Asbestos Management
It is essential that owners of premises fulfil legislative obligations in connection with asbestos.
The New South Wales Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 provides for the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
Division 4; Part 4.2 of Chapter 4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 mandates the keeping of an up to date Asbestos Register for all premises. The register contains all details about what asbestos containing materials exist within a building. “Up-to date” is not defined but as the condition of asbestos materials can change dramatically as a result of water damage or impact, and annual up dates are considered prudent if not mandatory.
The Asbestos Register is intended to provide a central repository of information including the locations and types of all materials that contain asbestos. The Register details the present condition of those materials together with a risk assessment for the materials and for any work which may need to be performed on or near the materials during which the materials might be disturbed. This work may involve enclosure, encapsulation or removal of the materials from the premises, or any other work or occurrence which might directly or indirectly disturb the materials.
This register is usually contained within a broader Asbestos Management Plan which contains strategies for the management of residual materials, and actions required to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public.
Once an asbestos register has been completed, any dealings with the material must be in accordance with National Occupational Health and Safety Committee’s (NOHSC) Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces (NOHSC: 2018(2005); the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos” 2nd edition (NOHSC: 2002(2005), and the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres (NOHSC: 3003(2005).
HBI has provided these services for many years. Satisfied clients include TAFE; the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, Railcorp, National Starch and Chemical and the Australian Museum.
We conduct audits, prepare asbestos registers, supervise removal projects and do air monitoring before, during and immediately following removal of asbestos.
HBI is currently assisting a key public client in contractor compliance review and selection for major asbestos removal. Over 600 square metres of bonded asbestos pegboard needed to be removed from a high public-use building in Sydney. Aspects included liaison with potential contractors, provision of advice and recommendations for selection, management and education of stakeholders, and provision of on-going air monitoring advice and monitoring services, before, during and post removal.
