Preventing exposure to asbestos fibres is the most effective means of preventing asbestos-related diseases, says the the national Asbestos Awareness Campaign.
With 13 Australians dying every week from asbestos-related diseases, 12 from malignant mesothelioma, and with another 13 diagnosed with this incurable cancer, it’s vital that all those working in the commercial and non-residential property sector ensure compliance with regulations to minimise exposure of workers, tradespeople and bystanders.
To address the need for improved, safer management of asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in commercial and non-residential property settings, the national Asbestos Awareness Campaign has developed a free, user-friendly asbestos management resource package to help improve regulatory compliance across the sector.
The Asbestos Management Handbook for Commercial and Non-residential Properties provides architects, property owners, managers, developers and tradespeople with essential, practical, user-friendly guidelines and tools to manage ACMs in line with requirements.
The Handbook includes a comprehensive list of building types including commercial, industrial, government, recreational, agricultural, hospitality, health services and education facilities, religious, transport and tourism structures.
It details the roles and responsibilities for the management of asbestos and ACM, provides examples of best practice and a comprehensive list and images to demonstrate ACMs commonly found in commercial and non-residential properties.
More importantly, the Handbook provides practical guidance on the steps required to adhere to regulations including how to develop and manage an Asbestos Management Plan, an Asbestos Register, the training requirements for workers, and it defines Asbestos Inspections, Surveys, Risk Assessments and the steps required when asbestos removal is in progress.
The comprehensive Handbook, Asbestos Management Templates and Fact Sheets can be downloaded from here.
