We all know what asbestos is. But not everyone knows what an asbestos register is. That’s why in this piece we’re going to discuss what is this document, do you need one, and why?
If you own commercial space or a building that was built before 2004, you better take notes because this one’s for you!
But first, what is an asbestos register?
An asbestos register is a document that tells whether a commercial building has asbestos in it or not. Aside from that, it also specifies all the asbestos-containing materials or ACM whether they’re confirmed or just assumed ACMs.
Providing an asbestos register was mandated by the Work Health and Safety Regulation to all owners and managers of commercial properties that were erected before the total ban on asbestos in Australia in December 2003.
So how can you produce this piece of document?
If you are a property owner or manager, you must hire a professional asbestos inspection company that will thoroughly survey your building, get some samples, and test them for asbestos.
What information can you see in an asbestos register?
After all the inspection and testing, a report is then whipped up by the asbestos professionals to outline all details that are related to the asbestos presence in your building.
Below are only some of the details that you’ll see in an asbestos register:
- The locations or areas where the ACMs are
- Maps, outlines, and photos of these locations
- The type of asbestos that was found
- Friability of the asbestos
- Condition of the ACM and its risk of getting damaged in the future
- Dates of identification of the asbestos
Aside from these pieces of information, the asbestos professionals will also include the recommended dates of the next survey and asbestos testing of your building.
Ideally, your property should be reviewed every five years to check which ACMs already got damaged badly.
Why is an asbestos register necessary?
An asbestos register is more than just a record of ACMs that are in your building. Property owners, managers, and tenants can use this document to create an asbestos management plan to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure.
An asbestos register will also serve as a reminder for everyone to always take caution if they’re working near the ACMs. That’s why the register must be placed where people can easily find and see it.
If people are aware of the asbestos presence near them, they can easily prevent the disturbance of the ACMs, therefore, minimising their risk of exposure.
The asbestos register is not just for the tenants of the building. It would also serve as a guide for contractors if the building needs to go through either a renovation or demolition.
The contractors who will renovate or demolish the building should see the asbestos register first. This way, they could take precautionary steps before starting the project.
If the building with ACM is being renovated, the contractors should avoid the areas of ACMs as much as possible to avoid the disturbance.
But if the commercial building is being demolished, all the ACMs must be extracted first before moving on with the demolition.
Who is required to provide an asbestos register?
By law, you are required to produce this document if…
- You own a commercial building that was built before 2004
- You are the manager of that building or workspace
- You have plans of demolishing the building in the future
- You are a contractor that will do the renovation or demolition of the property
- You are the property manager that will oversee the projects
If you fail to provide an asbestos register when you’re legally required to, you will be fined up to $30K per property or building that you own. This amount will vary depending on the regulations of the state that you live in.
How much will it cost you to produce an asbestos register?
The price of an asbestos register will vary depending on several factors like the size of your building, the number of professionals needed to cover the property, the tools needed, and others.
Another important factor that drives up the price is the location of the building. An asbestos register Melbourne or Sydney and other high-end cities could be a lot pricier than in other states.
To know how much it will cost you to provide the said document, just ask for quotations from asbestos inspection companies near your area.