The levels set out in NZS 8510:2017 take into account areas regularly used by occupants and those less used. The distinction has been made to manage a reduction in cross contamination between those areas and to ensure that testing meets a national standard.
The level is 1.5 µg (100cm2) for areas humans live and reside in, and 3.8 µg (100cm2) for areas less frequented, such as a ceiling crawl space or wall cavities. Whilst the latest Government report suggests raising the levels to 15 ug (100cm2) this has yet to be passed through the rigorous testing process by Standards New Zealand.
So what does this mean for you?
Agents:
Real Estate agents must consider standards for both vendor and purchaser.Insurance companies established “caps” to the methamphetamine clauses of their policies. What this means is that the vigilance of testing must continue as the lack of care may be seen in a negative light by insurance companies and may result on a lack of policy payouts. Property Managers: A good Methamphetamine Management Plan should be in place with your company.Pre-Tenancy and Post Tenancy testing is by far the most effective way to ensure that your clients assets are protected. Testing between tenants allows you to establish a testing history within a property that insurance companies will look for to demonstrate and proactive approach to risk mitigation, rather than just a “one off” test here and there. Landlords: If you are managing your own investments, then you know the value of the asset being protected.Having a Methamphetamine Management plan in place between tenants will protect you and your ability to maintain that asset and income in the event that meth is discovered on your properties. This protects, you, your lenders and tour insurance policies. Home Owners and AirBnB hosts: It is better to be proactive than to be living in a contaminated environment. If you have suspicions, it is better to have a meth test done rather than not.The standards ensure that instead of a whole house have to be cleaned to the required level, each contaminated room can be decontaminated to the level required rather than a “blanket approach” to cleaning. This means that if one room is contaminated, you should act now to prevent further cross contamination through your property.
Be safe, protect yourself, your tenants, your investments and get meth tested with IANZ Accredited Meth Xpert today!