Asbestos
Asbestos is the fibrous form of mineral silicate belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups of rock forming minerals, including white, brown and blue asbestos.
It is the duty of the employer or occupier of a workplace to determine whether or not asbestos is present in that workplace.
If asbestos is found in the workplace, it is the responsibility of the employer or occupier to assess the risk of employees being exposed. All aspects of exposure should be taken into account. Aspects may include:
- The age, layout and condition of asbestos containing material.
- The state of decay of the asbestos containing material.
- Whether work carried out by employees is likely to disturb the asbestos containing material.
- Whether the asbestos containing material is subject to further damage or deterioration.
- Whether the asbestos containing material is located near or in air-conditioning systems.
- Any other factors raised by the employees.
Once the assessment has been completed, employers may have further obligations depending upon the results of the assessment.
Please refer to the Safety@Work documents listed below for additional details.
Document Files
A Guide to Identifying and Managing Asbestos in the Workplace.doc
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