MidCentral District Health Board
Asbestos Management Plan
Prepared for
Mid Central District Health Board
Address
50 Ruahine Street
Palmerston North 4442
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Contents
1.
FOREWORD .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... . 3
2.
ASBESTOS FACTS ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 3
3.
HISTORICAL ASBESTOS USE .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... . 4
4.
KEY INFORMATION . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... . 5
5.
DUTIES.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... . 6
6.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT.. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10
7.
ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW . .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 10
8.
GENERAL ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION . .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 11
a.
Responsible Persons . .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 11
b.
Staff Awareness ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 12
9.
MANAGING ASBESTOS ON SITE ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 13
a.
Asbestos Survey and Register .... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 13
b.
Identification of Asbestos Containing Materials .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 13
c. Assessing the Exposure Risk . ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 14
d.
Managing Asbestos Related Risk .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 15
e.
Monitoring and Inspection .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 15
10.
WORKS AND VISITOR PROTOCOLS ... .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 16
a.
Contractors ... .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 16
b.
Emergency Services .... .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16
c. Maintenance and Servicing (Minor) Works .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 16
11.
ASBESTOS RELATED AND REMOVAL WORKS ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 17
a.
Refurbishment or Demolition Works .... .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 17
b.
Asbestos Works and Removals ... .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 17
c. Maintaining Documentation ... .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 18
d.
Air Monitoring and Clearance Inspections .... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 18
e.
Re-Occupying an Area Following Asbestos Removals .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. 19
12.
INCIDENTS/EMERGENCIES INVOLVING ASBESTOS .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 19
a.
Disturbance / Damage to Non-Friable ACM . .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 19
b.
Disturbance / Damage to Friable ACM ... .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 20
c. Incapacitated Person in an Asbestos Hazard Area . .. .. .. .. ... .. .. .. .. .. .. .. ... 20
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1. FOREWORD
Working in buildings that were constructed using asbestos containing materials does
not mean that your health is at risk. Studies have shown that bonded asbestos
containing materials, such as within old textured ceilings, floor tiles and fibrous
cement sheeting, do not pose a health risk if they are in good condition and left
undisturbed.
Our Property and Facilities team have implemented an on-going asbestos survey and
management program to identify and safely manage all previously installed asbestos
containing materials (ACM) within our buildings constructed pre-2000. As part of this
program, MidCentral District Health Board (MDHB) commissioned experienced and
reputable consultants to undertake specialised building surveys across its properties.
Communication with any affected parties has been on-going and extensive air
monitoring has assured us that the safety of our staff, patients and visitors has at no
time been compromised.
MDHB, as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), has duties under
the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 in relation to work
involving asbestos. Such duties include managing asbestos risks by ensuring that
asbestos is identified at the workplace, an asbestos management plan is prepared and
that the information in the asbestos management plan is kept up to date.
This document, the MDHB Asbestos Management Plan, sets out how the identified
asbestos or asbestos containing materials (ACM) at our buildings will be managed. It
is extremely important that each of us ensure that the Asbestos Management Plan is
strictly adhered to.
Maintaining a safe working environment for workers and patients is our highest
priority. MDHB is fully committed to protecting the environment and ensuring the
safety of our staff and the public.
2. ASBESTOS FACTS
Asbestos is the name used for a group of naturally occurring minerals that are made
up of many small fibres. These fibres are very strong, and highly resistant to heat,
fire, chemicals and wear due to friction. These properties made it an extremely
popular and widely used building material throughout the 20th century.
Potential Health Effects of Asbestos
Asbestos has been recognized as a health hazard for people employed in its
production and processing for centuries. However, it was not until the late nineteenth
century, with the onset of the Industrial Revolution, that its use became widespread,
and it was not until the early part of the twentieth century that the relationship
between the use of asbestos and a variety of health effects became a source of
concern to the medical profession.
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Many serious, debilitating and often fatal diseases have been linked to the respiration
of asbestos fibres. Although the mechanism of asbestos related diseases is still not
fully understood, it is known that there is normally a long waiting (latency) period
between the time of exposure and the occurrence of disease. This latency period can
typically be between ten to over forty years. Asbestosis, Mesothelioma and Lung
Cancer are the diseases most commonly associated with asbestos exposure, although
several other diseases have been linked to it.
The health risk of contracting an asbestos related disease is negligible for ’office’
building workers, however the risk for maintenance workers is higher. This is because
maintenance workers are more likely to come into contact with and disturb asbestos
containing materials in the normal course of their work.
3. HISTORICAL ASBESTOS USE
Asbestos was inexpensive to mine and has some very useful physical properties. As a
result, it has been used in over 3000 different commercial products worldwide. Some
of these physical properties include:
Resistance to high temperatures
High tensile strength (greater than steel)
Good acoustic soundproofing properties
High chemical resistance
Good electrical insulating properties
Good mechanical strength
Asbestos has been widely used in building construction over many years and in some
countries, its mining and use continues today. It is estimated that there are more
than 80,000 public buildings in New Zealand that were constructed with asbestos
containing materials. Asbestos products are generally classed into two groups: friable
and non-friable.
Friable Materials
Friable materials are those that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized or reduced to
powder using moderate hand pressure. The use of friable materials in construction is
banned today but due to its widespread use in the past, these materials are still
present in many of our older buildings.
Non-Friable Materials
Non-Friable refers to ACM in sound condition. Left undisturbed; it presents negligible
risk to building occupants and the general community. Therefore, removal of ACM
may not be immediately necessary. However, our surveys also take into
consideration immediate health risks based on the location and condition of the ACM.
The condition of any remaining ACM (such as fibre cement cladding to buildings) is
monitored and regularly inspected (at least annually) by an independent assessor.
Reasonably practical steps are taken to implement any recommendations to eliminate
or minimise health risks from these ACM.
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4. KEY INFORMATION
This Asbestos Management Plan identifies the risk posed by the presence of
asbestos at MDHB sites. It outlines the process that has been developed to manage
and monitor that risk. The plan must be kept on-site in a location that is easily
accessible to staff, workers and emergency services.
MDHB District Health Board Information
Address:
50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Levels:
Multi-Storey Property / Hospital Complex
Property & Facilities Manager Contact Details
Name:
Liam Greer
Phone:
06 350 8801
Email Address:
[email address]
Maintenance Manager Contact Details
Name:
Rachel Nesbit
Phone:
06 350 8862
Email Address:
[email address]
Health and Safety Manager Contact Details
Name:
Keyur Anjaria
Phone:
06 350 8800
Email Address:
[email address]
As stated in Section 14 of the Health and Safety and Work (Asbestos) Regulations
2016 this plan must be reviewed at a minimum of every 5 years. However, to align
with industry good practice this plan will be renewed every two years or sooner if
asbestos controls are reviewed, asbestos is removed, disturbed, sealed or enclosed or
if the plan is no longer adequate for managing the asbestos risks (e.g. if new asbestos
is identified).
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5. DUTIES
Duty
Description
Duty relating to exposure to airborne
The PCBU that manages or controls a
asbestos at workplace
workplace must make sure that exposure of a
person at the workplace to airborne asbestos
is removed as far as reasonably practical. If
this is not practical, then exposure must be
minimised as much as possible.
The PCBU must also make sure that the
airborne contamination standard for asbestos
is not exceeded at the workplace.
However, apart from minimising exposure as
far as possible, the above does not apply to an
asbestos removal area when it is enclosed to
prevent the release of respirable asbestos
fibres and negative pressure is used.
Duty to ensure asbestos identified at
The PCBU that manages or controls a
workplace
workplace and knows, or should know, that
there is a risk of exposure to respirable
asbestos fibres in the workplace must make
sure, as far as possible, that all asbestos or
asbestos-containing material (ACM) that may
cause a risk at the workplace is identified.
This does not apply:
if the PCBU assumes or has reasonable
grounds to believe that asbestos or ACM is
either present or not present
in relation to soil at the workplace unless
there is reasonable cause for the business
to suspect that asbestos-contaminated soil
is present.
If material at the workplace cannot be
identified, but the PCBU believes that the
material is asbestos or ACM, the PCBU must
assume the material is asbestos.
If part of the workplace is inaccessible to
workers and likely to contain asbestos or ACM,
the PCBU must assume that asbestos is
present in that part of the workplace.
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Duty to analyse samples
The PCBU that manages or controls a
workplace may identify asbestos or ACM by
arranging for a sample of material at the
workplace to be analysed. The analysis must
be done by an accredited laboratory.
Duty to ensure presence and location of
The PCBU that manages or controls a
asbestos indicated
workplace must make sure that the presence
and location of asbestos or ACM identified at
the workplace are clearly indicated. This must
be done to meet the requirements of any
applicable safe work instrument.
Duty to prepare asbestos management plan From April 2018, when asbestos or ACM has
been identified at a workplace, or is likely to
be present, the PCBU that manages or controls
the workplace must make sure that an
asbestos management plan is prepared and
kept up to date.
The plan must include information about the
following:
The identification of asbestos or ACM
Decisions, and reasons for decisions,
about the management of the risk arising
from asbestos at the workplace
Procedures for detailing incidents or
emergencies involving asbestos or ACM at
the workplace
The workers who carry out work involving
asbestos, including:
o
information and training that has been,
and will be, provided to the workers,
o
roles and responsibilities of the workers,
o
any health monitoring of the workers that
has or will be done.
The PCBU must make sure that a copy of the
plan for the workplace is available to:
a worker (or their representative) who has
carried out, or intends to carry out work
at the workplace, and
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a PCBU that has required, or may require
work to be carried out at the workplace.
From 4 April 2018, the PCBU that manages or
Duty to review asbestos management plan
controls a workplace that has an asbestos
management plan must make sure that the
plan is reviewed and, if necessary, revised if:
there is a review of a control measure
asbestos is removed from, or disturbed,
sealed, or enclosed at, the workplace
the plan is no longer adequate for
managing the asbestos or ACM risk at the
workplace
a representative requests a review as
detailed below
five years have passed since the plan was
last reviewed.
A representative for workers may request a
review of the plan if they believe that:
any situation mentioned above affects or
may affect the health and safety of a
member of the work group they
represent, and
the PCBU that manages or controls the
workplace has not adequately reviewed
the plan in response to the situation.
Duty to provide health monitoring
A PCBU must make sure that health
monitoring is provided to a person working for
them if the worker is at risk of exposure to
asbestos when doing licensed asbestos
removal work, other ongoing asbestos removal
work, or asbestos-related work.
The PCBU must make sure that the health
monitoring of the worker doing licensed
asbestos removal work begins within four
weeks of them starting.
The PCBU does not have to provide health
monitoring for a worker engaged to do Class B
asbestos removal work under a Class B
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asbestos removal licence for no more than four
weeks in any 12-month period.
Duty to ensure that appropriate health
A PCBU must make sure that (unless another
monitoring is provided
type of health monitoring is 16recommended
by a medical practitioner) the health
monitoring of a worker includes a physical
examination and consideration of:
the worker’s demographic, medical, and
occupational history, and
records of the worker’s personal exposure
to asbestos.
Duty to train workers about asbestos
A PCBU must not use, or direct or allow a
worker to use, a high-pressure water spray or
compressed air on either asbestos or ACM.
This is in addition to the training required by
regulation 9 of the Health and Safety at Work
(General Risk and Workplace Management)
Regulations 2016.
This does not apply in relation to an asbestos
removal worker engaged for work under an
asbestos removal licence.
The PCBU must make sure that a record is
kept of the training undertaken by the worker
while they are carrying out the work, and for
five years after the worker finishes working for
the business. The record must be available for
inspection.
Duty to limit use of equipment on asbestos
A PCBU must not use, or direct or allow a
or ACM
worker to use, a high-pressure water spray or
compressed air on either asbestos or ACM.
However a high-pressure water spray may be
used for fire-fighting or prevention purposes,
or to clear or prevent blockages in waste water
or water pipe networks. In specific instances a
high-pressure water spray may be used in a
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relevant approved method for managing risk
associated with asbestos
6. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT POLICY STATEMENT
This Asbestos Management Plan sets out how MDHB identified asbestos or ACM is
managed, including:
The identification of asbestos and ACM
Decisions, and reasons for the decisions, about how the asbestos risks are
managed
Procedures for recording incidents or emergencies involving asbestos in the
workplace
Information about workers carrying out work involving asbestos, including
o Information and training that has been or will be provided
o Their roles and responsibilities
o Any health monitoring that has been or will be conducted.
In accordance with New Zealand’s Health and Safety at Work (2015) Act, New Zealand’s
Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016, Approved Code of Practice:
Management and Removal of Asbestos (Nov 2016) and WorkSafe’s Guideline:
Conducting Asbestos Surveys (Oct 2016) and DHB policy.
The plan is developed in consultation with business management, MDHB Occupational
Health team and endorsed by Precise Limited Ltd, (Technical Experts).
7. ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT OVERVIEW
A copy of this plan and the premises asbestos survey and register, in addition to any
other relevant information as detailed in the DHB’s guidance, will be held at the Spotless
Facilities Management office.
This central folder will be made readily available to all those who need access to the
asbestos documentation.
To ensure DHB employees, contractors and visitors to the premises do not disturb ACMs
and are safe from potential exposure, the following effective asbestos management
procedures are in place:
A designated person/s responsible for the management of asbestos on the
premises (referred to as the Responsible Person); including the updating of
existing records;
A system to ensure ACMs are identifiable through appropriate labelling and/ or
colour coding;
Provision of asbestos awareness training to relevant employees and third parties
as deemed necessary (including the keeping of appropriate training records);
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To periodically inspect ACMs on a regular basis as specified within the Asbestos
Management Plan (AMP);
To periodically review this Asbestos Management Plan;
Provide access to the asbestos management central folder to contractors carrying
out maintenance and/or construction works (this includes IT contractors) prior
to the commencement of works;
Ensure that where deemed necessary, a refurbishment or demolition survey is
undertaken when the DHB undertakes any construction works;
Seek advice and guidance from suitably qualified and experienced Competent
Persons on any asbestos related work activities that are to be undertaken (this
may include, but is not limited to: re-inspections, asbestos removal works,
environmental cleans, encapsulation works & air-monitoring);
Inform the Client of any instances of suspected exposure to ACMs so that the
DHB can provide professional assistance and guidance (refer emergency
procedures);
8. GENERAL ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION
a.
Responsible Persons
The following designated person has been nominated to be responsible for managing
asbestos on MDHB's premises. This person shall be known as the Asbestos Coordinator:
Name
Title
Phone Number
Rachel Nesbit
Maintenance Manager 06 350 8862
The designated person detailed above has attended a recent asbestos awareness training
course. Details of these records can be found in their training records. All contractors
conducting asbestos related work or who may come into contact with asbestos and/or
ACM must undergo asbestos awareness training prior to working on this site.
MDHB is responsible for ensuring that other workers are suitably trained to undertake
the duties of the Asbestos Coordinator so there is adequate back up support if the
Asbestos Coordinator is unavailable. Regular meetings shall be held with the delegated
personnel to ensure that current issues are addressed, and proactive measures are in
place to deal with the management of identified and presumed asbestos and ACM. These
personnel are:
Name
Title
Phone Number
Liam Greer
Property&Facilities Manager
06 350 8801
Keyur Anjaria Health & Safety Manager
06 350 8800
The Asbestos Coordinator is the main contact point for all asbestos-related matters and
assumed responsibility for the safe management of asbestos in the workplace.
The Asbestos Coordinator shall:
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Know the presence and location of identified or presumed asbestos and ACM within
the workplace;
Be aware of the risks associated with the presence of asbestos;
Be aware of the measures in place to control those risks including the contents of
this AMP;
Ensure that matters related to asbestos risk management are communicated to
workers, whether they be employees, contractors or visitors;
Ensure that employees are given appropriate training and that these records are
held with the AMP;
Undertake inductions of contractors prior to the commencement of works at the
site;
Ensure that all contractors and their workers are suitably trained and competent
to undertake asbestos related and/or asbestos removal works;
Ensure that actions required to control the risk associated with the presence of
asbestos are implemented;
Conduct routine visual inspections of workplace facilities and document this in the
Asbestos Register;
Consult with the Health and Safety Representative (HSR) regarding the above,
including conducting inspections, maintaining the workplace’s Asbestos Register
and all proposed refurbishments, demolitions and minor works involving asbestos
and/or ACM;
Report on all asbestos-related concerns that have been discussed in employee
meetings and/or through other forums; and
Maintain and update the Asbestos Management Plans and record any asbestos-
related hazards and incidents into the in-house Incident Management System.
b.
Staff Awareness
All staff within MDHB will be provided with relevant information, on request, on:
Types and location of ACMs (via the Asbestos Register and this AMP);
The visual means of identifying ACMs (labels/colour coding);
How to avoid risks from asbestos (e.g. not disturbing); and
How to report concerns about ACMs (e.g. to the Duty Holder)
New and temporary staff will be inducted onto site as part of their general work-start
induction carried out by an approved and competent person.
All staff are to report any concerns in relation to ACMs to their line manager or the site
health and safety manager.
Any periodic updates on any asbestos related works will be communicated to staff via
email and staff notice boards.
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9. MANAGING ASBESTOS ON SITE
a.
Asbestos Survey and Register
The Asbestos Survey Report provides accurate information on the location, extent and
condition of ACMs. The information in the survey report will be used to form the asbestos
register which is a key component of the management plan for the DHB.
The DHB will ensure that an up-to-date copy of the asbestos survey/register and this
Asbestos Management Plan will be available on the premises. These documents shall be
available to workers, contractors and visitors.
Building Address
Location of documents
50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Spotless Facilities Management Office
All contractors must report to the above location upon arrival to the site. Contractors
must complete a contractor induction prior to commencing any works; this will include a
full review of this Asbestos Management Plan. The induction must be completed by the
Asbestos Coordinator or other delegated person as listed in Section 7a of this Plan.
b.
Identification of Asbestos Containing Materials
The areas of the site which have asbestos containing materials (ACMs) that require
management will be listed in the asbestos register within the asbestos survey report.
Controls and ongoing management plans for areas identified and/or presumed to contain
asbestos are included later in this plan.
Where areas are identified as inaccessible or as having limited access during the
Asbestos Management Survey, it is assumed that ACM are present within these areas
unless recorded when construction date and materials invalidates that assumption.
These areas will be treated as though they contain ACM unless determined otherwise
through surveying and sampling.
Where ACMs have been identified, the person/s named earlier in this plan as being
responsible for managing asbestos will ensure that the materials are capable of being
identified visually by all staff and contractors using the following:
Asbestos containing materials in rooms, corridors and other areas accessible to all
staff and contractors will be identified by a label/ sticker similar to those contained
within the table below; and
Asbestos containing materials in other areas will be labelled using labels
commensurate with legislative requirements i.e. a ‘tombstone’ label (see table
below).
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Examples of acceptable asbestos stickers/ labels to be used1
Asbestos sticker
Normal industry standard label used
The following examples of labels/
stickers are suitable for use within the
premises as part of the management
control procedures outlined within this
Asbestos Management Plan.
These examples are not exhaustive
and other appropriate stickers/ labels
may be used.
Encapsulated asbestos sticker
Used when ACMs have been
encapsulated
Presumed asbestos sticker
Used when similar materials have been
proven to contain asbestos or the area
is likely to contain asbestos and hasn’t
been tested as clear.
Warning sticker
Can be used in communal areas where
ACMs are present; may be used in
place of other types specified above
which may cause unnecessary concern
c.
Assessing the Exposure Risk
If the asbestos or ACM is in good condition and undisturbed, it is unlikely that airborne
asbestos fibres will be released. In this situation, the risk to health is low. It is usually
safer to leave the material in situ and periodically review its condition.
However, if the asbestos or ACM deteriorates, is disturbed, or if dust associated with the
ACM is present, there is an increased likelihood that asbestos fibres will be released and
become airborne.
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The material binding the asbestos fibres will have an impact on the potential for airborne
asbestos fibres to be released. For example, a loosely-bound sprayed coating is more
likely to release fibres if it is disturbed, compared to asbestos cement with firmly bound
fibres.
The exposure risk is taken into consideration when developing the control measures.
d.
Managing Asbestos Related Risk
If the PCBU is not sure whether asbestos is present in a building material that may be
affected by planned works, they must either assume asbestos is present and treat the
work as asbestos related work or have a sample analysed to determine the presence of
asbestos.
The PCBU must put control measures in place to minimise the risk of exposure to
respirable asbestos if it is not reasonably practicable to remove the asbestos.
The PCBU must ensure the airborne contamination standard for asbestos is not exceeded
within the workplace.
Specific situations where removal may be the best control include:
asbestos lagging on pipes;
asbestos in plant;
asbestos contaminated dust;
loose insulation; and
cracked or damaged fibreboard containing asbestos.
If it is not reasonably practicable to remove asbestos, the workplace PCBU must put
other control measures in place to ensure workers are not exposed to airborne asbestos.
These control measures include encapsulating or sealing the asbestos to minimise the
risk of fibre release.
Refer to Table 6 in the Approved Code of Practice – Management and Removal of
Asbestos for more information regarding options for managing asbestos containing
materials in buildings.
e.
Monitoring and Inspection
MDHB will ensure formal visual inspections of all known ACMs are carried out as
stipulated within Appendix 4: the Asbestos Management Tables of this Asbestos
Management Plan. The Asbestos Management Tables and supporting documents can be
accessed at the Spotless Facilities Office.
The details of these inspections should be recorded within the Asbestos Management
Tables to ensure the Asbestos Management Plan remains up to date.
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Formal visual inspections of retained ACMs will be conducted on at least an annual basis,
by the Responsible Person/s identified earlier in this plan. These will be conducted and
recorded periodically.
Any damaged or deteriorated materials found will be reported according to the
procedures detailed later in this plan.
The AMP must be reviewed every five years by a Competent Person.
10.WORKS AND VISITOR PROTOCOLS
a.
Contractors
Everyone attending the site to carry out any works is required to access and review the
asbestos survey, register and AMP before undertaking any work. These documents will
be provided by the person/s responsible for managing asbestos or other relevant
member of staff.
All contractors undertaking any work at the site will be required to sign that they have
reviewed the documents using Appendix 1 of this AMP.
Where there are ACMs that are to be worked on or nearby, no work will take place until
an appropriate method statement of work is produced, and the Permit-to-Work
procedures detailed in Appendix 2 have been authorised and implemented.
b.
Emergency Services
Emergency Services personnel attending site must be given access to the asbestos
survey, register and plan on arrival.
c.
Maintenance and Servicing (Minor) Works
Only competent personal shall be allowed to undertake asbestos related maintenance
and servicing works.
The Asbestos Coordinator shall:
Ensure only competent persons undertake asbestos related maintenance and
servicing works;
Ensure decontamination facilities are available and used properly;
Ensure anything within the asbestos work area is decontaminated or safely
contained before it is removed from the work area;
Ensure asbestos waste is disposed of safely and regularly in line with regulatory
requirements;
Ensure the asbestos work area is separated from the rest of the workplace;
Ensure the asbestos work area is sign-posted and barriers put in place to ensure
other workers and people do not enter the area;
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Identify any asbestos that workers may encounter when doing asbestos-related
work; if it is not possible to positively identify the presence of asbestos, assume
asbestos containing materials are present;
Inform workers who are undertaking ongoing asbestos-related work about the
health risks of asbestos exposure and provide health monitoring if they are at risk
of exposure to asbestos
Ensure, if there is uncertainty about whether the airborne contamination standard
for asbestos might be exceeded, air monitoring is undertaken;
Ensure only WorkSafe approved methods for asbestos-related work are used;
Ensure all people undertaking the asbestos-related work are aware of the
presence of asbestos. Prevent any work activity that might expose them or others
nearby to airborne asbestos; and
Keep up-to-date records for all Asbestos related works.
11.ASBESTOS RELATED AND REMOVAL WORKS
a.
Refurbishment or Demolition Works
Where MDHB commissions any construction works involving an upgrade, refurbishment
or demolition work, a refurbishment or demolition survey must be undertaken to locate
and describe, as far as is reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the work
will take place.
This will be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of the Health and Safety at
Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
Where necessary, MDHB will seek further advice and guidance from a competent person.
b.
Asbestos Works and Removals
MDHB will ensure that any works undertaken involving ACMs will be carried out within
the requirements of Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016. Guidance
from
WorkSafe
New
Zealand
can
be
found
at:
http://construction.worksafe.govt.nz/guides/acop-management-and-removal-of-
asbestos/#26-duties-for-licensed-asbestos-removal-work
Only appropriately licenced asbestos removal contractors should be selected to
undertake asbestos removal works. Where less than 10m2 of non-friable material is being
removed, no licence is required however the contractor must demonstrate they are
competent to undertake this work.
WorkSafe must be notified of planned removal works 5 days prior to work commencing;
excluding where
under 10m2 of non-friable material is being removed.
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Control measures will be detailed in the method statement/Asbestos Removal Control
Plan (ARCP) provided by the contractor. This document will be prepared by the asbestos
removal contractor in consultation with MDHB, the PCBU with management or control of
the workplace and workers and their representatives. The nominated supervisor is
responsible for ensuring that each individual worker is aware of their responsibilities to
follow risk control measures as detailed in the ARCP.
Where ACMs are to be removed, or encapsulated a competent person/Licensed Asbestos
Assessor will be contacted (consultant) prior to any such works taking place. The
consultant will be provided with a copy of the contractor’s method statement or ARCP;
the consultant will review this document and confirm that the control measures and
removal method are appropriate for the works to proceed.
The asbestos register/AMP will be updated accordingly following completion of the
asbestos related and/or removal works.
Where the DHB requires further guidance in relation to the Health and Safety at Work
(Asbestos) Regulations 2016, the support of the consultant will be sought.
c.
Maintaining Documentation
The Asbestos Coordinator shall maintain records of all completed Safe Work Method
Statements, Asbestos Removal Control Plans, Air Monitoring Reports and Clearance
Certificates.
d.
Air Monitoring and Clearance Inspections
As per the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 a clearance inspection
must be undertaken by a Competent Person or, as of 4 April 2018, a Licenced Asbestos
Assessor is required to undertake Class A Clearance work. Guidance from WorkSafe New
Zealand can be found at: http://construction.worksafe.govt.nz/guides/acop-
management-and-removal-of-asbestos/#28-clearance-inspections
A visual clearance inspection is required following the removal of non-friable (Class B)
asbestos or ACM. The Asbestos Assessor will undertake air monitoring and/or surface
sampling if deemed necessary.
The removal of contaminated soil will require soil sampling for validation in line with the
Guidelines for the Assessment, Remediation and Management of Asbestos Contaminated
Sites in Western Australia, May 2009.
During the removal of friable (Class A) asbestos there are more stringent control
measures:
Air monitoring for respirable fibres during the removal process to demonstrate
that fibres are not being released from the removal enclosure;
Four Stage Clearance Inspection – to be completed by a Licenced Asbestos
Assessor
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o Stage 1 – preliminary check of site condition and job completeness
o Stage 2 – thorough visual inspection inside the enclosure / work area
o Stage 3 – surface sampling and air monitoring for respirable fibres
o Stage 4 – final assessment post enclosure / work area dismantling
In the event of friable removals air monitoring is conducted during the removal work and
as part of the clearance inspection. Results of air monitoring should be compared with
the recommended control levels outlined in Section 30.3.1 of the Health and Safety at
Work Act, Approved Code of Practice – Management and Removal of Asbestos.
The recommended control levels, as listed below, provide an indication of the
occupational exposure levels relevant to quality control and re-occupancy of an area.
< 0.01 fibres/mL – trace level (controls are acceptable and in the event of a clearance
the area can be re-occupied)
> 0.01 fibres/mL but < 0.02 fibres/mL – above recommended control levels, review and
enhance controls
> 0.02 fibres/mL – stop work immediately, review controls and implement more
stringent control measures. Do not proceed with work until subsequent air monitoring
results are < 0.01 fibres/mL
Note: Air monitoring concentration of 0.02 f/ml or greater must be notified to
WorkSafe as a notifiable event.
e.
Re-Occupying an Area Following Asbestos Removals
Where works have involved the removal of asbestos and/or ACM, the Asbestos
Coordinator shall ensure that no one reoccupies an area where the removal works have
occurred until:
Air monitoring, if required, has been undertaken during and after removal of
asbestos and associated reports show no evidence of airborne fibres once asbestos
removal work has been completed; and
A Clearance Certificate has been issued confirming that the works have been
completed and the area is safe to occupy.
12. INCIDENTS/EMERGENCIES INVOLVING ASBESTOS
a.
Disturbance / Damage to Non-Friable ACM
Where non-friable asbestos containing materials (ACMs) have been damaged, or
damaged materials and deterioration are identified during the routine inspection
processes, the DHB will instigate the emergency procedure below.
The Responsible Person (Asbestos Co-Ordinator) shall:
Secure the area affected ensuring no access is permitted (signage should be
displayed, and barriers erected where appropriate);
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Review the impact to MDHB’s operational procedures i.e. if a work area is affected,
alternative work arrangements would need to be implemented as the
contaminated area cannot be used;
Contact: Inform the Health and Safety Manager and notify them of the damage;
The Health and Safety Manager/responsible person will then provide advice and
guidance as necessary. This may include, but is not limited to, inspecting the
damage reported, arranging an air monitoring test and arranging and managing
any associated remedial works required;
Maintain controlled access to the area, until such time as a formal clearance
inspection has been undertaken. Clearance guidance is outlined in section 28 of
the Approved Code of Practice: Management and Removal of Asbestos 2016; and
Maintain good communication with DHB staff and relevant other parties, providing
updates as necessary to ensure the access arrangements are not breached.
b.
Disturbance / Damage to Friable ACM
Where friable ACMs have been disturbed, knocked, damaged or there is significant
deterioration identified, MDHB will immediately engage a suitably trained person to seal
the area and implement control measures to eliminate/minimise the risk of respirable
fibre release from the area.
The areas adjoining should be vacated until air monitoring has been completed and
returned results under the workplace exposure standard of 0.1 fibres/mL averaged over
an 8-hour period as stipulated in the WorkSafe approved Workplace Exposure Standards
and Biological Exposure Indices, 8th Edition.
As soon as reasonably practicable, the area should be enclosed as a Class A removal
enclosure and both removal and decontamination works should take place. Section 10
of this Plan details the requirements for this work to take place.
c.
Incapacitated Person in an Asbestos Hazard Area
Where a person becomes incapacitated in an asbestos hazard area, immediately assess
the risk of moving the person to a ‘safer area’. DO NOT TOUCH OR MOVE THE PERSON
IF YOU SUSPECT ELECTROCUTION! Isolate power source before proceeding. If
they can be moved to a less hazardous area, then do so.
If they cannot be moved, then call 111 and request the fire brigades HAZMAT Rescue
team. Ambulance staff do not have the equipment or training to enter into an asbestos
hazard area.
Where the incapacitated person requires CPR, it is an individual’s choice as to whether
they remove their mask within the hazardous environment to administer CPR to the
incapacitated person or wait for the emergency services.
Emergency services will require a competent person to assist them with decontamination
of the incapacitated person.
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