WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority
Halil AhmetJuly/August 2012
ASBESTOS
MPMSAA Presentation
Outline
What is asbestos? Where can it be found?
Current legislation in Victoria
Plumbers obligations/duties
Scenarios
What is Asbestos?
• Fibrous naturally-occurring mineral
3 main types:• Chrysotile (white)• Amosite (brown)• Crocidolite (blue)
Where is asbestos found?
Vinyl floor tiles
Lagging on hot water pipes
Roof sheeting
Asbestos cement sheeting
Chimney flues
Lining under eaves
Imitation bricks or weatherboard cladding
Houses & building materials pre- 1990’s
Types of Asbestos
Friable: hand pressure can reduce to powder when dry eg. pipe lagging
Non-friable: bonded/mixed with cement or similar material eg. AC products, vinyl tiles
Health Hazards of Asbestos
Lung Cancer
Pleural plaques & Asbestosis
Mesothelioma
Initial asbestos exposure
First symptoms of mesothelioma
Health Hazards of Asbestos
Asbestos Handbook
Asbestos Legislative Requirements
OHS Regulations 2007
Chapter 4.3, Parts 1-8
Removing Asbestos In Workplaces Compliance Code
Employer Duties
How to comply with the Regs
Summary of legislative requirements
Managing Asbestos In Workplaces Compliance Code
Legal Responsibilities
Employer DutiesIn a domestic premises it is the duty of the tradesperson to determine whether asbestos is present
Friable Non-Friable
Asbestos licence required
<10sqm & < 1 hr in 7
days
>10sqm or > 1 hr in 7
days
No licence required – must be trained & have controls in place
Notification, Control Plan, Training
Legal Responsibilities
Employer DutiesIn an established workplace it is the duty of the employer at that workplace to identify or have a register identifying asbestos in the workplace.
Ask to see the asbestos register
Ask to see the asbestos register to identify whether you will be working on or near asbestos containing materials.
If there is no asbestos register and you are to work in an area where you suspect material may be located that contains asbestos confirm whether asbestos is present before you commence work
Confirmation may mean having a sample analysed by a NATA accredited person or assuming the material is asbestos.
Legal Responsibilities – Asbestos Removal
Employer Duties
Control Plan- Required for a licensed removalist
Signs & Barricades
PPE-coveralls
-respirators
Tools & Equipment
-Asbestos vacuum cleaner-Damp rags-Decon facilities
Waste disposal program
Scenario 1 – Replace an old hot water service
Is non-friable asbestos identified? Yes (if domestic you identify)
Is the area less than 10sqm? Yes
Will the task take less than 1 hour? Yes
Based on the above 2 questions/ answers a licence is not required Are the plumbers asbestos trained,and is PPE, decontamination and wastecollection/disposal (EPA licensed landfill)addressed?
Yes
Notification to WorkSafe not required
Scenario 2 – Renovation of small bathroom
Is asbestos identified in the walls, floor, ceiling, cabinets? Yes
Will the demolition take longer than 1hr in total? Yes
Is the area greater than 10sqm? Yes
Does the company hold an Asbestos Removal License? Yes
Licensed removalist must Notify WorkSafe
Notify WorkSafe 5 days before removal
Prepare Asbestos Control Plan
Isolate Area
Correct PPE
Asbestos waste control
Training records, Control Plan & licence available on site
Clearance Certificate required where asbestos removed is greater than 10 sqm.
Licensed Asbestos Removal Duties
WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority
Questions??
MPMSAA Presentation