The STEB will contact the property manager in order to assess the risk and, where appropriate, guide the property owner on the action to be taken.
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ALL THE QUESTIONS
I work in an office and there is an old roof dating from 1950-1960 outside my window. The asbestos cement is highly damaged and very dusty, can you help me to take action?
An asbestos diagnosis was carried out in 2003. Is it valid for other works? Can I use it for later work?
Yes, but only if it is a pre-works diagnosis that includes the surface area affected by the future works.
I work in a building company and work on seals that contain PCB. Where can I get information about the best practices and the appropriate tools to work correctly?
In Geneva, the STEB safety directive (directive assainissement) formalises the requirements regarding the removal of these substances in buildings. The Federal Coordination Unit for Construction and Buildings of Public Contractors (conférence de coordination des services de la construction et des immeubles des maîtres d'ouvrage publics) published a practical guide for companies that refers to all the issues related to PCB in seals (KBOB 2004/4). Check under: KBOB. Furthermore, the Federal Office of the Environment (Office Fédéral de l'Environnement—OFEV) drafted a directive regarding PCB in seals (ref. VU-4013-F, 2003). It serves as a reference for investigations in constructions, assessing the need for protective measures, the procedure to be followed, the deconstruction of the building and the means of disposal.
Which documents take precedence with regard to directives: OFEV or STEB?
The Geneva Cantonal directive does not contradict the Federal directive but extends certain points.
Must PCB waste be disposed of on a daily basis, as is the case for asbestos, or can it wait until the end of the works?
Waste from seals containing PCB must be packaged, stored and labelled in an appropriate manner (according to transporting hazardous waste, the ADR—European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). They can then be pooled pending their disposal.
I plan to carry out work in my apartment that was built in 1972. I have carried out an asbestos diagnosis. I have heard about PCB, do I also need to do a PCB diagnosis?
Yes, you must also carry out a PCB diagnosis. Your expert can advise you and inform you if there are risky elements in your case.
I need to replace seals contaminated with PCB. Can I clean the residue from the seals with a solvent?
No. Using a solvent will spread PCB in the worksite environment. We suggest that you refer to the practical guide published by the Federal Coordination Unit for Construction and Buildings of Public Contractors (KBOB 2004/4).
In Geneva, the either "PCB Removal directive"(directive PCB assainissement) formalises the requirements in terms of planning and removal from buildings.
After removing paint containing lead that was in a poor condition on a wooden structure, do I need to remove the wooden elements that still contain traces of lead?
It is possible to leave traces of the old paintwork and cover it with new paint. The aim is to reduce the risk of exposure by removing flaking paint.
Do the precautions regarding lead-based paints that are directed at companies also apply to private individuals?
Yes, the precautions also apply to private individuals. They are intended to protect workers and people around the worksite and the environment.
Is it dangerous to heat a radiator covered with lead-based paint in an apartment?
No! The heating temperature of radiators (60 °C max.) is far lower than the evaporating temperature of lead (about 450 °C). You therefore cannot be exposed or contaminated by heating a radiator that has been painted with lead-based paint.
