Asbestos
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In the event of the discovery of a hazardous material - especially asbestos - it
is imperative that the organisation put in place a comprehensive strategy to manage
the many significant issues that frequently arise within the first 24 hours.
We have developed a well-proven Critical Response Management
Strategy that can be brought rapidly into effect to assist in managing an
emergency HAZMAT Incident. To access our 24 hour 7 day per week HAZMAT Critical
Incident Response Service, please contact 1300 HAZ MAT at any time
and from anywhere in Australia (1300 429 628).
Experienced Heggies HAZMAT consultants are available immediately to guide your senior
management in addressing all key issues proactively and effectively:
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An Emergency Response Plan to Protect People and Isolate the HAZMAT Area
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Establish Legal Privilege - Enhances Effective Communication with all Stakeholders |
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A Critical Incident Strategic Management Plan to Control Actions and Responses |
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Consultants to Conduct Surveys/Inspections - Develop Decontamination Plans |
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Advice on Managing all Internal and External Consultation and Communication |
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Liaison with state government and other Authorities - Staff Training |
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Supervision of Decontamination and Remediation Works |
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Ongoing HAZMAT Monitoring and Provision of Clearance Certification |
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Exposure to airborne asbestos poses a Serious
Health Risk. It has been proven to cause lung cancer when the fibres are
inhaled. Unless properly managed, asbestos-exposed workers have an increased risk
of contracting two principal types of cancer: cancer of the lung tissue itself and
mesothelioma, a cancer of the thin membrane that surrounds the lung and other internal
organs. These diseases do not develop immediately following exposure to asbestos,
but appear only after a number of years.
By law, asbestos removal or encapsulation must be carried out by qualified and licensed
Asbestos Contractors. Persons with control of premises have
obligations and duties to ensure that the exposure of workers and other
persons to asbestos is either eliminated or kept as low as reasonably practicable
- and in all circumstances is kept below the National Exposure Standard (NES). The
management of Asbestos in Soil has special requirements.
Asbestos is one of the most prevalent hazardous materials in Australias. It is a
natural mineral fibre that was widely used in the first half of the 20th century
in a range of building materials, such as insulation, vinyl flooring and other building
materials. Potential Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) include:
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Cement Pipes |
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Asphalt Floor Tiles |
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Construction Mastics (floor tile, carpet, ceiling tile, etc.) |
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Fireproofing Materials |
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Elevator Equipment Panels |
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Thermal Paper Products |
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Caulking/Putties |
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Electric Wiring Insulation |
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Roofing Shingles |
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Boiler Insulation |
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Textured Paints/Coatings |
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Laboratory Hoods/Table Tops |
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Fire Curtains |
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Managing and controlling in-situ asbestos in the workplace should
focus upon:
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Identifying the asbestos containing materials (ACM) |
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Assessing the health risks associated with that ACM
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Implementing control measures to eliminate risks and prevent exposure to airborne
asbestos fibres
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The following hierarchy of controls should be adopted, ranked
from most preferred to least preferred:
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Elimination or Removal
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Isolation OR Enclosure OR Sealing
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Engineering Controls
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Safe Work Practices (OHS Administrative Controls)
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Personal Protective Equipment |
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