What is an Asbestos Register?

What is an Asbestos Register and Why is it Important?

Asbestos was widely used in construction before its dangers were fully recognised, and while its use is now banned in many countries, including Australia, many older buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Managing these materials safely is crucial to preventing exposure, which is where an asbestos register comes into play.

An asbestos register is a key document used to identify, record, and manage asbestos risks in workplaces and buildings. It is often a legal requirement, particularly in commercial properties and workplaces. In New South Wales (NSW), Australia, for example, regulations under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act 2011 mandate that workplaces built before 31 December 2003 must have an asbestos register unless all asbestos has been removed.

What is an Asbestos Register?

An asbestos register is a formal document that records the presence (or assumed presence) of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a building. The register typically includes:

• The location of asbestos within the property
• The type and condition of the asbestos (friable or non-friable)
• An assessment of risk related to exposure
• Any actions taken or recommended for asbestos management

This register must be kept up to date and made available to workers, contractors, and safety representatives who may need to access it.

Who Needs an Asbestos Register?

An asbestos register is required for:

• ‍Workplaces, offices, factories, and commercial buildings built before the asbestos ban
• Public buildings, such as schools, hospitals, and government properties
• ‍ Industrial sites where asbestos may be present
• Construction or demolition sites where asbestos may be disturbed

In NSW and other parts of Australia, residential buildings do not require an asbestos register unless they are used as a workplace. However, homeowners planning renovations or demolitions should still have an asbestos inspection carried out.

Why is an Asbestos Register Important?

1. Legal Compliance

Many regions, including NSW, require workplaces and commercial buildings to have an asbestos register. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to significant fines and penalties from workplace safety authorities.

2. Protecting Health and Safety

Exposure to asbestos fibres can lead to serious diseases, including:

• Mesothelioma (a rare and aggressive cancer)
• Lung cancer
• Asbestosis (a chronic lung condition)

Having an up-to-date asbestos register helps prevent accidental exposure and ensures that safety measures are in place.

3. Essential for Renovation and Demolition

Before any renovation, maintenance, or demolition work, the asbestos register must be reviewed. This ensures that workers do not disturb asbestos unknowingly, preventing dangerous fibre release.

4. Risk Management for Businesses and Property Owners

For businesses, an asbestos register is part of workplace safety management. It helps in monitoring, planning, and removing asbestos safely when necessary. Property owners also benefit by avoiding unexpected liabilities related to asbestos exposure claims.

What Should an Asbestos Register Include?

An asbestos register should contain:

• Survey results from an asbestos inspection
• List of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs), including their location
• Risk assessment and classification of ACMs (friable vs. non-friable)
• Recommendations for control measures (e.g., sealing, removal, or ongoing monitoring)
• Records of asbestos inspections and updates

The register must be accessible to workers, contractors, and anyone else likely to come into contact with ACMs.

Who is Responsible for Maintaining the Register?

The owner, manager, or employer responsible for a workplace or commercial property is required to maintain and update the asbestos register. This could be:

• Business owners or employers (if they control the workplace)
• Property managers or landlords (if they lease commercial buildings)
• Safety officers or WHS representatives

In NSW, the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) is legally required to ensure the asbestos register is kept up to date.

What Happens if an Asbestos Register is Not Maintained?

Failing to maintain an asbestos register can lead to:

• Fines and legal penalties (varies by country and state, with strict enforcement in places like NSW)
• ‍Prohibition notices preventing work from continuing
• ‍Risk of accidental exposure, leading to potential lawsuits or health consequences

How to Get an Asbestos Register?

If your property requires an asbestos register, the process usually involves:

1. Hiring a licensed asbestos assessor to conduct a survey
2. Receiving a professional report identifying ACMs and their condition
3. Creating a formal asbestos register based on inspection results
4. Implementing an asbestos management plan if necessary

For those in NSW, licensed assessors can be found through SafeWork NSW or accredited asbestos removal agencies.

Final Thoughts

An asbestos register is a vital tool for managing asbestos risks, protecting health, and ensuring legal compliance. Whether you own a commercial building, manage a workplace, or plan renovations, having an asbestos register in place is essential for safety and peace of mind.

If you’re unsure whether your property needs an asbestos register, it’s best to seek professional advice from a qualified asbestos inspector.