Asbestos Management

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral rock which is made up of mineral silicate fibres. These fibres belong to either the serpentine or amphibole mineral groups. The three main types of asbestos are:

Chrysotile	"white" abestos belonging to the serpentine group
Crocidolite	"blue" asbestos belonging to the amphibole group
Amosite	"brown" or "grey" asbestos - belonging to the amphibole group

Asbestos is known for its strength and resistance to chemicals and heat. These properties resulted in asbestos becoming a component of thousands of different products. The range of applications included reinforcing in asbestos-cement sheeting, as an insulator on pipes and in building as a fire retardant in a variety of products and materials.

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) was used in a variety of workplaces from the 1940s up until the early 1980s when the dangers to health inherent in exposure became more widely acknowledged.

Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) is now used as a ‘catch-all' term in the legislation and Codes of Practice. Asbestos Containing Material means any material, object, product or debris containing asbestos.

Why is asbestos a risk?

Inhalation of asbestos fibres has been linked to three respiratory diseases - asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Exposure may also relate to other cancers, however, there is no conclusive evidence to support these concerns. The three identified diseases are characterised by long latancy periods, that is, 20-40 years from exposure to asbestos to the onset of disease.

Where might asbestos be located in the University?

The Division of Facilities Management undertook an audit of CQUniversity buildings in 2004 to identify buildings that contained ACM. Asbestos Registers were developed for each building where ACM were located. An annual inspection of these building is carried out and the Asbestos Registers are updated.

Any area which contain ACM including plant, equipment and components, are to be reasonably signposted with warning signs to ensure the asbestos is not unknowing disturbed without the correct precautions being taken. Examples of the warning signs and labels provide an indication of the words that may be used to alert persons to the presence of ACM asbestos hazards. Example may include:

Asbestos-Warning-Image

Asbestos containing materials are present in many existing buildings on the Rockhampton Campus. Bundaberg, Gladstone and Mackay campuses do not have any ACM.

CQUniversity buildings still have ACM located in the followings:

insulating boards used for fire protection, thermal insulations, partitioning and ducts;
some ceiling tiles;
heater banks on air handling units;
vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles; and
asbestos cement products (the most common asbestos material in the University).

ACM includes asbestos-cement sheeting, gutters, downpipes and ridge capping. Asbestos-cement sheeting can be flat (e.g. internal cladding) or corrugated (e.g. roof sheeting) and is often referred to as "fibro". ACM was commonly used in the building industry between the 1940s and early 1980s.

Do building occupants know where asbestos materials are located within their building?

Division of Facilities Management (DFM) and the Health and Safety Unit have implemented the Asbestos Management Plan (and Appendix) for the University. Buildings containing ACM have been identified will have an Asbestos Register. These Registers identifies the location and type of asbestos containing material.

As part of CQUniversity - Asbestos Management Plan (and Appendix), DFM will maintain the currency of the registers of asbestos containing materials within each building. DFM has a central or master register. It is intended that this central register will be maintained as the prime data source. Processes will be developed to ensure that this register is updated as ACM is removed or on the disposal of buildings containing asbestos. Each building Asbestos Register will be updated with any change of circumstance.

What are the responsibilities of persons in control of our workplace?

Develop and implement and maintain an asbestos management plan.
Investigate the workplace for the presence or possible presence of ACM.
Develop and maintain a register of the indentified or presumed ACM, including details on their location, accessibility, condition, risk assessments and control measures.
Assess the condition of any ACM that are found and the associated asbestos risk.
Develop measures to remove the ACM or otherwise to minimise the risks and prevent exposure to asbestos.
Ensure the control measures are implemented as soon as possible and are maintained as long as the ACM remain in the workplace.

Who should remove asbestos material from the buildings?

Asbestos removal will occur under the management or supervision of DFM, either as a specific project or as part of maintenance or refurbishment projects. DFM will update the registers as part of these activities.

There may be instances where organisational units funded initiatives involve the removal or disturbance of ACM. The Organisational Unit is to seek advice and assistance from DFM before proceeding with any work. Organisational Units should be mindful that relatively ‘minor' works could involve areas where ACM is present.

Removal or disturbance of ACM should be avoided. If removal or disturbance of ACM is necessary, then DFM must be contracted and they will arrange for an accredited person to undertake the work.

What should staff do if they believe they have been exposed to asbestos?

Staff are to contact the Health and Safety Unit to ensure appropriate services and support can be provided. Following this process will ensure that the appropriate people are advised of the event and that a coordinated approach can be organised.

If an employee is experiencing health problems the first step should always be to encourage the employee to seek medical treatment. Employees are able to lodge an Incident Form and/or WorkCover Application for Compensation for injury and or notification purposes. The process for lodging these forms is explained in the Managing Asbestos Incidents Flowchart.

Further information can be found:

Asbestos Management Plan 2009