AEC AU Pty Ltd

Ritchie Bower

As a Licensed Asbestos Assessor and Registered ISO Auditor, I specialise in the development, implementation, independent assurance and auditing of safety and asbestos management systems for government and major asset portfolios, with over 30 years’ experience in occupational hygiene, compliance, and high-risk industry regulation. My work is focused on ensuring that Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) are not only compliant, but demonstrably effective and auditable, particularly across large, complex, and geographically dispersed asset portfolios. Key capabilities include: •Independent AMP/site register audits and assurance reviews (portfolio-wide and asset-level) •Development of risk-based asbestos governance and assurance frameworks •Verification of compliance against WA, national, and NZ regulatory requirements •Audit and oversight aligned with ISO systems and due diligence obligations •Technical assurance of survey quality, registers, risk assessments, and remediation programs •Advisory support for large government agencies, and critical infrastructure portfolios •Forensic site investigations and detailed reporting for due diligence and legal authorities I have delivered and led assurance programs across portfolios comprising thousands of assets, supporting organisations to: •Identify systemic gaps and latent risks •Strengthen governance and accountability structures •Improve the quality and reliability of asbestos data and registers •Demonstrate compliance to regulators and internal audit bodies My background spans: •Technical Manager in laboratory, hazardous materials and asbestos risk management •Founder of ISO-accredited testing, auditing and inspection services •Regulatory compliance and audit roles within maritime and high-risk industries •Leadership of multidisciplinary technical teams across AU/NZ/UK I bring a strong focus on risk assurance over simple compliance, ensuring and verifying that asbestos management systems stand up to scrutiny from regulators, auditors, and stakeholders.

Qualifications: Post-graduate degree in Public Health Diploma of Occupational Health & Safety

Certificates: British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) P402 Proficiency Certificate in Asbestos Surveys and Sampling Strategies Occupational Hygiene Certificate – BOHS S301 – Asbestos & Other Fibres (with Credit) Occupational Hygiene Certificate – OHTA W501 – Measurement of Hazardous Substances Occupational Hygiene Certificate – OHTA W201 – Basic Principles of Occupational Hygiene DNV/GL Approved Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) Expert in accordance with Hong Kong Convention & Refresher AQF Plan and Undertake Site Inspection and Assessment of Asbestos Products Certificate IV Surface Ventilation Officer & Certificate III Surface Ventilation Technician (Mine Air Quality Officer) Lead Auditor (ISO19011) for ISM, Quality, Safety and Environmental Management Systems (ISO9001/45001/14001) IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician (WRT) Certified NCCEH / BCCDC Mould Investigation Certificate Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH), Managing Safety Certificate TapRoot, Root Cause Analysis / Incident Investigation Certificate Managing Hazardous Substances – Industrial Foundation for Accident Prevention (IFAP) Infection Prevention and Control for Healthcare (NZ Open Polytechnic) Planning and undertaking confined space entry and gas detection (NZQA) Work at Heights Safety Awareness AMSA ISM Designated Person Ashore (DPA) UK Port Facility & Company Security Officer (PF&CSO) Certification Oil spill response equipment deployment workshop Port of Darwin – Oil Response Company of Australia Marine Casualty & Salvage 3-day course – London Offshore Consultants, Wellington NZ Major Offshore Oil & Gas Emergency Response 2-day course – Boots & Coots, Houston IWCF Oil & Gas - Well Control Level 1 Programme OPITO Further Offshore Emergency Training (FOET) including HUET Helicopter Landing Officer (HLO) Certification, ERGT Jandakot Airport

Memberships: International Institute of Risk & Safety Management (IIRSM): Member