Obligations of the Employer or Controller of the Premises

Employers have a duty to provide a safe place of work

The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 under the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 requires an Employer to take reasonable care to identify foreseeable hazards including asbestos, and to assess the risk posed by those hazards. The employer is to eliminate or control those risks and is to provide instruction, training and information, personal protective equipment, supervision, and any other appropriate measure.

In addition to obligations placed on an employer, the Regulation places requirements on Controllers of Premises with respect to asbestos.

A controller of premises must ensure that:

a) a register, in which the type, condition and location of all asbestos and asbestos-containing material in any place of work is recorded, is prepared and maintained, and

b) any action taken to control asbestos and asbestos-containing material in the place of work or in plant at the place of work is recorded in the register, including details of:

i. any assessment concerning the asbestos that took place before the work was carried out, and
ii. if the work was carried out by a contractor rather than by an employee of the controller, the name of the person who carried out the work, and
iii. the date on which the work was carried out on, and

c) all occupiers of the place of work are provided with a copy of the register and all updates to it.

Maximum penalty: Level 3 – 100 Penalty Units or $11,000

Premises is defined as any place, including any land, building, vehicle, vessel, aircraft, tent or movable structure, or any installation floating on water or on the bed of any waters; that is, anywhere.

The Asbestos Register must comply with the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002 (2005)] and the Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)].

The Asbestos Register must comply with the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002 (2005)] and the Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)].

Getex can Undertake an Asbestos Materials Survey & Prepare an Asbestos Register

An Asbestos Register prepared by Getex will constitute an Asbestos Register to the requirements of the Act and conform to the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission. The register can be in electronic form.

Getex can Project Manage the Removal of Asbestos Materials

Getex can provide full project management services for the removal of asbestos-containing materials, including:

• Asbestos Removal Plan and Tender Documents preparation
• NATA accredited asbestos in air monitoring in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC:3003 (2005)]
• Supervision of the Removal
• Clearance Inspections and Sign Off Reports

With this service the asset manager can ensure they have exercised diligence in accordance with the legislation.

Additional Services

Asbestos Management Plans, Workplace Awareness Training, Manuals & Systems

 

Download the Asbestos - Obligations of the Employer or Controller of the Premises Information Sheet (PDF)

Asbestos Hazard Management

 

Services provided

GETEX, an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) and Environmental services company, provides an integrated range of consulting, monitoring and testing services on asbestos and other hazardous materials.

Asbestos is covered under state and federal legislation. Over 300 hundred different asbestos containing materials have been identified within Australian industry.

The asbestos related services supplied by GETEX are tailored to meet each individual situation. GETEX can supply a complete range of asbestos services including the supervision of asbestos removal projects. All services are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Other than full project management/supervision, your needs may only extend to requiring one or two of our other services, these services include:

Asbestos Surveys/ Audits / Registers

Surveys, sometimes called audits, are in many situations mandatory under state regulations. Site inspection and sampling is undertaken by experienced professional consultants to determine the extent, type and condition of any asbestos containing materials (ACM) present.

The resulting report is aimed at meeting legislative requirements and providing advice on controlling the associated risk.

Project Management / Supervision

If asbestos removal or other risk management processes are required GETEX can provide a complete package of services to meet a client’s needs including liaison with authorities, unions and others, preparation of asbestos removal work plans and tender documentation, assistance with the selection of contractors supervision, final clearance inspection and sign off upon completion.

GETEX personnel have many years of experience of addressing concerns of affected stakeholders and are happy to meet and speak with individuals and/or groups before, during or after works have commenced to discuss any concerns that they may have or to provide any additional information or services.

GETEX personnel have the experience to apply Australian (state) and international guidelines depending on where your site is and sometimes on your parent company’s country.

Asbestos Sampling & Fibre Identification

Sample analysis to determine if asbestos is present. A minimalist approach to sampling is usually preferred. Design of an efficient sampling program depends upon years of experience and serves to minimise cost to the client and facilitate a faster service. When sampling is undertaken for example during asbestos surveys and clearance inspections, all identification is undertaken by an external NATA accredited laboratory to assist in removing any conflict of interest.

Asbestos Air Monitoring

Checking air quality on site to determine whether asbestos fibres are present and if so the type and concentration. GETEX is NATA accredited and complies with ISO/IEC 17025 for this service.

GETEX have the capabilities and experience to undertake control (static) and exposure (personal) monitoring. Control air monitoring should be performed whenever asbestos containing materials are being removed, to ensure control measures are effective.

Litigation

Expert opinion, preparation of documentation, collection and coordination of evidence. Senior GETEX personnel have acted many times as expert witnesses and undertaken works on projects acting under legal privilege.

Asbestos in Soil Including Classification of Asbestos Contaminated Soil for Disposal

All methods utilised for a soil asbestos decontamination program should be based upon risk assessment. GETEX personnel can provide complete asbestos in soil management advice and can demonstrate many years of soil and asbestos experience.

Site Surveys sometimes require the need to undertake below ground investigations. These are sometimes undertaken following a detailed review of the site history including the use of aerial photographs and are often done in conjunction with a preliminary site contamination investigation.

Waste2 Guidelines and Landfill3 Guidelines require that soil and/or waste leaving a site for disposal must be classified as inert, solid, industrial or hazardous. Licence conditions apply to all licensed landfill facilities setting out which wastes may or may not be received. In general this means that the waste receiving facility (landfill) will have in place procedures for waste acceptance, inspection, sampling and analysis to ensure that prohibited waste does not enter the facility.

GETEX can help by undertaking on-site sampling of the soil/waste to be removed from the site prior to excavation and transport to the landfill. GETEX can then provide a written disposal report or classification certificate which will provide the necessary verification to the waste receiving facility. The report or certificate will describe its physical and chemical nature, to ensure its appropriate classification and the health and safety of all parties involved in its handling.

Preparation of Asbestos Removal Plans

GETEX personnel have spent many years working alongside contractors and site controllers in the preparation of effective Asbestos Removal Plans (ARP) or Scopes of Work (SOW), which define the scope of asbestos materials to be removed and the general requirements for the removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM) from workplaces. These documents are used to call tenders from contractors and to control the removal process in accordance with NOHSC4 Codes of Practice. Each document is created in consultation with the client and is site specific to the task at hand.

A good ARP is flexible and provides specific instructions, limitations and general guidance to the contractor/s and client to facilitate a safe removal process. It should take into consideration and be responsive to all reasonably anticipated asbestos related emergencies during the removal process and work together with the Contractor’s Site Specific Emergency Plan. GETEX can also assist in the preparation of this document.

Asbestos Clearance Inspection

GETEX can provide an experienced competent person who is independent from the contractor responsible for the work as required by the NOHSC1 to conduct a clearance inspection following completion of the asbestos removal works.

Clearance Inspections involve the use of visual inspections and clearance air monitoring. Clearance air monitoring should be independent of the above contractor and assessed as part of the planning and conduct of asbestos removal works1. The sampling of surfaces for settled dust may also be used as part of a clearance inspection. However, this should only be a part of the overall asbestos removal plan once the reasoning behind the inclusion of settled dust sampling has been explained to the client.

Services - Consulting, management, monitoring and inspection services covering:

 

• Hazardous Materials
  Lead,Silica, Dusts, Petroleum Products, Solvents, Gases
  Inspections/Registers
  Air Monitoring
  Management Plans
• Occupational Hygiene Services
  Airborne Contaminant monitoring
  Workplace Assessments
  Risk/Hazard Analysis
• Air & Water Quality
  Assessment & Monitoring
  Indoor/Commercial
  Environmental/Industrial
• Site Contamination Assessments
  Soil Contamination Testing
  Disposal Reports
  Remedial Action Plans
  Validation Reports
  VENM Reports
• Confined Spaces
  Testing, Inspection, Management
• OH&S Audits and Management Systems/Plans
• Environmental Audits and Surveys
• Occupational Noise
• Risk/Hazard Assessments
• Health and Safety Inspections
• Pre-Purchase Due Diligence Assessments
• Compliance Audits & Surveys
• Management Systems /Plans and Training
• Technical Due Diligence Pre-Purchase Inspections
• Litigation
  Expert opinion/witness/legal privilege

 

 

Download the Asbestos Hazard Management Information Sheet (PDF)

Clearance Inspections, Certificates and [NOHSC : 2002(2005)]

The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 provides that an employer must ensure that asbestos work is carried out in accordance with NOHSC: 2002 (2005). Control and performance of certain aspects of the work must be undertaken by a Competent Person who is independent from the person responsible for the removal work.

What is a Clearance Inspection?

A Clearance Inspection is an examination of the area which has undergone an asbestos removal. It is undertaken prior to completion of asbestos work in that area. It is the principal component in determining the successful removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM). A clearance inspection is done prior to the resumption of normal work in the area by unprotected personnel and must be conducted by a “Competent Person”, independent from the person responsible for the removal work. Only a “Competent Person” can issue a Clearance Certificate.

When is a Clearance Inspection required and who must obtain a Clearance Inspection?

Before a clearance is granted for an asbestos work area to be re-occupied there must be a thorough clearance inspection.

The Client (that is the employer or site controller) should supply precise details of its asbestos removal requirements to the asbestos removalist and work specifi cations should address issues which include the arrangements for clearance inspections and air monitoring. A Competent Person can act on behalf of the Client to provide the required details to the removalist.

 

How should a Clearance Inspection be done?

A Competent Person must inspect the surface from which the ACM was removed at close range, they must go everywhere the asbestos removalist went, physically disturbing the surfaces and/or components, to reveal any visible debris. With the possible exception of obvious materials such as cement and paint, the Competent Person should not attempt to distinguish between materials thought to be asbestos material or non asbestos.

Who should undertake or determine the need for Air Monitoring when performing a Clearance Inspection?

All air monitoring requirements (such as location, rate, and frequency of sampling) should be determined by an independent Competent Person and performed in accordance with the NOHSC Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].

Prior to commencement of works, part of the planning process should include the need for “clearance monitoring,” control monitoring results and experience will assist the Competent Person in determining the level and/or need of clearance monitoring.

 

What is NATA?

NATA is Australia’s Government-endorsed provider of accreditation for laboratories and similar testing facilities (www.nata.asn.au). To support its accreditation programs, NATA also operates proficiency testing programs for asbestos fi bre counting (the National Asbestos Program-NAP through Proficiency Testing Australia), and of which GETEX is a participant. The benefit of NATA accreditation & proficiency testing to you is one that enables you to select reliable testing and measurement services.

What can Getex do to help?

Act as a Competent Person in accordance with NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002 (2005) and OH&S Regulation 2001. GETEX is NATA Accredited for Airborne Asbestos Fibre Counting and Volume Measurement (which enable us to issue reports in fi bres/mL). Our accreditation Number is 15404. The staff at GETEX have many years of experience involving the monitoring and management of asbestos. GETEX are ready to recommend & implement cost-effective monitoring programs and clearance inspections in any part of Australia and overseas.

Download the Asbestos - Clearance Inspections, Certificates and [NOHSC : 2002(2005)] Information Sheet (PDF)

Asbestos in Soil

In NSW WorkCover regulates asbestos. WorkCover’s system for controlling the industry is to issue improvement and prohibition notices which can, on the spot, close down work on a site. WorkCover doesn’t have to prosecute to close down a site. Failure to comply with such a notice can bring a fine of up to $165,000.

There are different requirements applied depending on whether the asbestos is bonded or friable.

Bonded asbestos has the asbestos fibres incorporated in such a way that they cannot be released by crushing the material by hand when it is dry. Friable asbestos materials can be crumbled by hand, releasing asbestos fibres.

The requirements are naturally more stringent for friable asbestos than for bonded asbestos. Friable asbestos must be removed by a contractor who has an AS1 licence. The removal must be conducted with NATA accredited airborne fibre monitoring. Seven days notice must be provided to WorkCover prior to job commencement. The protocols which must be followed are more expensive than those for bonded asbestos.

Faced with a problem of some builders using an excavator to knock down old fibro buildings instead of doing the work properly, and the difficulties of catching the demolition in the act, WorkCover have taken the step of declaring any “Asbestos inappropriately buried (ie not in accordance to any environmental legislative requirements) is considered friable asbestos material. Any asbestos cement product, which has been subjected to weathering, severely damaged by hail, damaged by heat/fire or other mechanical action, or illegal water blasting is a friable asbestos product.”

The transport and disposal of waste material containing asbestos is regulated by the NSW Department of Environment and Conservation.

It is very common to find broken pieces of asbestos cement (AC) sheeting in or on the ground. Just what level of removal is considered satisfactory varies depending on the organisation giving the clearance. The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and its Regulation 2001 which come under WorkCover’s jurisdiction apply to premises where the definition of premises includes land.

The NSW Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 places responsibility for regulation of pollution or contamination of land on Councils, and is generally applied to cases where there is not a workplace issue. The Contaminated Land Management Act 1997 does not mention asbestos in soil, and there are no NSW Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC) guidelines for asbestos in soil, however the Act is often applied via the Contaminated Land Site Auditor System. This typically has the effect of increasing costs manyfold. A recent document “Management of asbestos in the nonoccupational environment” by enHEALTH, Federal Department of Health and Ageing 2005, attempts to provide some framework, however, many practical problems remain. The difficulties include those related to the method of deciding whether a site can be declared suitably free of asbestos, such as the appropriate number of samples to be analysed. Because asbestos almost always occurs in clumps, lumps or pieces, even at a microscopic level, GETEX considers that the best method is a thorough visual examination, supported where applicable by sampling and analysis. Because of the clumping problem, NATA accreditation cannot be obtained for determination of the percentage of asbestos in a sample. The environmental people, coming from a background of reasonably homogeneous dispersal of chemical contaminants, rather than contaminants occurring in lumps, tend to favour a program of increased sampling and analysis, which does increase costs.

The issue can be difficult and often affected by factors such as public relations, which Department is most in evidence on the job, and various people related considerations. The staff at GETEX have long combined experience with asbestos in soil projects and can advise on the best course of action. GETEX can provide all the associated services needed for a successful project outcome.

Contact GETEX for assistance with your Asbestos in Soil Problem

 

Download the Asbestos in Soil Information Sheet (PDF)

Fire Damaged Buildings and Asbestos

Getex Director Anthony Camus has warned on the dangers presented by burnt out asbestos cement houses. “When an asbestos cement building burns the usual thing that happens is that light flakes of asbestos containing material (ACM), which does not burn (but simply becomes small and fragile), rise up in the air and settle on the surroundings covering land, foliage, and buildings in an asbestos flake ‘snow’. The flakes can easily be transported with the wind.”

 

 

“I have seen them lodge in cobwebs in bushes, in swimming pools, in all sorts of places where they can be quite difficult to remove. If not attended to quickly people or pets may walk across the ’snow’, then carry the asbestos inside the house. A quick response is vital”. Since asbestos in this form is classified as friable*, an asbestos removal contractor with an AS1 licence is required to clean it up. The removal must be conducted in association with NATA accredited asbestos in air monitoring **. While it is unlikely that in the days following a building fire which has involved the release and spread of asbestos containing materials (ACM) that airborne fibre levels will exceed any relevant Australian guideline for countable fibres which conform to defined geometric criteria, considerations for those within the vicinity must include the obvious observation that any dust which becomes airborne has the potential to contain respirable fibres, hence the situation must be monitored in order to assist in the risk assessment/ decision making process. The situation presented by the spread of asbestos materials from one property to another brings with it many other issues beside those of occupational health and safety and site contamination. An experienced consultant such as GETEX can advise those involved in the clean up works, assist in the management of the removal, provide air monitoring and issue the final site clearance following the removal of all accessible asbestos contamination and get the building/home owner back on track to re-building. Once the asbestos has been taken care of, normal building works can then resume.

Anthony Camus went on to say “The Code requires that the risk be assessed and action taken. The most significant danger is that the asbestos is inhaled. There is a hierarchy of control measures that should be undertaken, including ensuring people do not become exposed to the flakes, either by excluding them from the area and removing the source of contamination (most favourable) or by requiring them to wear personal protective equipment (least favourable). Until effective hazard control measures can be put in place, preferably rapid clean up action, NATA air monitoring for airborne asbestos is a requirement for the development of an appropriate risk control strategy”. This air monitoring is done by GETEX who can also provide associated services such as the development of asbestos sampling plans, asbestos removal control plans or scope of work reports, soil classification and disposal reports and asbestos clearance inspections and reports. GETEX are NATA accredited for asbestos fibre monitoring and air volume measurement.

Getex has experienced qualified staff with many years of project experience working alongside council, project managers, insurance companies and building controllers/owners, including the management of small and large scale asbestos clean up works following house/building and bush fires.

Getex may be contacted 24 hrs/ 7 days a week on (02) 9889 2488  and further information can be found on our website, www.getex.com.au.

* WorkCover NSW defines Friable Asbestos Material as “any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Sprayed limpet, millboard, pipe and boiler lagging are examples of friable asbestos. Asbestos inappropriately buried (i.e. not in accordance to any environmental legislative requirements) is considered friable asbestos material. Any asbestos cement product, which has been subjected to weathering, severely damaged by hail, damaged by heat/fire or other mechanical action, or illegal water blasting is a friable asbestos product and an AS1 Licence for friable asbestos is required for its removal”. Refer to  http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/Publications/OHS/SafetyGuides/workingasbestos.htm

** The NOHSC: 3003 (2005) Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition describes the method of determining possible respirable   fibres as : “A sample is collected by drawing a measured quantity of air through a membrane filter by means of a sampling pump. The filter is later transformed from an opaque membrane into a transparent, optically homogeneous specimen. The respirable fibres are then sized and counted in accordance with defined geometric criteria, using a phase contrast microscope and calibrated eyepiece graticule. The result is expressed as fibres per millilitre of air, calculated from the number of fibres observed on a known area of the filter and the volume of air sampled’.

Download the Fire Damaged Buildings and Asbestos Information Sheet (PDF)

EXAMPLES OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS

Why Should I Identify Asbestos Containing Materials?

The NSW Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 under the NSW Occupational Health & Safety ACT 2000 requires an employer to take reasonable care to identify foreseeable hazards including asbestos, and to assess the risk posed by those hazards. The employer is to eliminate or control those risks and is to provide instruction, training and information, personal protective equipment, supervision, and any other appropriate measure. In addition to obligations placed on an employer, the Regulation places requirements on Controllers of Premises with respect to asbestos. For example, a controller of premises “must ensure that a register, in which the type, condition and location of all asbestos and asbestos-containing material in any place of work is recorded, is prepared and maintained”.

The Asbestos Register must comply with the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC- now the Office of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [ NOHSC:2002 (2005) ] and the Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces [ NOHSC:2018 (2005) ].

Who must prepare the Asbestos Register?

As per the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 a competent person is required to prepare Asbestos/Hazardous Materials Surveys, Asbestos /Hazardous Substances Management Plans, Asbestos Air Monitoring and Asbestos Clearance Inspections.

Hence, large property stakeholders have policies to follow WorkCover Asbestos Guidelines and Fact Sheets for asbestos and use consultants with the following:

• Demonstrated years of experience in asbestos related issues;

   

   

• Appropriate Qualifications;

   

   

• Appropriate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance, specifically mentioning asbestos;

   

   

• Solid understanding of Asbestos Removal options and techniques of asbestos removal;

   

   

• Specialized knowledge of Asbestos Air Sampling and Asbestos testing and interpretation of results- All consultants considered for major projects are generally NATA accredited for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement.

   

   

• Solid understanding of Asbestos Inspection and Airborne Asbestos Clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos related diseases.

   

  Consultants with the above qualities are able to be considered as “competent persons” in accordance with the NSW OHS Regulation 2001. These Consultants may also be considered as Occupational Hygienists in their chosen field or specialized branch.

  What about Insurance? Should the “Competent Person” have Specific Insurance?

  Is Insurance Important for Asbestos work?

  An occupational hygienist and/or firm who considers themselves experienced in the area of asbestos issues will also have Professional Indemnity Insurance which specifically mentions ASBESTOS

  This may cost the occupational hygiene firm between AUS $40,000 & $70,000/year, and because of this ongoing cost most firms operated by a single person will not have this asbestos insurance, and neither will most building inspectors.

  Our Cost is your PROTECTION .

  DON'T RISK USING SOMEONE WITHOUT ASBESTOS INSURANCE: ALWAYS ASK TO VIEW THEIR CERTIFICATE OF CURRENCY BEFORE YOU ENGAGE THEIR SERVICES

  In Summary:

• WorkCover recommends the use of a “Competent Person”

   

   

• Trained Consultants employed by Getex can Act as Competent Persons in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002(2005) documents and OH&S Regulations 2001.

   

   

• Councils recommend the use of a consultant in Occupational Hygiene for the preparation of asbestos registers and other services

   

   

• Trained Consultants employed by Getex can Act as Competent Persons in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002(2005) documents and OH&S Regulations 2001 AND Occupational Hygienists as per Council Recommendations.

   

   

• GETEX offers specialist Occupational Hygiene advice , 24 hours/7 days a week.

   

   

• GETEX has a laboratory accredited by NATA to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement.

   

   

• GETEX carries full professional indemnity insurance for asbestos work.

   

  What can GETEX do to help in the Identification of Asbestos (and/or Hazardous Materials) in my Building?

  While acting in the capacity as a competent person and occupational hygienist, GETEX personnel can undertake a thorough inspection of your premises, take samples where appropriate and prepare an Asbestos/Hazardous Materials Register.

  All analysis will be undertaken by an independent NATA accredited laboratory to remove any possible conflict of interest.

  The survey will be as discreet and non invasive as possible. Our consultants are well aware of the sensitivities surrounding asbestos issues and will perform their inspection accordingly. Surveys can be conducted out of normal business hours if required. GETEX will survey all accessible areas of the building/s for the type, condition and extent of asbestos materials that might be present. Hazardous Materials Survey can also be performed which will survey all accessible areas of the buildings for the type, condition and extent of hazardous building materials that might be present, including asbestos, lead in paint and PCBs (Polychlorinated Biphenyls).
  
  The Asbestos Register or Hazardous Materials Register will constitute an Asbestos Register under the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2 nd Edition [NOHSC: 2002(2005)] and the Code of Practice for Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018(2005)] and will conform to the requirements of the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 and the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.

  Additional Asbestos Services:

  Asbestos Removal Control Plans or Asbestos Scopes of Work and Asbestos Project Management
  If asbestos removal or other asbestos risk management processes are required GETEX can provide a complete package of services to meet a client's needs including liaison with authorities, unions and others, preparation of asbestos removal work plans and tender documentation, assistance with the selection of asbestos contractors and supervision, final asbestos clearance inspection and preparation of an asbestos clearance inspection report. Please contact GETEX on (02) 9889 2488 for information regarding any of your asbestos/hazardous materials related needs.
  
  Asbestos Containing Materials include the following Items:

  The following list has been created by the Australian Safety & Compensation Council Code (formerly known as the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission or NOHSC) for Appendix A of the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces (NOHSC:2018(2005) , f urther information about this document can be obtained from their website: http://www.ascc.gov.au/

  Note as per the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces (NOHSC: 2018 (2005) that this is not an exhaustive list. Many products have been made with asbestos, if you are uncertain as to whether a substance contains asbestos, it is always a safer approach to treat the material as though it contains asbestos- the only way a sample can be positively confirmed to contain asbestos is have the sample analysed by a laboratory accredited by NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) for asbestos identification.

  A

  Air-conditioning ducts: exterior or interior acoustic and thermal insulation
  Arc shields in lift motor rooms or large electrical cabinets
  Asbestos-based plastics products - as electrical insulates and acid-resistant compositions or aircraft seat
  Asbestos ceiling tiles
  Asbestos cement conduit
  Asbestos cement electrical fuse boards
  Asbestos cement external roofs and walls
  Asbestos Cement in the use of form work when pouring concrete
  Asbestos cement internal flues and downpipes
  Asbestos cement moulded products such as gutters, ridge cappings, gas meter covers, cable troughs and covers
  Asbestos cement pieces for packing spaces between floor joists and piers
  Asbestos cement (underground) pits, as used for traffic control wiring,
  telecommunications cabling, etc
  Asbestos cement render, plaster, mortar and coursework
  Asbestos cement sheet
  Asbestos cement sheet behind ceramic tiles
  Asbestos cement sheet internal over exhaust canopies such as ovens, fume cupboards, etc. Asbestos cement sheet internal walls and ceilings
  Asbestos cement sheet underlays for vinyl
  Asbestos cement storm drain pipes
  Asbestos cement water pipes (usually underground)
  Asbestos-containing laminates (e.g. formica) used where heat resistance is required, e.g. ships
  Asbestos-containing pegboard
  Asbestos felts
  Asbestos marine board, e.g. marinate
  Asbestos mattresses used for covering hot equipment in power stations
  Asbestos paper used variously for insulation, filtering and production of fire resistant laminates
  Asbestos roof tiles
  Asbestos textiles
  Asbestos textile gussets in air-conditioning ducting systems
  Asbestos yarn
  Autoclave I steriliser insulation

  B

  Bitumen-based water proofing such as malthoid, typically on roofs and floors but also in brickwork
  Bituminous adhesives and sealants Boiler gaskets

  Boiler insulation, slabs and wet mix
  Brake disc pads
  Brake linings

  C

  Cable penetration insulation bags (typically Telecom)
  Calorifier insulation
  Car body filters (not common)
  Caulking compounds, sealant and adhesives
  Cement render
  Chrysotile (Asbestos) wicks in kerosene heaters Clutch faces
  Compressed asbestos cement panels for flooring, typically verandas, bathrooms and steps for demountable buildings
  Compressed asbestos fibres (CAF) used in brakes and gaskets for plant and automobiles

  D

  Door seals on ovens

  E

  Electric heat banks- block insulation
  Electric hot water services - normally not asbestos but some millboard could be present
  Electric light fillings, high wattage, insulation around filling (and bituminised)
  Electrical switchboards — see Pitch-based
  Exhausts on vehicles

  F

  Filler in acetylene gas cylinders
  Filters - beverage; wine filtration
  Fire blankets
  Fire curtains
  Fire door insulation
  Fire-rated wall rendering containing asbestos with mortar
  Fire-resistant plaster board, typically on ships
  Fire-retardant material on steel work supporting reactors on columns in refineries in the chemical industry
  Flexible hoses
  Floor vinyl sheets
  Floor vinyl tiles
  Fuse blankets and ceramic fuses in switchboards

  G

  Galbestos TM roofing materials (decorative coating on metal roof for sound proofing)
  Gaskets - chemicals, refineries Gaskets - general
  Gauze mats in laboratories? chemical refineries
  Gloves - asbestos

  H

  Hairdryers - insulation elements
  Header (manifold) insulation around heating

  I

  Insulation blocks
  Insulation in electric reheat units for airconditioner systems

  L

  Laboratory bench tops
  Laboratory fume cupboard panels
  Laboratory ovens - wall insulation
  Lagged asbestos exhaust pipes on emergency power generators
  Lagging in penetrations in fireproof walls
  Lifts shafts - asbestos cement panels lining the shaft at the opening of each floor, and asbestos packing around penetrations
  Limpet asbestos spray insulation
  Locomotives - steam; lagging on boilers, steam lines, steam dome and gaskets

  M

  Mastics
  Millboard between heating unit and wall
  Millboard lining of switchboxes
  Mortar

  P

  Packing materials for gauges, valves, etc., can be square packing, rope or loose fibre Packing material on window anchorage points in high rise buildings
  Paint, typically industrial epoxy paints
  Penetrations through concrete slabs in high rise buildings
  Pipe insulation including moulded sections, water-mix type, rope braid and sheet
  Pitch-based (e.g. zelemite, ausbestos, lebah) electrical switchboard
  Plaster and plaster cornice adhesives

  R

  Refractory linings
  Refractory tiles
  Rubber articles - extent of usage unknown

  S

  Sealant between floor slab and wall, usually in boiler rooms, risers or lift shafts
  Sealant or mastik on windows
  Sealants and mastics in airconditioning ducting joints
  Spackle or plasterboard wall jointing compounds
  Sprayed insulation - acoustic wall and ceiling
  Sprayed insulation - beams and ceiling slabs
  Sprayed insulation - fire retardant sprayed on nut internally, for bolts holding external building wall panels
  Stoves - old domestic type; wall insulation

  T

  Tape and rope - lagging and jointing
  Tapered ends of pipe lagging, where lagging is not necessarily asbestos
  Tilux sheeting in place of ceramic tiles in bath rooms
  Trailing cable under lift cabins
  Trains - country - guards vans - millboard between heater and wall
  Trains - Harris cars - sprayed asbestos between steel shell and laminex

  V

  Vinyl Tiles
  Valve, pump, etc. insulation

  W
  Welding rods
  Woven asbestos cable sheath

   

Does your home contain Asbestos?

• An Asbestos Survey of your home is undertaken prior to accepting your development application
• An Asbestos Removal or Work Plan is prepared before asbests removal begins
• An Occupational Hygienist or Consultant is engaged to provide an Asbestos Clearance certificate when Asbestos has been removed
• Not doing any of the above items can delay your development applicatio with your council

If your property was built prior to 1987, and you intend to undertake renovations or demolitions requiring the submission of a development application (DA) it is a requirement that an asbestos survey of your property is undertaken. It is recommended by many councils that you engage a suitably qualified occupational hygienist or asbestos consultant to identify asbestos in your home.

Firstly,

What is Occupational Hygiene?

Deakin University in Victoria, Australia defines Occupational Hygiene as being concerned with 'the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors associated with the workplace which may cause illness, impaired health and wellbeing, or significant discomfort and inefficiency amongst workers or members of the public. Environmental factors can be chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial in nature'.

The International Occupational Hygiene Association (IOHA) also states that 'Occupational Hygiene has the objective of protecting worker health and well-being and safeguarding the community at large.'

What is an Occupational Hygienist?

Deakin University states that 'an occupational hygienist usually holds a degree in chemistry, physics, engineering, biology (with some chemistry) or related physical and biological sciences and through special studies can recognise occupational factors that cause illness or inefficiency and understand their effect on human beings; evaluate the magnitude of these factors and of the response of an exposed population to them; and prescribe methods to eliminate, control or reduce the influence of the adverse factors'

A definition often used for an occupational hygienist is ' A person having a university degree or degrees in Engineering, Chemistry, Physics, Medicine, or related physical and biological sciences, who, by virtue of special studies and training, has acquired competence in occupational hygiene.' The profession of occupational hygiene as with many other professions has professional qualifications which take into account not only education but also experience and skills developed.

Consultants capable of conducting asbestos inspections, surveys, performing asbestos air monitoring and clearance inspections with qualifications and experience will often find themselves referred to as Occupational Hygienists. However, many may title themselves differently or their firm may place a title on them which differs to the title of Occupational Hygienist, such as Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant or Asbestos Consultant. Many individuals will obtain additional accreditations, relevant to asbestos related work, such as obtaining National Association of Testing Authorities** (N.A.T.A) signatory or counter status, their firm also obtaining laboratory accreditation for asbestos fibre counting, air volume measurement or asbestos identification. If a consultant so chooses, he or she, may decide to make a submission to the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene and become registered as a consultant in occupational hygiene. Further study and experience may enable them to be considered for higher grades of membership.

Secondly;

Why should you engage an Occupational Hygienist or Asbestos Consultant?

Most persons or firms who can confidently identify themselves as experienced occupational hygienists or asbestos consultants have been working within the field of occupational hygiene for a number of years. Some have chosen to provide specialized services in asbestos and have obtained further accreditations. A person who consults in occupational hygiene and asbestos should have a solid background in asbestos issues. They can act as a competent person as defined by WorkCover NSW and should have significant knowledge: relating to the identification and removal of asbestos; air sample testing (conducted by a NATA registered laboratory) and interpretation of results; asbestos clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases. In general, it is unlikely that a person specializing in work as an architect, asbestos removal contractor or building inspector will also have the above related experience or knowledge. Companies who specialize in occupational hygiene doing regular asbestos work in residential and commercial environments will be aware of the consequences of incorrectly removed asbestos during renovation or demolition and the use of unlicensed or under qualified contractors.

An occupational hygienist and/or firm who considers themselves experienced in the area of asbestos issues will also have Professional Indemnity Insurance which specifically mentions ASBESTOS. This may cost the occupational hygiene firm between AUS $40,000 & $70,000/year, and because of this ongoing cost most firms operated by a single person will not have this insurance, and neither will most building inspectors. Our Cost is your PROTECTION.

DON’T RISK USING SOMEONE WITHOUT ASBESTOS INSURANCE: ALWAYS ASK TO VIEW THEIR CERTIFICATE OF CURRENCY BEFORE YOU ENGAGE THEIR SERVICES

And thirdly;

Regulations - Codes of Practice – WorkCover NSW
NSW Government Public/Commercial Property and Private Commercial Property Owners and You - The Residential Property Owner

1/ REGULATIONS:
The NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 under the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 requires an employer to take reasonable care to identify foreseeable hazards including asbestos, and to assess the risk posed by those hazards. The employer is to eliminate or control those risks and is to provide instruction, training and information, personal protective equipment, supervision, and any other appropriate measure. In addition to obligations placed on an employer, the Regulation places requirements on Controllers of Premises with respect to asbestos. For example, a controller of premises 'must ensure that a register, in which the type, condition and location of all asbestos and asbestos-containing material in any place of work is recorded, is prepared and maintained.'

2/ CODES OF PRACTICE:
The Asbestos Register must comply with the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC- now the Office of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council) Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002 (2005)] and the Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)].

3/ WORKCOVER:
WorkCover NSW has jurisdiction over contractors and commercial ventures should asbestos removal be performed in an unsafe manner. WorkCover NSW does not have jurisdiction over asbestos removal being performed by individual homeowners on the residential property in which they are living, however, they should remove asbestos sheeting in line with the guidelines provided by WorkCover to ensure a safe approach to asbestos removal.

In the event of an incident concerning for example the improper removal (either during a planned demolition or following a fire) of asbestos containing materials (ACM) a contractor engaged by a residential person will be directed by a WorkCover NSW Inspector via an improvement or prohibition notice to use an Occupational Hygienist experienced in Asbestos issues. WorkCover NSW will enforce the requirement to use the services of an appropriately experienced Occupational Hygienist by threat of fines. The services required by WorkCover to be requested from the Occupational Hygienist include for example 1) the preparation of Asbestos Removal Control Plans 2) NATA accredited Asbestos Air Monitoring and 3) Asbestos Clearance Inspections & Asbestos Clearance Reports.

4/ NSW GOVERNMENT PUBLIC/COMMERCIAL PROPERTY AND PRIVATE COMMERCIAL PROPERTY OWNERS: WHO DO THEY USE TO UNDERTAKE THEIR ASBESTOS /HAZARDOUS MATERIALS SURVEYS?:

As per the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 a competent person is required to prepare Asbestos/Hazardous Materials Surveys, Asbestos /Hazardous Substances Management Plans, Asbestos Air Monitoring and Asbestos Clearance Inspections. Hence, large property stakeholders have policies to follow WorkCover Guidelines and Fact Sheets and use consultants with the following:

• Demonstrated years of experience in asbestos related issues;
• Appropriate Qualifications;
• Appropriate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance, specifically mentioning asbestos;
• Solid understanding of Asbestos Removal options and techniques of asbestos removal;
• Specialized knowledge of Asbestos Air Sampling testing and interpretation of results- All consultants considered for major projects will be NATA accredited for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement.
• Solid understanding of Asbestos Clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos related diseases.

Consultants with the above qualities are able to be considered as 'competent persons' in accordance with the NSW OHS Regulation 2001. These Consultants may also be considered as Occupational Hygienists in their chosen field or specialized branch.

WHO PREPARES THEIR 'WORK REMOVAL PLANS', 'HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES MANAGEMENT PLANS', 'ASBESTOS REMOVAL CONTROL PLANS', 'ASBESTOS CLEARANCE INSPECTIONS' AND 'ASBESTOS CLEARANCE REPORTS'?

 

Consultants acting as Competent Persons with demonstrated understanding of asbestos removal options, asbestos project experience AND understanding of occupational health & safety, occupational hygiene, NATA accredited asbestos air monitoring and interpretation of results, and Asbestos Clearance Inspection and Asbestos Air Monitoring criteria. These Consultants may also be considered as Occupational Hygienists in their chosen field or specialized branch.

WHO MANAGES THEIR ASBESTOS REMOVAL WORKS?

Competent persons with demonstrated asbestos project experience.

5/ YOU-THE RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY OWNER

LARGE TENDERS for MULTIPLE SURVEYS undertaken on NSW Government Public & Commercial Assets and Private Commercial Buildings are awarded to firms capable of acting as Competent Persons and Occupational Hygienists. Isn’t it time that you considered hiring the best to also survey your residential property AND manage your asbestos/hazardous materials issues?

By engaging appropriately qualified occupational hygienists experienced in asbestos issues as competent persons BEFORE you undertake any works concerning asbestos you may avoid any or all of the problems you may experience with inspectors or contractors not having the appropriate qualifications, experience and insurance.

The Survey

Experienced professionally qualified consultants from GETEX will undertake a thorough inspection of your home and take samples for analysis where appropriate. All analysis for asbestos will be undertaken by an independent NATA accredited laboratory to remove any possible conflict of interest. The survey will be as discreet and non invasive as possible. Our consultants are well aware of the sensitivities surrounding asbestos issues and will perform their inspection accordingly. Surveys can be conducted out of normal business hours if required.

An Asbestos Register prepared by GETEX will constitute an Asbestos Register to the requirements of the Act and conform to the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (now Office of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council).

And finally;

Choosing a Consultant

• WorkCover recommends the use of a 'Competent Person'
• Trained Consultants employed by Getex can Act as Competent Persons in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002(2005) documents and OH&S Regulations 2001.
• Councils recommend the use of a consultant in Occupational Hygiene
• Trained Consultants employed by Getex can Act as Competent Persons in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002(2005) documents and OH&S Regulations 2001 AND as per Council Recommendations.
• GETEX offers specialist occupational hygiene advice, 24 hours/7 days a week. GETEX has a laboratory accredited by NATA to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement. GETEX carries full professional indemnity insurance for asbestos work.

 

Download the Asbestos - Does your home contain Asbestos Information Sheet (PDF)

What is the Purpose of an Asbestos Survey?
And who shall I engage to undertake it?

A Competent Person, Asbestos Consultant or Occupational Hygienist?

What is the main purpose of an Asbestos Survey?

To assess the relative ability of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) to release fibres into the air based on its present condition, friability, and accessibility should they be disturbed.

In doing so, it is recommended that a survey must as far as practicable and at minimum, locate and record any presumed or known ACMs; inspect and record the accessibility and condition of any presumed or known ACMs; and determine and record the asbestos type, in order to manage the risk.

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It must also satisfy The NSW Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001. Under the NSW Occupational Health & Safety ACT 2000 an employer is required to take reasonable care to identify foreseeable hazards including asbestos, and to assess the risk posed by those hazards. The employer is to eliminate or control those risks and is to provide instruction, training and information, personal protective equipment, supervision, and any other appropriate measure.

In addition to obligations placed on an employer, the Regulation places requirements on Controllers of Premises with respect to asbestos. For example, a controller of premises “must ensure that a register, in which the type, condition and location of all asbestos and asbestos-containing material in any place of work is recorded, is prepared and maintained”.

The Asbestos Register must comply with the requirements of the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC- now the Office of the Australian Safety & Compensation Council), the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [ NOHSC:2002 (2005) ] and the Code of Practice for the Management of Asbestos in Workplaces [ NOHSC:2018 (2005) ] .

 

Which One should I use to Survey my Building for Asbestos (Hazardous) Materials?

 

To answer this, lets answer a few more important questions:

 

What is a Competent Person?

 

Chapter 1: Definitions of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 defines that a "competent person" for any task means a person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience, or a combination of them, the knowledge and skills to carry out that task.

As per the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 a competent person is required to prepare Asbestos/Hazardous Materials Surveys, Asbestos /Hazardous Substances Management Plans, Asbestos Air Monitoring and Asbestos Clearance Inspections.

A competent person preparing the above documents should have:

• Demonstrated years of experience in asbestos related issues;

   

• Appropriate Qualifications;

   

• Appropriate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance, specifically mentioning asbestos;

   

• A solid understanding of Asbestos Removal options and techniques of asbestos removal;

   

• Specialized knowledge of Asbestos Air Sampling testing and interpretation of results- Note: In general, consultants who are considered for major projects are NATA accredited for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement and

   

• A solid understanding of Asbestos Clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos related diseases.

 

What is an Asbestos Consultant?

An Asbestos Consultant is a Competent Person suitable for the preparation of an asbestos site audit or asbestos/hazardous materials survey and Hazardous Substances Management Plan (HSMP) 3 . Asbestos Consultants may also be considered as Occupational Hygienists in their chosen field or specialized branch.

 

What is Occupational Hygiene?

 

Deakin University defines Occupational Hygiene as being concerned with “ the recognition, evaluation and control of environmental factors associated with the workplace which may cause illness, impaired health and wellbeing, or significant discomfort and inefficiency amongst workers or members of the public.  Environmental factors can be chemical, physical, biological, ergonomic and psychosocial in nature”.

 

 

Who is an Occupational Hygienist? And what does one do?  

An Occupational Hygienist can recognise occupational factors that cause illness or inefficiency and understand their effect on human beings; evaluate the magnitude of these factors and of the response of an exposed population to them; and prescribe methods to eliminate, control or reduce the influence of the adverse factors. The profession of occupational hygiene as with many other professions has professional qualifications which take into account not only education but also experience and skills developed.

Consultants capable of conducting asbestos inspections, surveys, performing asbestos air monitoring and clearance inspections with qualifications and experience will often find themselves referred to as Occupational Hygienists . However, many may title themselves differently or their firm may place a title on them which differs to the title of Occupational Hygienist, such as Environmental Scientist, Environmental Consultant or Asbestos Consultant. Many individuals will obtain additional accreditations, relevant to asbestos related work, such as obtaining National Association of Testing Authorities1 (N.A.T.A) signatory or counter status, their firm also obtaining laboratory accreditation for asbestos fibre counting, air volume measurement or asbestos identification. If a consultant so chooses, he or she, may decide to make a submission to the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene , Inc2 and become registered as a consultant in occupational hygiene. Further study and experience may enable them to be considered for higher grades of membership.

Why should you engage an Asbestos Consultant or Occupational Hygienist to do asbestos surveys?

 

• Most persons or firms who can confidently identify themselves as experienced occupational hygienists or asbestos consultants have been working within the field of occupational hygiene for a number of years.
• Some have chosen to provide specialised services in asbestos and have obtained further accreditations and/or memberships. A person who consults in occupational hygiene and asbestos should have a solid background in asbestos issues .
• They can act as a competent person as defined by WorkCover NSW and should have significant knowledge: relating to the identification and removal of asbestos; air sample testing (conducted by a NATA registered laboratory) and interpretation of results ; asbestos clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos-related diseases.

Hence, an occupational hygienist or asbestos consultant not only obtains samples for identification but takes into consideration the consequences of disturbing asbestos . In general, it is unlikely that a person specialising in work as an architect or building inspector will also have the above related experience, knowledge or accreditation/s.

Not all Occupational Hygienists are Competent Asbestos Consultants

Persons acting as Occupational Hygienists, often have all the requirements necessary of acting as an Occupational Hygienist, however they may not undertake much work within the Asbestos Industry. Be sure to visit the AIOH website ( www.aioh.org.au ) and select Asbestos Consultant from the Consultant Search area and ask your hygienist for evidence of their experience.

What about Insurance ? Is that Important?

Companies who specialize in occupational hygiene type work will have employees doing regular asbestos work in residential and commercial environments who will be aware of the consequences of incorrectly removed asbestos during renovation or demolition and the use of unlicensed or under qualified contractors.  

An asbestos consultant or occupational hygienist who considers themselves experienced in the area of asbestos issues will have Professional Indemnity Insurance which specifically mentions ASBESTOS. This may cost the occupational hygiene firm between $40,000 & $70,000/year, and because of this ongoing cost most firms operated by a single person will not have this insurance, and neither will most building inspectors . Our Cost is your PROTECTION.  

DON'T RISK USING SOMEONE WITHOUT ASBESTOS INSURANCE: ALWAYS ASK TO VIEW THEIR CERTIFICATE OF CURRENCY BEFORE YOU ENGAGE THEIR SERVICES

Why Choose GETEX?

  •  Trained Asbestos Consultants employed by Getex can Act as Competent Persons in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 (2005) and NOHSC: 2002(2005) documents and OH&S Regulations 2001.

•  Trained Asbestos Consultants employed by Getex are also members of Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc (AIOH)

GETEX offers specialist occupational hygiene advice , 24 hours/7 days a week. GETEX has a laboratory accredited by NATA to ISO/IEC 17025:2005 for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement . GETEX carries full professional indemnity insurance for asbestos work.

WE ARE HERE TO HELP

PLEASE PHONE (02) 9889 2488 and VISIT: www.getex.com.au

24 HRS/ 7 DAYS

GETEX or its employees are members of the following organisations:

• Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia (ADFA)
• Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc (AIOH)
• Clean Air Society Of Australia & New Zealand (CASANZ)
• Safety Institute of Australia (SIA)
• Master Builders Association (MBA)
• Property Council of Australia (PCA)
• Housing Industry Association (HIA)
• Australian Institute of Project Management (AIPM)
• Australian Water Association (AWA)
• Institute of Engineers , Australia (IEAUST)
• Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI)
• Australian Institute of Environmental Health (AIEH)
• National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC)
• Environment Business Australia (EBA)
• Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD)

1 What is NATA?

NATA is Australia 's Government endorsed provider of accreditation for laboratories and similar testing facilities ( www.nata.asn.au ). To support its accreditation programs, NATA also operates proficiency testing programs (e.g. the National Asbestos Program NAP through Proficiency Testing Australia), in which GETEX participates. The benefit of NATA accreditation and proficiency testing is to enable the client to select reliable testing and measurement services.

2 What is the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists, Inc (AIOH)?

The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists Inc. (AIOH) was formed in 1980 and incorporated in Victoria in 1988. The overall objective of the Institute is to help ensure that workplace health hazards are eliminated or controlled. It seeks to achieve this by:

• Promoting the profession of occupational hygiene in industry, government and the general community.
• Improving the practice of occupational hygiene and the knowledge, competence and standing of its practitioners.
• Providing a forum for the exchange of occupational hygiene information and ideas.
• Promoting the application of occupational hygiene principles to improve and maintain a safe and healthy working environment for all.
• Representing the profession nationally and internationally

The above was obtained from http://www.aioh.org.au/about_obj.asp

3 A Hazardous Substances Management Plan (HSMP) is according to WorkCover a document that “requires additional information such as risk assessment, training, consultation, risk control measures and documented safe working practices and procedures” . A Competent Asbestos Consultant who may be an Occupational Hygienist is required. Refer to WorkCover Factsheet Choosing an Asbestos Consultant, Publication No. 4547, February-March 2005.

Our consulting, management, monitoring and inspection services include:

ASBESTOS/HAZARDOUS MATERIALS	Asbestos and Hazardous Materials Inspections/Registers Asbestos Identification NATA accredited Airborne Asbestos Monitoring Asbestos Clearance Certificates Soil Investigations/Management Lead, Silica, Dusts, Petroleum Products, Solvents, Gases Air Monitoring and Sample Analysis Risk Assessments & Management Plans Removal/Treatment Work Plans Project Management and Supervision Workplace Training
SITE CONTAMINATION	Site Contamination Assessments Soil/Waste Disposal Reports Soil/Water Testing Remedial Action Plans and Project Management/Supervision Validation Reports Pre-purchase/Due Diligence Reports
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY	Occupational Hygiene Services Airborne Contaminant Monitoring Health and Safety Assessments Confined Spaces Testing, Assessment and Management Indoor Air Quality Assessments Noise OHS Management Systems, Plans and Audits
ENVIRONMENTAL	Air & Water Quality   Contaminant Monitoring   Environmental Audits and Surveys

Download the What is the Purpose of an Asbestos Survey? Information Sheet (PDF)

 

ARE YOU ABOUT TO REMOVE AN ASBESTOS CEMENT ROOF?

QUESTIONS TO ASK BEFORE YOU REMOVE

HOW MUCH ASBESTOS IS PRESENT IN ASBESTOS CEMENT (AC) ROOFING?

AC materials typically bind approximately 10-15% of asbestos by weight in a cement matrix. This is considered to be a low concentration and being bound in a stable cement matrix is less likely to generate dangerous levels of airborne fibres, than when compared with sprayed coatings and insulation.

I AM THE CONTROLLER OF PREMISES WHAT DO MY RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE?

It is the responsibility of the controller of premises to identify the ACM, assess the risks posed by the ACM identified and implement the control measures to eliminate the risks arising from the ACM and prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres [NOHSC: 2018(2005)].

WHO SHALL I ASK TO AUDIT THE BUILDING AND ASSIST WITH THE RISK ASSESSMENT?

As per the NSW OHS Regulation 2001 a competent person is required to prepare Asbestos/Hazardous Materials Surveys, Asbestos/Hazardous Substances Management Plans, Asbestos Air Monitoring and Asbestos Clearance Inspections.

A competent person preparing the above documents should have:

• Demonstrated years of experience in asbestos related issues;
• Appropriate Qualifications;
• Appropriate levels of Professional Indemnity Insurance, specifically mentioning asbestos;
• A solid understanding of Asbestos Removal options and techniques of asbestos removal;
• Specialised knowledge of Asbestos Air Sampling testing and interpretation of results- Note: In general, consultants who are considered for major projects must hold NATA accreditation for both asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement for asbestos air monitoring; and
• A solid understanding of Asbestos Clearance criteria and the epidemiology of asbestos related diseases.

WHAT ABOUT AN ASBESTOS CONSULTANT? CAN THEY AUDIT MY BUILDING?

An Asbestos Consultant is a Competent Person suitable for the preparation of an asbestos site audit or asbestos/hazardous materials survey and Hazardous Substances Management Plan (HSMP). Asbestos Consultants may also be considered as Occupational Hygienists in their chosen field or specialized branch. An Occupational Hygienist can recognise occupational factors that cause illness or inefficiency and understand their effect on human beings; evaluate the magnitude of these factors and of the response of an exposed population to them; and prescribe methods to eliminate, control or reduce the influence of the adverse factors. If a consultant so chooses, he or she, may decide to make a submission to the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygiene, Inc and become registered as a consultant in occupational hygiene. Further study and experience may enable them to be considered for higher grades of membership.

Are all Occupational Hygienists the Same?

Persons acting as Occupational Hygienists, often have all the necessary requirements, experience and qualifications to do so, generally however they may not possess the specific skills necessary to advise on asbestos related issues. Be sure to visit the AIOH website ( www.aioh.org.au ) and select Asbestos Consultant from the Consultant Search area and ask your hygienist for evidence of their experience.

SHOULD I INVOLVE OTHER PROFESSIONAL CONSULTANTS TO ASSIST?

Structural Engineering Consultants provide engineering reports such as Structural Adequacy Reports assessing such things as cracks in roofing & walls. It is Structural Engineers who concern themselves with the inspection, monitoring, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of structures and structural systems and their components. Structural engineers carry out strength, serviceability (displacement), and fatigue calculations.

Involving a structural engineer as well as an asbestos consultant/ occupational hygienist is good practice and a highly recommended component of managing asbestos containing materials which are in the form of potentially brittle roofing materials.

I'VE NOTICED THAT A LOT OF DUST HAS ACCUMULATED ON SURFACES: IS DUST A POTENTIAL PROBLEM?

Yes, dust which has accumulated on surfaces found underneath an asbestos cement roof may be a potential problem. And this may depend more upon other factors such as your intended use of the building, the likelihood of any disturbance of the dust and the likelihood of personnel coming into contact with the dust, rather than simply its asbestos content. Although the possibility that dust may contain material such as asbestos or lead should be considered, it may be determined that it may or may not be an issue for your particular site and personnel. Nevertheless it is an important issue to determine and discuss, particularly before it is potentially decided for you by another party at a later time.

SHOULD THE ROOFING CONTRACTOR BE LICENSED?

WorkCover NSW says that “if you use a contractor to assist you and the area of bonded asbestos sheeting (fibro) is over 200 square metres, then you need to have it removed by a licensed asbestos removal contractor. If under this amount, then a license is not required”. This is expected to change in January 2007 to 10 square metres.

The definition of Licensed Work is found within Chapter 10 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001: Licensed work includes a) demolition work; b) restricted demolition work; c) friable asbestos removal work and d) bonded asbestos removal work (other than work done in relation to bonded asbestos material having a total less than 200 square metres).

WHO SHALL I CONTRACT TO VACUUM THE DUST? CAN THE CONTRACTOR WHO REMOVES THE ROOF ALSO VACUUM THE DUST?  

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 defines “ friable asbestos material ” as any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.

Dust which has resulted from the natural weathering of asbestos cement sheeting and/or the removal of asbestos cement sheeting is a powder .

Years of degradation resulting from the effects of weather and industrial processes (such as chemical off-gassing) often results in thick accumulations of dust and debris on top of the internal structures of warehouse type buildings, for example the top of bearers, joists, door frames, machinery and trusses. If a warehouse with an asbestos roof has been converted to include levels of offices or a warehouse has small enclosed offices on the warehouse factory floor area, then it is likely that the surfaces within the ceiling space above the ceiling (and the ceiling surface) of the office/s will contain dust and/or debris which contains asbestos.

The dust is friable asbestos material. Only a contractor who is licensed for friable asbestos work should remove friable asbestos materials (i.e. a contractor with an AS1 friable license). The majority of asbestos roofing contractors have licenses which permit them to remove bonded asbestos containing materials only.

Questions to consider asking your contractor include:

How do they intend to approach the dust issue - Have they considered its possible implications? What advice do they give in relation to the “historical” dust which has accumulated within your building? Have they provided a price to remove this dust? Can they do this themselves or will they subcontract another asbestos contractor with an AS1 license to clean the surfaces? When will they do this? Before or after the roof removal? What reassurance do they provide in relation to the dust/debris that they themselves will create when they remove your roof? Will they provide plastic drop sheets within the warehouse, above the offices, exterior to the building? Are they insured against creating further issues of contamination? Are they available to talk to your staff?

As a controller of premises, have you considered the implications of removing AN ASBESTOS cement roof, leaving the dust and debris unaddressed, and thinking that your building is free of asbestos?

For example, you may experience problems in the future when a contractor or employee discovers dust/debris in the ceiling space above their office or in or adjacent to their machinery or work space.

 

• Offices may be vacated or a factory may cease production until the areas are assessed and an asbestos removal plan is formulised and the area decontaminated.

   

   

• The cost of dust removal at a later time may be higher and occur at an inconvenient time in relation to finances and production.

 

 

Consider engaging the services and advice of an occupational hygienist or asbestos consultant experienced in the areas of asbestos removal works, who is NATA accredited for asbestos fibre counting and air volume measurement, before you engage the services of a roofing contractor. They can help you ask the right questions. Consultants such as these often find themselves assisting clients after their workers have left the building, however they would prefer to help you and your employees/contractors before you undertake a roof removal or refurbishment project and help you avoid experiencing the confusion of a future unplanned asbestos discovery within your work environment. If adequately considered before hand, dust, debris and the risk these materials can potentially pose can be managed, clean ups if required planned and disruption minimized. A pro-active planned approach can save significant time, money and stress that would later be required when addressing perceived asbestos risks and a reactionary approach is the only option when publicity and confusion will be your main instigators of the works to be undertaken.

IS AIR MONITORING REQUIRED? WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PROVIDING AIR MONITORING DURING THE REMOVAL?

Air Monitoring should be performed whenever ACM are being removed, to ensure the control measures are effective. [NOHSC: 2002(2005)]

All air monitoring requirements (such as location, rate, and frequency of sampling) should be determined by an independent competent person. [NOHSC: 2002(2005)]

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 states that when a risk assessment indicates a need for atmospheric monitoring the employer (who is generally the entity who has commissioned the removal of the ACM) must ensure that the monitoring is carried out by a competent person in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003, and the analysis of samples obtained as a result of such monitoring must be carried out in a NATA accredited laboratory in accordance with the NOHSC: 3003 document.

WHAT IS NATA?

NATA is Australia 's Government-endorsed provider of accreditation for laboratories and similar testing facilities ( www.nata.asn.au ). To support its accreditation programs, NATA also operates proficiency testing programs (the National Asbestos Program-NAP through Proficiency Testing Australia), of which GETEX is a participant. The benefit of NATA accreditation & proficiency testing to the customer which NATA states is one that enable the customer to select reliable testing and measurement services .

WHO SHALL I USE TO INSPECT THE COMPLETED WORK AND ISSUE A CLEARANCE REPORT?

A clearance inspection is an examination of the area which has undergone an asbestos removal and is undertaken prior to completion of asbestos works in that area. It is the principal component in determining the removal of asbestos containing materials (ACM). A clearance inspection is done prior to the resumption of normal work in the area by unprotected personnel and must be conducted by a competent person, independent to the person responsible for the removal work. [NOHSC: 2002(2005)] 1. Only the competent person can issue a Clearance Certificate .

When is a Clearance Inspection required?

Before a clearance is granted for an asbestos work area to be re-occupied there must be a thorough clearance inspection. [NOHSC: 2002(2005)].

Who Must Obtain a Clearance Inspection?

The client should supply precise details of its asbestos removal requirements to the asbestos removalist and work specifications should address issues which include the arrangements for clearance inspections and air monitoring [NOHSC: 2002(2005)]

How should a Clearance Inspection be done?

A competent person must inspect at close range all surfaces from which the ACM was removed, they must go everywhere the asbestos contractor went, physically disturbing the abated surfaces and/or components, to reveal any visible debris. With the possible exception of obvious materials such as cement and paint, the competent person should not attempt to distinguish between materials thought to be asbestos material or non asbestos. Bulk sampling and analysis of residue only provides an indication of cleanliness and should not be used as an indicator of risk to health [NOHSC:2002(2005)].

Who should undertake or determine the need for air monitoring when performing a Clearance Inspection?

All air monitoring requirements (such as location, rate, and frequency of sampling) should be determined by an independent competent person [NOHSC: 2002(2005)] and performed in accordance with the NOHSC Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)]. [NOHSC: 2002(2005)]

Prior to commencement of works, part of the planning process should include the need for “ clearance monitoring ,” control monitoring results and experience will assist the competent person in determining the level and/or need of clearance monitoring.

Note: Definitions for air monitoring programs, competent person, client, bonded and friable asbestos, and risk assessment can be found in NOHSC: 2002(2005), The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 and Code of Practice for Risk Assessment 2001 .

1 The National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (NOHSC) is now referred to as the Australian Safety & Compensation Council, 20 October 2005 .

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