Your asbestos register needs to be comprehensive, up to date and easy to understand for any person who needs to know the location of asbestos and ACM at your workplace.
Your asbestos register must record all asbestos and ACM identified, or assumed to be present at the workplace, and must include the following information:
- the date the asbestos or ACM was identified or assumed to be present, including asbestos or ACM likely to be present from time to time (e.g date of the survey or test results from a NATA accredited laboratory)
- the type of asbestos
- the condition of the asbestos or ACM, and
- a location or description of where the asbestos or ACM can be found at the workplace.
In addition to the asbestos register, the presence and location of the asbestos and ACM should be marked on site plans and be accessible to any person who needs to know the presence of asbestos.
Photographs
You should include labelled photographs of the identified or assumed asbestos and ACM. This will help you and other persons reading the register to visually identify and confirm the location of the asbestos and ACM.
An example of an asbestos register is provided at the Appendix.
How should the asbestos register be stored?
Your asbestos register must be easily accessible at the workplace, at all times.
Online database
Storing the asbestos register online, linked via a website address or QR code is an option that allows multiple persons to access the asbestos register on-site or off-site and enter real-time information to update and maintain a single, electronic version. Regularly backup electronic versions of the asbestos register and ensure data security is in place to prevent loss or unauthorized access.
Local server network
Storing the asbestos register on the workplace’s local server network would also allow multiple persons to access the register at one time. You may need to copy, print and share the information with external persons, such as contractors, who would not normally have access to your local network.
Paper copy
Managing a paper copy of the asbestos register may be suitable for small businesses with only one or two workplaces. However, paper copies can be damaged, misplaced or lost, and version control can be an issue.
What should happen once the asbestos register is prepared?
Asbestos Management Plan
Your asbestos register is an important part of the written Asbestos Management Plan for your workplace. You must have an Asbestos Management Plan prepared for your workplace if asbestos and ACM has been identified or is assumed to be present.
As a PCBU preparing an Asbestos Management Plan, you must consult with workers and their representatives. This includes providing them an opportunity to ‘contribute to the decision‑making process relating to the Asbestos Management Plan’.
Signage and labels
Clear and visible signage and labels are important to effectively communicate the presence of asbestos and ACM in the workplace.
You must ensure labels are placed at the location where material has been identified or is assumed to be asbestos or ACM, whenever possible. Include information about the labels in the asbestos register that will help a person locate the asbestos and ACM at your workplace.
You can use signs to indicate the presence of asbestos and ACM if labels are not reasonably practicable. You may also use signs to provide instructions about how to access the asbestos register. For example, you could place signs in several locations such as the administration office, reception, electrical meter box, etc.
Who needs access to the asbestos register?
You must keep the asbestos register at your workplace in a location that is readily accessible for any person who needs to know the location of asbestos and ACM in a building, structure or plant, including:
- workers
- any health and safety representatives, and
- any PCBUs who have carried out or intend to carry out work at the workplace (e.g. owners, commercial tenants, licensed asbestos removalists, contractors, self-employed builders and tradespersons).
It is important that all persons accessing the asbestos register can understand the information included.
Demolition and refurbishment
Many structures and plants containing asbestos and ACM will eventually be demolished or refurbished.
Prior to any demolition or refurbishment work, the asbestos register must be reviewed to ensure the proposed area(s) for demolition or refurbishment has been surveyed and assessed for asbestos and ACM.
A typical asbestos register may list asbestos and ACM that is visible and accessible. Any inaccessible areas, equipment or materials that are not surveyed and included on the asbestos register, increases the risk of accidently disturbing unidentified asbestos and ACM during demolition or refurbishment work.
Undertaking a demolition or refurbishment asbestos survey, including sampling and testing of materials, if required, will ensure all identified asbestos and ACM is included in the asbestos register.
Extract from Safework Australia https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/asbestos-registers-workplace
Lupin Systems can assist you to create and maintain a fully compliant Asbestos Register. Call Kristy Titus on 0460 775 591.