Summary

Hazardous materials are substances present in buildings, land or infrastructure that pose a risk to human health, the environment or property if disturbed, mishandled or improperly managed. They are commonly encountered during demolition, refurbishment, remediation and development projects and require specialist identification and controls to ensure regulatory compliance and safe outcomes.

Definition

Hazardous materials are materials or substances that, due to their chemical, physical or biological properties, can cause harm to people, ecosystems or the built environment. In the context of property and development in Australia, hazardous materials commonly include asbestos-containing materials, lead-based paint, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), synthetic mineral fibres, mercury-containing equipment and contaminated dust.

Hazardous materials may be present in building fabric, plant and equipment, soils or accumulated residues, particularly in older commercial, industrial and institutional assets. Their management is governed by workplace health and safety, environmental protection and waste legislation, requiring identification, risk assessment, appropriate controls and lawful disposal.

Why It Matters

Unmanaged hazardous materials present significant safety, environmental and compliance risks. Disturbing hazardous materials without proper assessment and controls can result in worker exposure, environmental contamination, regulatory enforcement action, project delays and increased remediation costs.

For developers, asset owners and operators, identifying hazardous materials early supports safer project delivery, accurate cost planning and defensible decision-making. Proper management also protects long-term asset value and reduces liability during refurbishment, demolition, redevelopment or property transactions.

When It’s Relevant

Hazardous materials assessment and management is typically required in the following situations:

Building refurbishment or demolition: Where existing materials will be disturbed or removed.

Pre-demolition and pre-strip surveys: To identify hazardous materials prior to construction works.

Property due diligence: During acquisition or divestment of older or industrial assets.

Contaminated land investigations: Where hazardous substances may be present in soils, groundwater or building residues.

Regulatory compliance and audits: To demonstrate alignment with WHS and environmental obligations.

How We Can Help

Nova Group Pacific specialises in comprehensive Asbestos and Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) management solutions to support safe, compliant and efficient project delivery across refurbishment, demolition, remediation and redevelopment projects.

Asbestos Management

End-to-end asbestos management services, including identification, risk assessment, asbestos registers and management plans to support workplace safety and regulatory compliance.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials Surveys

Delivery of detailed pre-demolition, pre-refurbishment and HAZMAT management surveys to identify hazardous materials, define risk and inform safe removal or control strategies.

Commercial & Industrial Asbestos Removal

Independent technical support and project oversight for asbestos removal works in commercial and industrial settings, ensuring alignment with WHS and environmental requirements.

Mould Assessments & Remediation

Expert assessment and remediation advice for mould and moisture-related hazards, often associated with hazardous materials disturbance or building damage events.

Book a consultation to discuss your project and receive expert guidance tailored to your hazardous materials, asbestos and environmental compliance obligations.