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Frequently asked questions

Contents

  1. What products might asbestos be found in?
  2. Do I require a licence to remove asbestos?
  3. How do I dispose of asbestos products?
  4. Is there an exposure standard for asbestos?
  5. What is the minimum level of personal protective equipment required for people to remove asbestos products?
  6. Can power tools be used to remove bonded asbestos products?
  7. I have asbestos cement walls at my workplace, is there anything I need to do about that?
  8. How often must a review be undertaken of asbestos containing materials?
  9. How should asbestos in schools be identified?

1. What products might asbestos be found in? 

  • Asbestos cement products such as building materials ('fibro'), fences, switchboards and roofing 
  • Sprayed on insulation and acoustic applications 
  • Buildings, ships and other structures 
  • Vinyl asbestos tiles 
  • Laboratory tabletops 
  • Heater banks (air-conditioning ducts) 
  • Roofing felts 
  • Suspended ceiling tiles 
  • Friction materials (brake pads, shoes. etc) 
  • Industrial gaskets 
  • Naturally occurring ores/soils

2. Do I require a licence to remove asbestos?

Under ten (10) square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos can be removed without a licence. Over 10 square metres must be removed by a licensed and trained individual or business.

Removal of any amount of friable asbestos must be done by a licensed person or business.

3. How do I dispose of asbestos products?

All asbestos waste should be removed from the workplace by a competent person. Transport and disposal of asbestos waste must be in accordance with all relevant State legislation and guidelines.  Regulation 5.52 requires that asbestos waste is disposed of in accordance with Part 11 of the Code of Practice for Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018(2005)]. The Waste Management division of the Department of Environment and Conservation can advise on disposal sites; contact (08) 6364 6500, or click here for website.

4. Is there an exposure standard for asbestos?

The current occupational exposure standard for asbestos in Australia is 0.1 fibre/ml for Amosite and Crocidolite or mixtures containing more than one type of asbestos, however it is generally recommended that any exposure to asbestos fibres be avoided. Exposure standards are available from Safe Work Australia.

5. What is the minimum level of personal protective equipment required for people to remove asbestos products?

All people involved with asbestos removal must wear disposable coveralls and a class P1 or P2 disposable respirator.  Appendix C of the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd edition [NOHSC: 2002(2005) contains further guidance on selection of respiratory personal protective equipment for different tasks involving asbestos.

6. Can power tools be used to remove bonded asbestos products?

Tools used to remove bonded asbestos products such as asbestos cement sheeting must be non – powered or be a portable power tool incorporating dust suppression or dust extraction attachments designed to collect asbestos fibres. Further information on tools is available in part 9 of the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd edition [NOHSC: 2002(2005).

7. I have asbestos cement walls at my workplace, is there anything I need to do about that?

Regulation 5.43 of the Occupational Safety and Health Regulations 1996 requires that the employer, main contractor, self employed person or person in control of the workplace identifies the presence and location of asbestos at the workplace, and assesses the health risks.  This identification and assessment is to be in accordance with the Code of Practice for Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018(2005)].

This information will be recorded on the asbestos register.  If the conditions or location of any asbestos presents a health risk, then the employer has a duty of care under Section 19 of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 to implement controls.

The asbestos register is then used to communicate the hazard prior to other work being done on the asbestos. 

8. How often must a review be undertaken of asbestos containing material?

Asbestos management is based on appropriate management of risk; and some ACM products are known to have a very long and stable effective life. A competent person may reasonably consider that ACM in very good condition and with low risk of disturbance requires less frequent review and assessment than the 12 months stated in the Code of Practice. Reduction in review and assessment frequency must be supported by:

  • the written recommendation of a competent person based on risk; and
  • adequate systems at the workplace to report any damage, disturbance or work involving the ACM that occurs during the interval until the next risk assessment and register review.

In any event, the register of ACM and associated risk assessments must be reviewed at least every three years.

9. How should asbestos in schools be identified?

Every workplace where asbestos is present must have a register. Warning signs and labels supplement the information on a register.

Suitable signage and labelling at a school may include:

  • External sign for all contractors to report to the main office; 
  • Notice within the main office that asbestos is present at the school (specify buildings if appropriate and refer to the Register); and 
  • Labels on ACM  (abestos containing material) where a competent person has determined such labelling is needed to assist workers identify the ACM.

For further information on management of asbestos in government buildings is available from Building Management and Works.

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