WHILE asbestos in the workplace can be a highly emotive issue, if there is no budget for its removal, its presence can be managed safely.

Tasmanian asbestos expert Caroline Langley, of Injury Prevention & Management (IPM), said while asbestos was highly toxic and caused a range of often deadly lung diseases, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, there was very little risk if asbestos-containing materials remained in the building undisturbed.

The IPM asbestos team – from left, Richard Jackson, Matt Gmelig, Caroline Langley and John Snooks.

“Potential health problems arise if asbestos fibres are released into the air as a result of disturbance through, for example, contact with power tools during renovations or demolition,” she said.

Asbestos-containing products were widely used in the construction industry throughout Australia between the 1940s and 1980s.

These products are often found in the walls and ceilings of buildings constructed during this period.

They can also be found in roofing, fencing, vinyl floor tiles, brake pads, electrical backing board and potable water pipes.

Ms Langley estimated that in Tasmania more than half of the state’s building stock would feature asbestos.

“Removal of asbestos is always the best solution, but not every business can afford to do this,” she said.

“Asbestos can safely remain in a building, but it must be made safe as far as practicable and the risk of release of airborne asbestos fibres minimised.

“New regulations that take effect from 1 January 2012 will mean every workplace constructed before 31 December 2003 will need an asbestos register.

“The register must include an assessment of the risk of fibre release.

“In addition, the register must be readily accessible to workers, health and safety representatives.

“All asbestos-containing materials must be labelled where it is practical to do so.  The asbestos must also be regularly inspected and the register updated.

“Asbestos-containing materials must be identified before refurbishment or demolition of a workplace.  And the risk of personal exposure must be adequately controlled.

The new regulations will require Tasmanian businesses to have an asbestos management plan.

The plan is a practical “how, when and why” document for decisions about asbestos management in the workplace, including emergency procedures.  It must be regularly reviewed and updated as required.

Ms Langley said removal of asbestos must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removalist.

“Regardless of the size of the removal task, all asbestos removal must comply with the Code of Practice for Safe Removal of Asbestos,” she said.

IPM offers professional asbestos risk management services for workplaces including:

• Asbestos identification.
• Asbestos registers and risk assessments.
• Airborne asbestos fibre monitoring (control, background and clearance).
• Asbestos education sessions.
• Asbestos Management Plans.

Ms Langley, a certified occupational hygienist, has been providing health, safety and environment advice for more than 20 years in NSW, the ACT and Tasmania.

She is the former national OHS&E manager for the CSIRO, where she was responsible for developing and coordinating the implementation of OH&S and environmental management systems across the CSIRO.  She also managed a team of 10 regional specialists providing internal health, safety, hygiene, environment and rehabilitation consultancy services to the CSIRO Australia-wide.