Concrete Pool Removal in Geelong

WorkSafe Victoria lists concrete, bricks, tiles, mortar and engineered stone as construction materials that contain crystalline silica. Ask which control the provider uses on the hammer, and what is done to keep the dust and the people on the site apart.

Slurry, wash-water and rubble

Water used to suppress dust becomes slurry. EPA Victoria says everyone must prevent waste, wastewater included, from entering stormwater drains so far as reasonably practicable, so ask where the slurry and wash-water will go. The rubble and any spoil are a separate question: EPA Victoria says that where waste soil meets the definition of industrial waste, duties under the Environment Protection Act 2017 apply to managing, transporting, depositing and receiving it. This page does not say whether soil from a given pool is such waste.

The council side

The same register and permit questions apply to a concrete pool as to any other: the pool stays on the City of Greater Geelong's register until the council is satisfied, and its pages do not say whether breaking out and removing the shell needs a permit. The main page sets out the register, the fee and who may do the work.

Ask the provider where the slurry and rubble will go, and put the permit question to the City before the hammer starts.

Is concrete dust from a pool shell a health risk?

WorkSafe Victoria says concrete contains crystalline silica and that effective dust controls, such as water suppression or dust extraction, need to be used when demolishing it.

Can wash-water go down the stormwater drain?

EPA Victoria says everyone must prevent wastewater from entering stormwater drains so far as reasonably practicable. Ask the provider where it will go.

Who is responsible for the rubble and spoil?

EPA Victoria says that where waste soil meets the definition of industrial waste, duties under the Environment Protection Act 2017 apply to managing, transporting, depositing and receiving it. Ask the provider who carries those duties on your job.