If ANY area is confirmed over the limits within the New Zealand Standard during a Step 1: Screening Assessment – Indicative or Step 2: Screening Assessment - Comprehensive, a Step 3: Detailed Site Assessment is required. This is conducted to measure the true extent and magnitude of contamination, which then informs and designs the Step 4: Decontamination scope of works.
In accordance with NZS 8510:2017, a Detailed Site Assessment requires Individual samples to be taken. These samples are taken from multiple surfaces in each room, dependent on the range of materials within the area, and the size of the room.
The Detailed Site Assessment conclusively eliminates areas from the Decontamination scope of works, or alternatively confirms areas that are required to be added to the Decontamination scope of works.
Requirements
A sample plan/quote must be submitted to the client for acceptance
Areas are measured to determine floor area
Materials are documented within each area
Areas greater than 10m² require additional samples/10m² of additional floor space
All materials must be assessed within an area as residue levels will differ between materials.
Next Steps
ANY Swab within an area that exceeds the limits of the Standard (1.5µg/100cm²) requires Step 4: Decontamination.
PLEASE NOTE: All areas will be subject to further sampling in Step 5: Post Decontamination. Therefore, any areas that have not met the above requirements may fail assessment. Failure to follow these requirements will result in a variation to the decontamination scope of works and additional expense.
You are at Step Three of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder
To proceed to Step Four of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder ~ Click here
You are at Step Three of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder due to the property Failing Step One and/or Step Two
Detailed Site Assessment
~ How bad is it? A Detailed Site Assessment will tell you
This next stage of testing tells us how high the contamination is throughout the entire property. The first test has provided us with levels in a specific room, but not the levels of contaminants in all the different surfaces in a property.
The NZS 8510:2017 Standards give a numerical value that indicate what are considered hazardous levels in a property. We conduct this test in conjunction with the meth-testing and decontamination standard NZS 8510:2017. We use IANZ accredited labs to test the samples.
When you get this test done you will receive a comprehensive Pre-Decontamination Report stating what the levels are in each room and surface, along with recommendations on the remediation of the property. This report can then be passed on to the clean up and decontamination companies who will provide a quote for the process, ensuring that a thorough scope of works is developed and approved by all parties involved.
Following the clean up, the property will require further Lab Based Samples to be taken (Step 5: Post Decontamination Assessment) – this ensures the property is now free of the meth contamination and levels are below the NZS 8510:2017 Standard.
Costs vary based on the number of rooms needing to be tested, we are happy to discuss and quote on a case by case basis.
SAMPLING PLAN
A sampling plan/quote is designed by the Sampler, in order to compile a decontamination scope of works. Areas are assessed along side (NZS 8510:2017 Section 3.3) criteria. Areas that meet these requirements can be eliminated from the decontamination scope of works. This assessment gathers relevant information such as room size, and materials. Once accepted, additional samples are collected from necessary areas that have not met the requirements of the New Zealand Standard.
To proceed to Step Four of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder - Click here
~ Meth Testing and Decontamination Standard NZS 8510:2017
The NZS 8510:2017 standard addresses a need for guidance on methodologies, procedures, and other supporting material that ensures a consistent and effective approach to managing the testing and remediation of affected properties and treatment of their contents.
Following the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder will help you know what your Next Steps are for methamphetamine contamination testing. The Flowchart below, outlines the process for when your property is Compliant with the New Zealand Standards i.e. It has passed the test under 1.5ug/100cm², or if it is Not Compliant with the New Zealand Standards i.e. it has NOT passed the methamphetamine testing and the property is over 1.5ug/100cm².
To proceed to Step Four of the Methamphetamine Assessment Ladder ~ Click here