Identify and manage asbestos
Managing asbestos in the workplace in accordance with legislation involves:
- identifying all asbestos-containing materials (ACM)
- maintaining an asbestos register that details the location of any ACM
- developing an asbestos management plan.
The goal is to eliminate asbestos from the workplace, with an emphasis on removing ACM rather than sealing, enclosing or encapsulating it during renovation, refurbishment or maintenance.
These requirements apply to all pre-1990 workplace buildings, plant and equipment.
UQ must ensure that all ACM in the workplace is identified, which involves:
- locating all ACM and assessing whether inaccessible areas may contain ACM
- identifying the type (e.g. asbestos cement sheet, pipe lagging, ACM gaskets) and condition (e.g. damaged or intact) of any ACM.
A person with the appropriate training, qualifications or experience undertakes this activity. Where ACM has been identified, warning signs and labels should be used to prevent accidental disturbance of ACM where practical.
Asbestos register
UQ has a register of ACM in all relevant buildings and non-building structures. Properties and Facilities maintain this register, and it is available to anyone who may want to view it (UQ Asbestos Survey Database).
Asbestos management plan
UQ has a written asbestos management plan to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
The plan includes:
- management aims
- what will be done, when and how
- the following principles:
- risk assessment conducted for identified or suspected ACM
- labelling and recording of ACM in the Asbestos Register
- implementation of control measures to prevent exposure
- communication to staff, students and others about the location of ACM, risks and control measures in place.