When dealing with asbestos and demolition work, it is crucial for workers to manage health and safety risks in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (WHS Regulation). WorkCover Queensland emphasizes the need for workers to adhere to specific requirements, especially when asbestos is involved.
Key considerations for asbestos and demolition work include:
Asbestos Removal Before Demolition: Sections 452 and 453 of the WHS Regulation stipulate the removal of asbestos before demolition, where reasonably practicable. If not, duty holders must provide evidence justifying why removal was not feasible.
Minimizing Airborne Asbestos Fibres and Dust: Employ methods to reduce airborne asbestos fibres during demolition if removal before or during emergency demolition is not reasonably practicable. Techniques such as wet spray methods can be used to saturate asbestos surfaces and control water runoff.
Soil Management: Soil scraping and excavation within the demolition zone are necessary when asbestos is present. Proper containment and disposal procedures for soil with asbestos material are essential, with sampling and analysis only required if visible asbestos-containing material debris remains.
Licensing Requirements: WorkCover Queensland emphasizes that all asbestos removal must comply with the WHS Regulation. A or B class asbestos removal licenses are required based on the amount and type of asbestos. Demolition operators may also need a specific license.
Asbestos Removal Control Plan: A licensed asbestos removalist must prepare an Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) before demolition begins. Guidance on ARCP content is available in the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021.
Notification: Licensed asbestos removal and certain demolition activities must be notified to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland before commencement.
Training: Adequate training and certification, aligned with VET courses relevant to the asbestos class, are required for workers and supervisors involved in asbestos removal.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Appropriate PPE, determined by risk assessment, must be provided to workers, including safety boots, boot covers, disposable coveralls, and respiratory protective equipment.
Site Security: Employ a combination of warning signs and barricades to restrict unauthorized access to asbestos removal areas.
Decontamination Facilities: Ensure availability of decontamination facilities for workers, plant, and equipment used in the removal area.
Informing Stakeholders: Owners, occupiers, and neighboring properties must be informed before asbestos removal and demolition commence.
Air Monitoring and Clearance Inspection: Mandatory air monitoring for class A asbestos removal work, with optional monitoring during non-friable asbestos removal or demolition. Clearance inspection by an independent licensed assessor is essential.
Asbestos Waste Disposal: Properly contain and label asbestos waste for disposal at authorized sites. Comply with transport and disposal regulations for asbestos waste.
By following these guidelines, workers can contribute to a safe and compliant asbestos and demolition work environment.