WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority Halil Ahmet July/August 2012 ASBESTOS MPMSAA Presentation

Outline What is asbestos? Where can it be found? Current legislation in Victoria Plumbers obligations/duties Scenarios

What is Asbestos? Fibrous naturally- occurring mineral 3 main types: Chrysotile (white) Amosite (brown) Crocidolite (blue)

Where is asbestos found? Vinyl floor tiles Lagging on hot water pipes Roof sheeting Asbestos cement sheeting Chimney flues Lining under eaves Imitation bricks or weatherboard cladding Houses & building materials pre- 1990’s

Types of Asbestos Friable: hand pressure can reduce to powder when dry eg. pipe lagging Non-friable: bonded/mixed with cement or similar material eg. AC products, vinyl tiles

Health Hazards of Asbestos Lung Cancer Pleural plaques & Asbestosis Mesothelioma

Initial asbestos exposure First symptoms of mesothelioma Health Hazards of Asbestos

Asbestos Handbook Asbestos Legislative Requirements OHS Regulations 2007 Chapter 4.3, Parts 1-8 Removing Asbestos In Workplaces Compliance Code Employer Duties How to comply with the Regs Summary of legislative requirements Managing Asbestos In Workplaces Compliance Code

Legal Responsibilities Employer Duties In a domestic premises it is the duty of the tradesperson to determine whether asbestos is present Friable Non-Friable Asbestos licence required <10sqm & < 1 hr in 7 days >10sqm or > 1 hr in 7 days No licence required – must be trained & have controls in place Notification, Control Plan, Training

Legal Responsibilities Employer Duties In an established workplace it is the duty of the employer at that workplace to identify or have a register identifying asbestos in the workplace. Ask to see the asbestos register Ask to see the asbestos register to identify whether you will be working on or near asbestos containing materials. If there is no asbestos register and you are to work in an area where you suspect material may be located that contains asbestos confirm whether asbestos is present before you commence work Confirmation may mean having a sample analysed by a NATA accredited person or assuming the material is asbestos.

Legal Responsibilities – Asbestos Removal Employer Duties Control Plan - Required for a licensed removalist Signs & Barricades PPE -coveralls -respirators Tools & Equipment -Asbestos vacuum cleaner -Damp rags -Decon facilities Waste disposal program

Scenario 1 – Replace an old hot water service  Is non-friable asbestos identified?  Yes (if domestic you identify)  Is the area less than 10sqm?  Yes  Will the task take less than 1 hour?  Yes  Based on the above 2 questions/ answers a licence is not required  Are the plumbers asbestos trained, and is PPE, decontamination and waste collection/disposal (EPA licensed landfill) addressed?  Yes  Notification to WorkSafe not required

Scenario 2 – Renovation of small bathroom  Is asbestos identified in the walls, floor, ceiling, cabinets?  Yes  Will the demolition take longer than 1hr in total?  Yes  Is the area greater than 10sqm?  Yes  Does the company hold an Asbestos Removal License?  Yes  Licensed removalist must Notify WorkSafe

Notify WorkSafe 5 days before removal Prepare Asbestos Control Plan Isolate Area Correct PPE Asbestos waste control Training records, Control Plan & licence available on site Clearance Certificate required where asbestos removed is greater than 10 sqm. Licensed Asbestos Removal Duties

WorkSafe Victoria is a division of the Victorian WorkCover Authority Questions?? MPMSAA Presentation