Identification of asbestos
Asbestos in the workplace
Asbestos in a domestic premises
It is often very difficult to identify the presence of asbestos by sight. The only way to be certain is to have a sample of the material analysed by a laboratory.
Sampling of anything you suspect may contain asbestos is itself hazardous and should only be done by a competent person, and analysed only in accredited laboratories.
More information on identifying asbestos and where this can be done is available from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) (non-Queensland Government link).
Asbestos in the workplace
Part 9 of the asbestos management code (non-Queensland Government link) requires that owners of workplaces must ensure all asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in their workplaces are identified, as far as practicable.
An owner must:
- identify the locations of all asbestos-containing material (ACM) and determine whether any inaccessible areas are likely to contain ACM
- identify the types (e.g. asbestos cement sheet, asbestos lagging on pipes and flues, asbestos-containing material gaskets in plant or machinery) and condition (i.e. damaged or intact) of ACM.
Only people who are competent in the identification of asbestos-containing materials are permitted to carry out these tasks.
More information on identifying asbestos and where this can be done is available from the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) (non-Queensland Government link).
Asbestos identified in the workplace must be recorded in a register of asbestos-containing materials.
Warning signs and labels to identify ACM in the workplace should also be used to ensure that the asbestos is not unknowingly disturbed without the correct precautions being taken.
For more information, refer to Fact Sheet - Identifying and recording asbestos in the workplace.
Asbestos in domestic premises
Part 9.4 of the asbestos management code (non-Queensland Government link) states how to manage asbestos in domestic premises when they are also workplaces, for example when someone is contracted to do work in a home that may expose them to asbestos, such as renovation work.
All businesses that perform work which may involve exposure to asbestos, including at domestic premises, must establish an asbestos management plan for the work to be carried out.
While many domestic premises contain ACM, they are unlikely to have a register of ACM. Precautions must be taken before work begins to identify the likelihood that ACM is present. While particular attention should be paid to buildings built prior to 1990, recycled materials used in buildings built after 1990 may contain asbestos.
Work at domestic premises that may involve exposure to ACM includes:
- demolition and renovation
- electrical maintenance or installation, including work on electrical meter boards
- maintenance or installation of walls, roofing, ceilings or flooring
- plumbing maintenance or installation.
If there is any known or suspected asbestos on the premises, the owner, occupier and/or resident must be informed.
Where asbestos is present or assumed to be present, work must be done in accordance with the risk assessment and control measures provided in Parts 10 and 11 of the asbestos management code (non-Queensland Government link).
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