This month we address the new WorkSafe Victoria Asbestos Compliance Codes, released in October 2018. They replace the Compliance Codes issued in 2008, which are no longer in force and effect.
The following Codes have been updated to reflect changes made in the Victorian Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2017:
- Managing Asbestos in Workplaces 2018: This compliance code provides practical guidance on how to comply with your obligations under Victoria’s occupational health and safety legislation to manage risks associated with exposure to asbestos in your workplace.
- Removing Asbestos in Workplaces 2018: This compliance code provides practical guidance on how to comply with your obligations under Victoria’s occupational health and safety legislation when your work involves removing asbestos.
To download the new Codes please click on the following links:
https://Managing-asbestos-in-workplaces-compliance-code-2018.pdf
https://Removing-asbestos-in-workplaces-compliance-code-2018.pdf
A summary of Who the Asbestos Compliance Codes Apply to and What they Contain has been outlined below:
Managing Asbestos in Workplaces 2018
1. Who it applies to
In general, duty holders have a range of duties associated with controlling risks associated with the presence of asbestos in workplaces. Although duties are generally subject to what is reasonably practicable, the ultimate goal is for workplaces to be free of asbestos.
The Compliance Code for Managing Asbestos in Workplaces applies to a range of duty holders, including:
- persons who have management or control of a workplace
- employers at a workplace where asbestos is present
- employers or self-employed persons performing demolition or refurbishment work at a workplace where asbestos is present
- Additionally, it may be useful for HSRs and employees (including independent contractors) who are involved in or affected by the management of asbestos in a workplace, demolition or refurbishment work, or asbestos-related activities.
2. What it contains
If your work involves situations where exposure to asbestos could occur, there are specific duties and obligations you need to comply with under the OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017. This compliance code gives you practical guidance on how to comply with those duties and obligations. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.
This information is particularly relevant if you have management or control of a workplace, or plant in a workplace, where asbestos is present, or you are an employer at a workplace where asbestos is present. It is also relevant for employers or self-employed persons performing demolition or refurbishment at a workplace where is asbestos is present.
It includes information on:
- What the duties are for controlling exposure to asbestos
- How to determine who has management or control of a workplace
- How to identify and analyse asbestos in the workplace
- How to create and maintain an asbestos register
- Indicating the presence of asbestos
- Controlling risks to health associated with the presence of asbestos
- How to manage demolition and refurbishment work where asbestos is present
It is recommended that you follow the compliance code. If you comply with a code, you are deemed to comply with the Act or Regulation duty covered by the code. However, codes are not mandatory and duty holders may choose to use some other way to achieve compliance.
Removing Asbestos in Workplaces 2018
1. Who it applies to
The information in this compliance code is particularly relevant if you are a licensed asbestos removalist, or an employer or self-employed person carrying out limited removal work.
The Compliance Code for Removing Asbestos in Workplaces is also relevant for people who commission asbestos removal work, those who manage or control workplaces where removal work is performed, and employees and health and safety representatives of workplaces where removal work is carried out. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.
2. What it contains
It includes information on:
- What the duties are for controlling exposure to asbestos
- How to determine who has management or control of a workplace
- General requirements for all asbestos removal work
- Paraoccupational air monitoring and clearance inspections
- Who an ‘independent person’ is for the purpose of Part 4.4 of the OHS Regulations
- Duties associated with asbestos-contaminated soil
- Examples and technical information for a range of asbestos removal scenarios
Useful Links:
BB Risk Solutions Consultants are trained and competent in the inspection and safe management of asbestos. We will work with you to ensure you are fully informed of the potential risks, assist you navigate legal obligations and provide appropriate management options.
For more information on the Asbestos Compliance Codes, and for advice regarding Managing Asbestos in Workplaces and Removing Asbestos in Workplaces, please call 03 852 814 05, email info@bbrisksolutions.com.au or visit our website www.bbrisksolutions.com.au