and where further information can be found.
The items you are receiving from your storage unit have been either:
If your goods have been handed over not sealed in an asbestos bag or plastic, then these items have been cleaned of asbestos debris / mould. If your goods have been returned in an asbestos bag or plastic, we have attempted to clean the asbestos / mould from the items to a practical level, however, due to the nature of the goods (ie. permeable surfaces such as soft furnishings) we cannot provide complete assurance that all asbestos / mould has been removed from the item. The risk associated with these items whilst considered low is still present and this should be kept in mind when opening or removing the plastic. If attempting to clean or dispose of the material yourself, the below information should be adhered to and further information and opinions should be sought.
Asbestos
Asbestos is a fibrous material that once airborne is capable of being inhaled deep into the lungs where the fibres are difficult to expel from the body. Due to the serious health risks associated with asbestos, it is essential that exposure to it is effectively managed. Therefore, whilst every attempt has been made to remove / clean asbestos from the returned goods, any asbestos fibres remaining on items returned in plastic has the potential to become airborne if removed from the plastic and handled incorrectly. We would recommend these items are either:
Ultimately it is the responsibility of you as the owner of the goods to ensure that the goods are disposed of or decontaminated correctly.
Mould
Moulds produce tiny spores during reproduction and when mould spores settle on a damp spot indoors they may begin growing and digesting whatever they are growing on in order to survive. There are moulds that can grow on wood, paper and carpet. When excessive moisture or water accumulates indoors, mould growth will often occur, particularly if the moisture problem remains undiscovered or un-addressed. Some people are sensitive to moulds and for these people exposure to moulds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation.
Due to the fact that tenant goods have been stored in an environment that was exposed to significant water damage and ongoing moisture, many goods have been found to contain mould growth. As outlined in the asbestos section above, every attempt has been made to remove visible mould growth from porous materials, however, we cannot provide a complete assurance of removal of all mould spores. We would recommend items that have been retuned in plastic bags or wrapped plastic are cleaned in the following manner.
Ultimately it is the responsibility of you as the owner of the goods to ensure that the goods are disposed of or decontaminated correctly.
Further Information
For further information on asbestos go the Queensland governments’ Workplace Health and Safety website:
http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/workplace/subjects/asbestos/index.htm
For further information on mould go to the US EPA website:
http://www.epa.gov/mold/index.htm
Disclaimer
I am aware that the items I have received may be contaminated with asbestos/mould and take full responsibility for ensuring these items are managed accordingly. I understand that the above information is a basic guideline on how to manage the risk associated with such materials and that further information should be sought. I also understand anyone taking over responsibility for these items need to be made aware of the risks associated with doing so.
Tenants’ name: …………………………………
Tenant Uni No: ………………………………….
Date: …………………………………………….
Tenants’ Signature: ……………………………
AUTHORITY TO REMOVE AND CLEAN PERSONAL EFFECTS PRIOR TO TAKING POSSESSION
I ………………………………….as the owner (or authorised owner’s representative) of any items of ownership which for the purposes of this agreement are described as personal effects which are stored in Unit …........ at the self storage facility located at 496 Sherwood Road Sherwood and managed by Storage Index Pty Ltd hereby unconditionally provide authority to Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd to undertake to remove my personal effects, clean and package as is necessary and relocate to a designated area for my collection.
In providing this authority I acknowledge and understand that the location where my personal effects are stored has been deemed to be a contaminated asbestos site as per the guidelines laid down by the National Occupational Health and Safety Commission.
I further understand that my personal effects can only be cleaned and returned to my possession under the procedures as laid down by the “Code Of Practice For The Safe Removal of Asbestos” a copy of which is available for viewing at Storage Index’s offices or at www.nohsc.gov.au
In my providing authority to Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd I acknowledge that they will to the best of their ability clean and package my personal effects given the circumstances of potential asbestos contamination.
In my providing of this authority I understand that given the wide and varied nature of personal effects I confirm that I will accept the reasonable and professional judgment of the duly qualified “Competent Person-Asbestos Removal ‘A’ Class” with respect to the treatment of my personal effects in accordance with the aforementioned “Code Of Practice For The Safe Removal of Asbestos”.
I hereby provide authority to Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd in their capacity as the approved cleaning contractor to dispose of any of my personal effects that in the professional opinion of the “Competent Person-Asbestos Removal ‘A’ Class” are deemed to be in such condition that adequate decontamination is impossible to achieve because of a high risk of asbestos or mould contamination.
I further understand that whilst Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd will use their best endeavours to de-contaminate my personal effects from asbestos particles I acknowledge that due to the nature of some personal items, appropriate cleaning may be impractical and there still may be a likelihood of some asbestos on these personal effects that I am taking into my possession.
I acknowledge that I have read and understood the information page relating to Asbestos and Mould contamination and that I am taking possession of my personal effects with the full responsibility of their proper management upon collection and into the future.
I agree to indemnify Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd against any liability, claim, action, loss, damage, cost & expense that they may incur arising from the harmful nature of my personal effects
I hereby release Specialty Cleaning Services Pty Ltd from any action or demand due to any damage or loss to my personal effects, injury or death arising from any cause whatsoever
Signed ……………………………………… Date …………………………
Tenant Full Name……………………………………………………
Unit No/No’s…………………………………………………...
Witnessed……………………………………… Date