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SAFETY AND HEALTH ALERTS AND GUIDANCE
SPOTLIGHT ON ASBESTOS IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT Asbestos is a hazardous material that presents a health risk if people are exposed to airborne asbestos fibres. Inhalation of asbestos fibres is known to cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. ...
Asbestos was used extensively in the built environment between the mid-1900s to the 1980s. The use of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in building products was phased out in Australia by the late 1980s. It was, however, still used in equipment and vehicles until all forms of asbestos were banned in December 2003. Even after this ban, importers of materials and plant have been found inadvertently importing ACM. Building products containing asbestos are now at least 30 years old. Employers and people in control of workplaces have a duty to ensure asbestos is managed to prevent people being exposed to asbestos-related hazards.
MANAGING THE RISKS OF ACM IN WORKPLACES An asbestos register identifying the location and condition of ACM at the workplace should be prepared. In addition, the register needs to include risk assessment and control measures. The asbestos register should be available to everyone in the workplace, kept up-to-date and used in planning any maintenance or other works that may disturb ACM. It should be reviewed regularly, to include new information, changes in ACM condition, and to note any removal work.
Identify Asbestos should be identified by a competent person, who has the training and experience in asbestos surveying to be able to determine likely locations of ACM in the workplace environment. An asbestos survey may include testing of suspect materials, or may presume materials are ACM based on their age and appearance. Any materials presumed to be ACM must be handled as if they were ACM. Warning labels and signs should be used to warn people of the presence of ACM. Prior to major works such as renovation or demolition, further identification processes may be required as not all parts of the workplace may have been accessible during preparation of the asbestos register, such as wall cavities.
Assess The risk assessment is initially conducted during the establishment of the asbestos register. However, it should be reviewed on a regular basis as the condition of ACM may change due to weathering, abrasion from vegetation, or other damage. The risk assessment should consider the form (friable or non-friable) and condition of the ACM, and the potential for exposure during routine and maintenance tasks.
ThinkSafe vol. 1 no. 1 January 2019 |
13 |
