Protecting your building and residents
As a strata or building manager, you have a lot of responsibilities when it comes to managing your building. One of the most important is ensuring that your building is safe for residents and visitors. Asbestos is a material that can cause serious health problems, and it is important that you have an asbestos register and management plan in place to protect everyone who enters your building.
If the strata property or building you manage was constructed before 1990, it is likely it will contain asbestos. Buildings up to 2003 are also likely to have an ACM presence. Due to the highly regulated field of asbestos management, it is essential to have a register in place when engaging contractors to perform maintenance.
What is an asbestos register and why do you need one?
An asbestos register is a document that lists all the asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in your building. This includes any materials that contain more than 1% asbestos, as well as any presumed ACMs (materials that are likely to contain asbestos but have not been tested). The register should include information about the location, condition, and type of each ACM, as well as any risks associated with it. Having an asbestos register is essential for managing the risks associated with ACMs. This information can then be used to develop an asbestos management plan that outlines how the risks will be controlled.
What is an asbestos management plan and why do you need one?
An asbestos management plan is a document that outlines how you will manage the risks associated with ACMs in your building. It should include information about how you will monitor the condition of the ACMs, how you will control any risks associated with them, and how you will communicate this information to residents and visitors.
What are the key elements of an asbestos management plan?
The key elements of an asbestos management plan include:
- Identification of ACMs – This involves identifying all ACMs in your building and assessing the risks associated with each one.
- Risk assessment – This involves assessing the likelihood and severity of any risks associated with the ACMs.
- Control measures – This involves implementing measures to control the risks associated with the ACMs, such as removing or encapsulating them.
- Monitoring – This involves monitoring the condition of the ACMs to ensure that they remain safe.
- Communication – This involves communicating information about the risks associated with the ACMs to residents and visitors.
In conclusion, an asbestos register and management plan are essential for managing the risks associated with ACMs in your building. By identifying and assessing the risks associated with ACMs, implementing control measures, monitoring the condition of the ACMs, and communicating information to residents and visitors, you can ensure that your building is safe for everyone who enters it. As a strata or building manager, it is your responsibility to ensure that these measures are in place and that they are being followed.
Survey Services Pty Ltd can help with every aspect of the process, from initial inspection through to final documentation. We are licensed asbestos assessors, ISO accredited and have over 30 years of industry experience, guiding you through every step and ensuring your compliance. You can learn more about the latest WHS laws surrounding Asbestos Registers and Asbestos Management Plans by clicking HERE .
For more information or to obtain a quote, call us on 08 6491 9032 or email [email protected]