Air Quality Protection

Purpose and Scope

This procedure outlines the requirements for managing airborne contaminants during construction and demolition activities on HY sites. By implementing effective control measures, airborne particulate matter and pollutants can be prevented from adversely affecting air quality, local waterways, and community health.

It aims to assist project teams in identifying project-specific hazards and complying with specific contract conditions, Development Approval (DA) requirements, and local/jurisdictional legislative standards.

Responsibilities

Project Manager

• Ensure air quality and dust control considerations are documented in the Environmental Management Plan.
• Coordinate communication with the community regarding project activities and potential air quality impacts.
• Ensure engaged third parties (organisations and individuals) are appropriately licenced in accordance with this procedure.

Site Manager

• Implement and oversee on-site air quality and dust control measures.
• Conduct regular inspections of dust control equipment and adjust measures based on findings.
• Consult and communicate with workers regarding any impacts related to air quality and dust control.

Subcontractor Supervisors

• Ensure workers adhere to air quality and dust control requirements as outlined in the Environmental Management Plan and any relevant SWMS.
• Collaborate with HY Project Team and on best practices and methods for minimising air pollutants and dust emissions specific to their work activities.

Hazard Identification, Assessment, and Control (HIRAC)

Before commencing activities, hazards relating to air quality are to be identified, assessed, and documented in the project’s Environmental Management Plan. When assessing risks, the credible potential hazards of sources of pollutants and the effects on humans and the environment are to be addressed. Suitable controls are to be in place and measuring/monitoring methods may be required. Consult with relevant third parties such as civil engineers, occupational hygienists, regulators, and environmental specialists to determine the best monitoring techniques and controls.

When addressing matters that may affect workers’ health or safety, affected workers and their Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs) are to be consulted to understand their experiences and concerns regarding air quality and determine suitable controls.

When assessing risks, if project activities pose potential impacts on local air quality, consult with neighbouring tenants, the client, and other relevant stakeholders.

Controls, including air quality measurement/monitoring are to be inspected during regular Site HSE or Environmental Inspections.

Ensure all air quality monitoring results and records are maintained for compliance and ongoing monitoring purposes. Air monitoring results are to be displayed on the site notice board.

Related Processes

• Health surveillance, air monitoring, and personal monitoring for particulates that may be hazardous to workers’ health, including any measurement/monitoring records, is to be managed in accordance with the Health Surveillance and Exposure Monitoring Procedure.
  • Note: The above procedure addresses monitoring related to lead.
• Matters relating specifically to Silica and RCS generation are to be managed in accordance with the Silica Management Procedure.
• Atmospheric conditions relevant to excavation activities or entering confined spaces, are documented in the Ground Works Procedure and Confined Space procedures

Common air pollutant hazards in construction and demolition

During construction and demolition, various pollutants can arise, posing risks to both the environment and human health. These commonly include:

• Particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) from dust generated by ground works, demolition, material handling etc.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) which can be emitted during the demolition of structures containing paints, solvents, and adhesives.
• Degassing from equipment like air conditioners, refrigerators, and insulation materials which can release ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and ozone layer depletion.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) particulates/gas released from products manufactured prior to 1975 (commonly light fittings, electrical equipment and appliances, some paints/inks/hydraulic fluids).
• Emissions from fuel-consuming plant/equipment/vehicles including NO2, CO, and SO2

These pollutants not only degrade air quality but can also contaminate soil and water if not properly managed. Mitigating these risks involves implementing suitable controls, proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials, and implementing effective pollution control measures during construction and demolition activities.

Air Pollution Prevention and Control

Project teams are to prevent dust, fumes, gases, or other pollutants from leaving the worksite to minimise adverse impacts on the environment and nearby communities, so far as is reasonably practicable. This includes eliminating air pollution sources from site works whenever possible, integrated into planning and task design.

If elimination is not feasible, substituting with less hazardous processes, isolating workers from exposure, and using engineering controls should be prioritised.

Administrative controls and PPE can be used in combination with more effective controls to further minimise risk.

PPE/RPE is to be in accordance with the PPE Quick Guide.

Silica-generating activities are to be managed in accordance with the Silica Management Procedure.

Managing Dust and Particulate Matter

Dust generation is to be prevented in any case during construction and demolition work by minimising disturbance of soil, debris, and similar materials. Airborne particulate matter not only impacts the ambient air quality but can impact local waterways and pose health risks to workers and the local community.

Dust and airborne particulates can be managed by:

• Using water suppression methods (i.e. hoses, misting systems, water trucks/carts etc) during activities like excavation or demolition
• Installing dust extraction systems on machinery and tools to capture particulate matter
• Dampening or sealing exposed soil surfaces
• Covering stockpiles with tarpaulins or similar impermeable covers
• Covering and securing loads during transport
• If feasible, controls may include applying soil binders or equivalent agents to stabilise exposed surfaces for extended periods, with prior assessment of environmental impacts.

Consider weather conditions, including wind speed and direction, when planning and performing tasks and adjust controls or stop work immediately if dust levels exceed acceptable limits.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) (solvents, paints, adhesives etc)

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are carbon-based chemicals emitted as gases from liquids and solids, easily evaporating at room temperature. They are commonly found in products such as paints, solvents, and adhesives.

The toxicity of these compounds directly impacts Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), affecting what we breathe. Even in their solid state after curing, some substances continue to emit VOCs. The short- and long-term effects on human health is significant but is dependent on the VOCs concentrations and exposure time. Airborne VOCs significantly affect the environment by contributing to tropospheric ozone formation.

VOCs are abundantly more concentrated indoors, and during construction, are more commonly applied during rough in, fit out, and finishing phases due to the types of coatings, adhesives etc used. The atmospheric hazardous effects of VOCs are greater when freshly applied and drying/curing but dissipate over time. Effects on nearby tenants or occupied areas may be apparent when VOC-containing substances are applied in large quantities, such as large area coverings.

Throughout design and construction, the use of low-VOC products should be considered, with high-VOC emitting products substituted if possible. When using these products on site, implementing containment measures, such as sealing off work areas with ventilation systems can prevent the spread of VOCs. Appropriate measures for controlling VOCs will depend on the products being used, quantities, and areas they will be used in.

VOCs can also be released during demolition of structures, contributing to air pollution or contamination of nearby soils/materials, local flora/bushland, waterways, animals, as well as posing potential health risks to workers if inhaled or consumed. Proper disposal of materials containing VOCs is crucial to prevent environmental contamination. Demolition activities are to be managed in accordance with the Demolition Procedure.

Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODS) (Refrigerant Gases etc)

Ozone-Depleting Substances (ODSs) react with the ozone layer, a protective gas layer surrounding Earth that absorbs harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. ODSs can weaken the ozone layer’s ability to block UV rays, in turn harming human health, the ecosystem, and plant and animal life.

Australia has phased out production of most ODSs, so many modern products are considered more efficient and have less impact on the environment. However, older products that contain ODSs may still cause harm when uncontrolled.

Equipment such as air conditioners, refrigerators, foam, and insulation materials can release ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). These substances contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and must be degassed or removed prior to demolition or destruction.

Organisations responsible for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of ODS-containing equipment, including degassing, must hold a Restricted Refrigerant Trading Authorisation (RRTA) licence.

Proper containment and recycling of ODS materials not only protects the ozone layer but also reduce the project’s overall environmental footprint.

Nitrogen Dioxide (NO2), Carbon Monoxide (CO), and Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) (Fuel emissions)

Fuel-consuming vehicles, plant, and equipment are common sources of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) emissions on construction sites. Where possible, using electric, hybrid, or low-emission alternatives can significantly reduce these emissions.

Fumes from plant and vehicles can be controlled by prohibiting unnecessary idling of plant and vehicles to minimise emissions, and ensuring vehicles and equipment with excessively smoky exhausts are promptly serviced and repaired.

Wherever possible, using low-sulphur fuels, fitting diesel machinery with particulate filters, and maintaining emission control systems on all equipment will help minimise emissions.

Air Quality Measuring and Monitoring

Depending on the specific hazards present on or generated by the project, what is to be measured and methods for measurement and monitoring may be determined in consultation with a competent person, such as occupational hygienist, environmental consultant, trained technician from the monitoring equipment supplier/manufacturer, or other suitable SME.

The scope of testing is to be determined in consultation with the client, affected community, and involved SMEs. The method of testing is to be in accordance with AS/NZS 3580 series which outlines the methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air.

Multiple types of measuring and monitoring may be employed or serve multiple purposes, such as measuring the general air quality in relation to the environment, and airborne contaminant impact on the health and safety of workers. This is known as exposure monitoring and is to be managed in accordance with the Health Surveillance and Exposure Monitoring Procedure.

Monitoring equipment is to be maintained in accordance with the Equipment Calibration procedure.

Real-Time Monitoring

Real-time monitoring involves using advanced instruments to provide immediate data on various air quality parameters. Devices such as optical particle counters, light scattering devices, chemiluminescence analysers, and direct reading instruments can be deployed to continuously measure pollutants like particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5), carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulphur dioxide.

These devices allow for proactive responses to any exceedances in air quality thresholds, enabling the project team to address potential issues before they escalate. For instance, if particulate matter levels rise due to increased construction activity or adverse weather conditions, immediate measures can be employed, such as suppressing dust or halting specific activities. Similarly, continuous monitoring of gases can help in timely intervention to reduce emissions.

Validation Testing (Laboratory Analysis)

Validation testing involves more traditional methods to measure pollutants by collecting samples over a specified period and analysing them in a laboratory setting. For particulate matter, this is typically done using gravimetric sampling, where dust is collected on filters and then weighed in a NATA-accredited facility to determine the concentration.

For gaseous pollutants like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, ozone, and sulfur dioxide, samples might be collected using various methods suitable for laboratory analysis, such as gas sampling tubes and absorbent media, which are then analysed using techniques like chemiluminescence or inductively coupled plasma spectrometry.

While validation testing does not offer immediate feedback, it provides highly accurate data and is essential for verifying the results obtained from real-time monitoring devices. This combination of immediate and validated data ensures a comprehensive understanding of air quality over time and helps in maintaining compliance with environmental standards and regulatory requirements.

Live Air Quality Tracking (Local Area)

In some cases, site work may be affected by localised phenomena (natural or otherwise) such as dust from storms, smoke, or other air pollutants, which can create hazardous conditions. In these cases, the type of hazard, levels of air quality, and levels of exposure (i.e. time spent outside) is to be considered, assessed, and controlled so far as reasonably practicable.

When making assessments, consider the local air quality indicators from live tracking data (provided from the local authority) as listed below, and any current advice from local government or health authorities, including updates posted on official social media channels.

If required, HY may reach out to local governing/health/industry authorities or Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) for advice.

Suitable controls are to be determined in consultation with affected workgroups and monitored closely as conditions change.

Bushfires

If the site becomes at risk of being impacted by bushfires, credible risks are to be assessed. The Bushfire Emergency Plan includes the basis for a site risk assessment. Consider the proximity to bushland/high-density brush, current bushfire maps from local authorities, weather conditions, and current evacuation and refuge readiness.

If safe to do so, the project team may prepare site in case of impact by bushfires.

As part of site preparation, stored flammable materials may be moved to a protected area or removed from site if possible. Stored hazardous materials that cannot be stored in an onsite dangerous goods container compliant to AS 1940-2004, including combustible products such as oxyacetylene bottles are to be removed from site and stored in a secure or protected location.

Not only do stored chemicals and flammable materials potentially cause risk to the health and safety of people, nearby property, structures, vehicles etc if ignited, but they may also impact surrounding air quality, creating or contributing to risks impacting the environment and nearby communities.

Definitions and Abbreviations

• EPA: Environmental Protection Authority
• PM10: Particulate Matter with a diameter of 10 micrometers or less
• 5: Particulate Matter with a diameter of 2.5 micrometers or less
• VOCs: Volatile Organic Compounds
• ODS: Ozone-Depleting Substances
• CFCs: Chlorofluorocarbons
• PCBs: Polychlorinated Biphenyls
• HCFCs: Hydrochlorofluorocarbons
• PPE: Personal Protective Equipment

References

• ISO 14001: Environmental Management Systems
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth)
• National Environment Protection Council Act 1994
• The National Environment Protection Measure for Ambient Air (Air NEPM)
• AS/NZS 3580 series – Methods for sampling and analysis of ambient air

Associated Documents

• Silica Management HYer Standard and Procedure
• Demolition HYer Standard and Procedure
• Ground Works HYer Standard and Procedure
• Recycling and Waste Management HYer Standard and Procedure
• Health Surveillance and Exposure Monitoring Procedure
• Emergency Response Plan
• Bushfire Management Plan
• HY Environmental Aspects and Impacts Register