Asbestos In Your Workplace
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral composed of microscopic fibres. When disturbed in its natural form or in an asbestos-containing product, these fibres become airborne and easy to inhale. Asbestos fibres may become trapped in the lungs, possibly causing numerous life-threatening diseases. Asbestos can reside in plain sight, particularly in older studs and farms.
If you are an employer or business owner, you are responsible for managing asbestos in the workplace. It is imperative that workplaces remove all asbestos as symptoms do not appear until up to 20-30 years after initial exposure.
If you suspect asbestos in your workplace, you need to do something about it;
1 . An Inspection of Your Property
Have a qualified person such as a licensed asbestos assessor inspect your workplace, once identified ensure all asbestos is clearly labelled
2. Keep a Register
If your workplace was established before 31 December 2003, you must keep a register that outlines when and where asbestos has been located, what type it is and what condition it is in
The register should be available to anyone who may be exposed to asbestos
Update the register regularly and pass it on to anyone who takes over management or control of the workplace
3. Prepare an Asbestos Management Plan
In the event of asbestos being identified in at your workplace, you must have a management plan in place, regardless of whether the asbestos is naturally occurring or from manufactured materials
The plan must include control measures, emergency procedures and responsibilities and training details of workers doing asbestos work
The plan must be reviewed at least every 5 years or when requested by a health and safety representative (HSR)
In the event that you may have been exposed to asbestos you must:
Stop work immediately
Report the incident to your manager
Minimise the disturbance of the material and area
Inform workers to prevent access until the hazard has been contained
Establish a suitable exclusion zone using barricades and warning signs to restrict access to the contaminated area
Establish a suitable exclusion zone using barricades and warning signs to restrict access to the contaminated area
Consult a licensed asbestos assessor to provide immediate advice on making the area safe.
Contact SafeWork NSW on 131050 to report the incident
Contact a licensed asbestos professional to undertake removal works at contaminated area and make the area safe
If you have any questions regarding asbestos in your workplace, Contact Safe Industries Australia.