Asbestos - Employer responsibilities
In workplaces where asbestos is fixed or installed in a building, structure, ship or plant, all asbestos should be identified, as far as reasonably practicable.
If you suspect asbestos may be present at your workplace you should presume the material is asbestos until you can arrange to have a sample tested and analysis has confirmed that it does not contain asbestos.
Asbestos register
The location of asbestos should be clearly indicated. You should develop and maintain an asbestos register. Employers should refer to the National Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)] (the National Code) for guidance in preparing this register. A register may include:
- the location of the asbestos
- the type of asbestos-containing material (ACM)
- the nature of the material (friable or non-friable)
- the likelihood of the material posing a health risk, and
- any work activities that may affect or cause deterioration to the material.
Assess risk
Employers and people who manage or control a workplace where asbestos is present should, as far as is practicable, eliminate all ACM from the workplace and endeavour to keep the workplace free of ACM.
If it is not reasonably practicable to eliminate the risk, then employers should control the risk in accordance with the hierarchy of controls pyramid in Part 1 of the Occupational Health and Safety Code of Practice 2008. For further guidance on control measures employers should also refer to the National Code.
You should review or revise the risk controls before any change in the workplace that is likely to disturb or damage any asbestos, or at the request of a health and safety representative. You should consult with employees and health and safety representatives when identifying hazards and deciding on control measures.
Asbestos removal must be done in accordance with Part 6 of the Occupational Health and Safety (Safety Standards) Regulations 1994.
Further information
Comcare has produced a fact sheet on asbestos that provides further information on the relevant Codes of Practice.