Who needs to do an Asbestos Audit?

Anyone that owns, manages, or occupies buildings used for workplaces, or sites that were constructed prior to 2004 must have an asbestos audit performed to ensure that they are complying with the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011. The audit will allow you to:

1. Identify possible asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and locations
2. Develop and Asbestos Management Plan
3. Implement removal or control measures with the asbestos containing materials (ACMs)
4. Maintain accurate records about the types of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) found in the building you occupy or manage

How Often Do I Need to Have An Audit Performed?

Once you have identified asbestos containing materials on your premises, you will need to reassess their present conditions. This is to ensure that all risks are documented and the possible steps taken to safeguard yourself and those who use the building. If the type of asbestos found on the premises in friable, then you will need to have an audit conducted frequently. If you plan to demolish, renovate, or change the current site, then an asbestos audit is also necessary.

Why Should I have an Asbestos Audit Conducted?

My Employees Are Important

I want to protect the tenants in my property.

I am the business owner/property manager and fully responsible

As of January 1st 2012, It’s THE LAW!!

The new Model Health and Safety legislation came into effect January 1st 2012. All Australian States now have the same legislation covering health and safety. The purpose of this Act is defined in Division 2.

The main object of this Act is to provide for a balanced and nationally consistent framework to secure the health and safety of workers and workplaces by:

• protecting workers and other persons against harm to their health, safety and welfare through the elimination or minimisation of risks arising from work [or from specified types of substances or plant];

Collective and individual responsibilities are with:

• The Building Owner
• Business Manager within the building
• The Property Manager

The Responsibilities

• I must have all asbestos identified within my workplace
• I must indicate the presence and location of all asbestos within my workplace by labelling
• I must have an Asbestos Register developed
• The Register must be maintained when anything changes
• The Register must be reviewed (re-assessment)
• The Register must be kept at my workplace
• The Register must be available to workers and their representatives
• I must have an Asbestos Management Plan developed
• This is designed to identify how to manage any asbestos on site
• I must make a copy of the Asbestos Register available to any person prior to undertaking renovations or demolition works
• I must get a Clearance Certificate for any Asbestos removal works
• I must install signs at all of the main entrances to the work areas where asbestos is present

WHO CAN IDENTIFY ASBESTOS?

Only a competent person can legally identify asbestos

A Competent Person is

• occupational hygienists who have experience with asbestos
• licensed asbestos assessors
• asbestos removal supervisors
• individuals who have a statement of attainment in the unit competency for asbestos assessors
• a person working for an organisation accredited by NATA under ISO 17020 for surveying asbestos

Joe Blow Builder is not considered to be a Competent Person!

Don’t Take the Chance Of Losing EVERYTHING…Get Your Audit Done Today!

Contact Quality Building Management today to have your complex assessed for deadly asbestos and comply with your legal obligations. (click to open contact form)