Do I Need an Asbestos Management Plan?

What Should an Asbestos Management Plan Contain?

Good asbestos management plans contain: 

• Detailed reports about the locations and amounts of asbestos, along with a robust plan for safe working methods to avoid disturbing asbestos fibres;

• How ACMs will be managed and monitored, along with a full implementation strategy;

• The timeframes that will need to be adhered to ensure full compliance with the relevant state WHS/WSE legislation and codes of practice;

• Roles and responsibilities of owners, management and duty holders;

• Training needs and any training plan that needs to be implemented;

• Project management guidance for any work to be carried out on the property; and

• A clear audit trail and accurate reporting for stakeholders, regulators and local authorities.

Who should control an Asbestos Management Plan?

The asbestos management plan must be accessible to the PCBU, any worker who carries out work at the workplace and any health and safety representatives at the workplace. Licensed asbestos assessors and hygienists will help you to develop the correct asbestos surveys for your exact needs and also assist you in developing an asbestos management plan that will maintain a safe environment for your workplace.

If you are concerned that there are other hazardous materials in your building, such as lead paint, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), ozone depleting substances (ODS) or mould, it is advisable to assess these at the same time as the asbestos survey. This ensures that hazards associated with the presence and disturbance of these substances are managed safely during routine demolition or refurbishment operations. These additional hazards are just as important to manage as your asbestos risk.