All practicable steps should be taken to ensure that asbestos exposure is minimal and within the limits established by Australian law. When there is asbestos in-situ, the effective control and monitoring of the mineral can only be done with an asbestos management plan (AMP). This plan will map out the appropriate control measures that should be performed to ensure that asbestos (if present) remains undisturbed and in good condition. The AMP must provide information regarding:
- The scope of the work to be performed
- Risk assessment process such as air monitoring
- The frequency of maintenance activity
- The necessary training and induction of all individuals involved (directly and indirectly), to ensure that they take the necessary steps to protect themselves and do not disturb asbestos containing materials
- The accessibility of asbestos containing materials (ACMs)
How to Implement the Asbestos Management Plan
The assessed risk level will be the starting point to implement the asbestos management plan. Buildings with high-risk level and medium risk levels require immediate attention to ensure that the AMP is implemented to protect everyone within the location. If there are any future demolitions, removals or renovations, all these changes should be included in the asbestos management plan to reflect the present situation. If the current risk assessment requires more frequent audits, then this too should be documented in the AMP.
Outcome of the Asbestos Management Plan
A professionally elaborated asbestos management plan will establish short, medium, and long-term goals to accomplish the control or removal of asbestos. The four phases involved in most AMPs include: identification, assessment control, and monitoring.
All stages should be performed by a competent person with the property manager accompanying the changes, development, and measures that are taken to handle asbestos on the premises.
During the control stage, the appropriate signage should be used to inform people within the vicinity of the building about the presence of asbestos.
The monitoring phase may exist if the asbestos is not a threat. However, weathering conditions and changes in the building can cause the asbestos to become fragile. When this happens, then it is best to remove the mineral to prevent human loss.
