If you think there’s asbestos in your workplace, talk to your employer first. If you’re a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with asbestos, you must:
- follow your WHS duties
- manage the risks, including keeping an asbestos register and having a management plan.
Route of workplace exposure standard
Asbestos can pose a risk to health if the asbestos fibres become airborne and are inhaled. Inhalation is the primary route of entry to the body. Respirable fibres are more likely to reach the small airways and alveolar region of the lung. Asbestos can also be ingested by drinking liquids such as water which can cause issues in the digestive system. Asbestos fibres can also lodge in the skin and cause irritation or other health issues.
The asbestos exposure standard does not represent a 'risk free' level at which every employee can be guaranteed absolute protection from any asbestos related illness. Nor does the asbestos exposure standard constitute a 'fine line' between satisfactory and unsatisfactory working conditions. It should be noted that there is a background level of asbestos present in the atmosphere at all times due to historical use, contamination and naturally occurring material.
Find out more about the workplace exposure standards for airborne contaminants.
Work activities that may represent a high risk exposure
Examples of work activities involving asbestos that require special attention when assessing exposure include:
- asbestos removal and demolition work in buildings, power stations, boilers, and ships
- maintenance workers like electricians, computer cabling installers, and air-conditioning installers working in contaminated ceiling spaces such as in buildings where sprayed asbestos has not been removed, sealed, or encapsulated.
Managing risks
You must manage asbestos risks in your workplace. This includes keeping an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan. If you are a PCBU, you must identify, assess, and control hazards in the workplace. You should always aim to eliminate risks. If that’s not possible, you must minimise risks so far as is reasonably practicable. Managing the risks of asbestos includes:
- Identifying asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) at the workplace: Determine if asbestos is present in your workplace. This should be done by a competent person with the necessary training, qualifications, or experience.
- Asbestos register: Keep a detailed record of the location, type, and condition of asbestos or asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in your workplace.
- Risk assessment: Assess the risk of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres and implement control measures to eliminate or minimize these risks.
- Control measures: If possible, remove the asbestos. If removal is not practical, seal the asbestos material with a protective coating or enclose it by covering the asbestos material to prevent disturbance. Use administrative controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) to further reduce exposure.
- Review controls: Regularly review and update your asbestos management plan and register to ensure control measures remain effective.
Asbestos register
You must make an asbestos register document if you have asbestos and/or ACM in your workplace, assumed to be in your workplace, or likely to be in your workplace from time to time.
Learn more about asbestos register.
Asbestos management plan
You must have an asbestos management plan if there’s asbestos in your workplace.
An asbestos management plan sets out where any identified asbestos or asbestos-containing material is present, and how it will be managed. The employer or PCBU must make sure a copy of the asbestos management plan is readily accessible to workers and their representatives, as well as to other PCBUs. A copy of the plan should be kept at the workplace.