Report 3

Asbestos Management in Public Sector Agencies

Introduction and Overview

Introduction

This report, which follows our 2007 report on Management of Asbestos-Related Risks by Government, assessed if seven public sector agencies managed asbestos risks effectively. The seven agencies were responsible for asbestos management of over 50 000 properties, though most of these were controlled by just two agencies. Three of these agencies were also included in our 2007 report.

We assessed if they had complete and up-to-date registers of the location and condition of asbestos and if they had management plans to address asbestos risks. We also assessed how Building Management and Works (BMW) managed asbestos risks in its delivery of building and maintenance services to other agencies.

Overview

Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance, which has been used in many products for commercial, industrial and residential use. Between 1945 and 1980, asbestos was widely used in the construction industry. Due to the health risks associated with exposure to asbestos, its use was phased out in building products in the late 1980s. The state, territory and Commonwealth governments banned its import and new uses in December 2003.

Asbestos fibres may be so tiny they can be inhaled deeply into the lungs causing a range of diseases. Those most at risk of asbestos-related disease are people exposed to it while working in mining, manufacturing, building and construction industries. People involved in uncontrolled removal of asbestos are also at risk, as are those employed to work in old buildings that are being renovated or demolished.

The risk asbestos poses is very low when it is in good condition and left undisturbed. If it is poorly managed, fibres can be released, increasing the health risks. The time between exposure and illness can be decades and multiple exposures increase the risk. Although exposure to asbestos does not always lead to an asbestos-related disease, it is important that the risk of exposure be minimised.

Under Western Australia’s (WA) occupational safety and health legislation, government agencies need to identify asbestos present in properties they own or lease. They are required to assess the level of risk, and minimise the hazard to staff or others. The legislation also refers to the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)] (the Code). The Code requires all employers to create a register and manage the risks using an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP).

Between 2007 and 2009, the Asbestos Steering Committee (ASC) developed and led a strategy for management of asbestos in the public sector. The ASC was dissolved after meeting its terms of reference.

In 2013, the Commonwealth issued the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management. The plan aims to eliminate asbestos related disease in Australia by preventing asbestos exposure. WorkSafe advised that Cabinet endorsed phase one of the revised plan in February 2015.

 
Page last updated: April 22, 2015

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