Asbestos Action Plan 2019-2023
The South Australian Asbestos Action Plan 2019-2023 details the strategic actions the South Australian Government will undertake in order to implement the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management.
National Asbestos Exposure Register
The Australian Government has created a register to record the details of members of the Australian community who think they may have been exposed to asbestos containing materials.
The National Asbestos Exposure Register (external site) is managed by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (external site) (ASEA).
Safe Work Australia has released new Asbestos register at the workplace (external site) (PDF) guidance material.
Advice
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency
The role of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (external site) is to provide an effective coordinated response when asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in imported products are identified.
The ASEA has information dedicated to raising awareness (external site) about the risk of imported products containing asbestos as well as safety alerts (external site) on products that may pose a health risk from asbestos.
Australian Border Force
The Australian Border Force supports the Australia-wide ban on asbestos by preventing the import of prohibited asbestos products (external site).
It is the responsibility of importers to ensure any product they import is asbestos free. Goods manufactured outside Australia might be labelled 'asbestos free' and still contain low levels of asbestos. Importers must be aware of their supply chain including the origin and manufacturing process of parts and components, particularly those at risk of containing asbestos.
Tax Ruling
Did you know…?
If you are a landlord, testing and removal of asbestos from your rental property could be tax deductible (external site).
National Guide for Asbestos Surveys
The National Guide for Asbestos Surveys has been developed by the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) in consultation with asbestos professionals, industry associations, regulatory authorities and worker representatives.
This guide aims to provide a robust and standardised process for conducting asbestos surveys (also known as asbestos inspections or audits) in buildings and structures across Australia, so that effective actions can be taken to prevent exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
It describes the steps that asbestos surveyors should follow in identifying and recording the presence and location of asbestos containing materials (ACMs) and assessing the risk that the ACM presents. The guide incorporates the risk assessment model and ACM Risk Calculator developed by the Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency, enabling consistent and objective results to inform asbestos management and removal plans.
It also provides guidance for those who commission asbestos surveys (property owners or managers) on how to prepare for a survey and what to expect from this process to manage asbestos exposure risks.
A survey that is carried out in accordance with the guide will:
- provide accurate information on the location, type and condition of ACMs
- assess the risk of ACMs releasing asbestos fibres and whether remedial action is required
- assist in meeting legal requirements including the need for asbestos registers and asbestos management plans, and
- identify all ACMs that must be removed before demolition or refurbishment work begins.
Adopting the National Guide for Asbestos Surveys is not mandatory but is recommended to promote consistency and best practice in conducting asbestos surveys.