Asbestos Audits consist of an inspection and report on buildings, structures and premises for Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM). Asbestos materials can pose health risks to building occupants, employees, external contractors and the general public.
Asbestos is a hazardous material and exposure to airborne fibres can cause pleural plaque, asbestosis, lung disease, and mesothelioma. Exposure can occur from weathered asbestos or workers accidentally grinding, drilling, and removing products which contain asbestos.
An asbestos audit consists of an inspection of premises, buildings or structures for the presence of asbestos containing materials, a report with photographic catalogue in the form of a register, and control recommendations to provide the client with options to eliminate or reduce exposure risks to building occupiers and contractors.
Onsite asbestos registers contain the location of any known or presumed asbestos-containing materials and a risk-based assessment of the location and condition of the materials. The asbestos register will ensure that contractors working in workplaces know where they are likely to encounter asbestos so necessary precautions can be taken. Under the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in the Workplace [NOHSC:2018(2005)], it is mandatory that all “persons with control of premises” keep an accurate asbestos register on site and update it annually.
Asbestos audits and registers fulfil your obligations as an employer, building manager, owner or “persons with control of the premises” by:
•Meeting your occupational health and safety legislative requirements to protect workers and building occupiers from hazardous materials
•Meeting legislative requirements for the register and management of asbestos in the workplace under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996 and
•Complying with the hazardous materials auditing procedure (clause 1.6) of the AS 2601 Demolition of Structures
It is a statutory requirement that asbestos inspections be completed by a competent person on an annual basis at a minimum. The re-inspection will:
•Indicate whether any asbestos has deteriorated or been disturbed or damaged
•Assess current risks and make recommendations for ongoing management