A Comprehensive Screening Assessment, determines areas where potential levels exceed the requirements of NZS 8510:2017. The results from the Step 1 - Indicative Screening Assessment assist this step in determining the best approach to conduct this assessment.
This step confirms areas that require decontamination (if necessary) in accordance with the Standard, in the most cost effective way possible. However, this type of assessment is not sufficient to eliminate areas from the decontamination scope of works. Only a Detailed Site Assessment (Step 3) can clear rooms in accordance with the standard NZS8510:2017.
NB: SCREENING ASSESSMENT CERTIFICATION CAN ONLY BE ISSUED IF ALL HIGH USE AREAS WITHIN THE PROPERTY ARE BELOW THE THRESHOLD OF 1.5µg/100cm2 .
Individual samples can be re-analysed all at once, or one at a time, depending on how close to the threshold of (1.5µg/100cm²) the “potential maximum” was within the Indicative Assessment. Rooms that are suspected to be contaminated should be analysed first. These individual results can then be deducted from the Potential maximum result, with the intention of reducing the potential maximum to meet screening assessment criteria. This process is conducted in consultation with the property owner based on any suspicions on the source of the contamination.
This step may form part of your Pre-Purchase Inspection Toxicology Report if further investigation was required (Determination of exact levels prior to purchase) after identification of contamination from Step one.
Requirements
If ANY area has concentrations that exceed 1.5µg/100cm² in an individual swab, the remainder of the property will be subject to Step 3: Detailed Site Assessment Criteria BEFORE areas can be excluded from the Step 4: Decontamination scope of works.
Sampling must be conducted by a NZQA Certified
Next Steps
If individual analysis of some, or all swabs reduce the “Potential Maximum” calculations to below the limits of the Standard (1.5µg/100cm²). The Property has passed a Screening Assessment in accordance with the NZS 8510:2017 requirements. A Screening Assessment report along with Certificate of Compliance is issued.
If ANY Individual Area exceeds the limits of the Standard (1.5µg/100cm2) The remainder of the property will be subject to Step 3. MOVE TO STEP 3 - Detailed Site Assessment
You are at Step Two of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder
In this assessment, the laboratory is requested to further investigate the source of contamination. The example property below resulted in a “potential maximum” of 1.24 (Composite “A”) and 36.7 (Composite “B”). From this point a process ensues to establish the source of the contamination. Is it in 1 area? 2 areas? Or perhaps evenly spread across all areas? This step of the process is designed to either clear the property, or as in this case, identify the rooms that require decontamination before the any expense of Step 3 Criteria is introduced.
To learn how decomposition of individual samples will help identify the areas of methamphetamine contamination - see below
Flowchart Screening Assessment - Comprehensive Laboratory Based Composite
Following the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder will help you know what your Next Steps will be. The Flowchart below, outlines the process for when your property is Compliant with the New Zealand Standards i.e. It has passed the test, or if it is Not Compliant with the New Zealand Standards i.e. it has NOT passed the methamphetamine testing.
