Health and Safety
Taking care with materials, equipment and work procedures and dealing with hazards.
Handling hazardous materials
Hazardous materials and wastes from construction or demolition of buildings includes:
- fluorescent light ballasts manufactured prior to 1978 – contain PCBs
- fluorescent lamps – contain mercury
- refrigeration, air conditioning, and other equipment that contain refrigerants made using CFCs
- batteries – contain lead, mercury and acid
- paints, solvents and other hazardous fluids
- asbestos-based materials
- materials with lead-based finishes.
If you are handling any of these materials (for example, for recycling), its important to know and follow the correct procedures and to use appropriate personal protective equipment. You may also need to check the removal and disposal requirements of hazardous materials with your city or district council.