Safe Work Australia opens a public asbestos consultation

Safe Work Australia is conducting an asbestos public consultation to seek feedback on the issues surrounding the definition and requirements of competent persons for asbestos-related tasks in the workplace.

Asbestos Work Health and Safety Regulations

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that can cause serious health problems, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma if inhaled. Despite a nationwide ban on asbestos since 2003, it continues to be a safety concern as it is still present in some buildings built before 1990. Under the model Work Health and Safety Regulations, only a competent person with relevant training, qualifications, or experience can carry out certain asbestos-related tasks. These include asbestos identification, removal, assessment, and management.

However, the 2018 review of the model WHS (Work Health and Safety) laws found that stakeholders said the definition of a competent person for asbestos-related tasks is too broad. This makes it unclear as to who should or must perform certain asbestos-related tasks, and exactly what type of training, qualification, or experience a competent person should hold.

Public Consultation

As a result, an asbestos public consultation is being held. It will be part of Safe Work Australia’s efforts to ensure workplace exposure to asbestos is minimised and managed effectively. All stakeholders are invited to make a submission, including:

• industry experts on asbestos management
• persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) such as asbestos removalists, asbestos assessors, construction and demolition businesses
• workers
• health and safety representatives and practitioners
• persons with management or control of workplaces where asbestos has been identified.

The asbestos consultation will help to improve the current requirements and guidance for competent persons.

It is open to the public until 1 October 2023. You can contribute to the consultation on the Engage website.

Sources

Consultation on the requirements for competent persons for asbestos-related tasks by Safe Work Australia, August 21st, 2023