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Document Number: PLN-00055 Version Date: 24/04/2013 Page: 1 of 23 Document Owner: Y. Dong Document Approver: Manager WH&S

Asbestos

Management Plan

Corporate Safety – Plan Asbestos Management



Table of Contents

1 Introduction .............................................................................................................................. 4

2 Scope ...................................................................................................................................... 4

3 Definitions ................................................................................................................................ 5

4 Responsibilities ........................................................................................................................ 7

4.1 Board of Directors ............................................................................................................. 7

4.2 Executive Management .................................................................................................... 7

4.3 Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Manager ................................................................. 7

4.4 Managers .......................................................................................................................... 8

4.5 Workers ............................................................................................................................ 8

4.6 Contractors & Suppliers .................................................................................................... 8

4.7 Visitors .............................................................................................................................. 9

5 Process .................................................................................................................................... 9

5.1 Risk Overview ................................................................................................................... 9

5.2 Asbestos Surveys ........................................................................................................... 10

5.3 Asbestos Registers ......................................................................................................... 11

5.3.1 Developing Registers ............................................................................................... 12

5.3.2 Register Changes and Maintenance ........................................................................ 12

5.3.3 Asbestos Register Reviews ..................................................................................... 12

5.4 Communication & Consultation ....................................................................................... 12

6 Management Options & Controls for ACM ............................................................................. 13

6.1 Asbestos Management Options ...................................................................................... 13

6.2 Management of In-situ Asbestos ..................................................................................... 16

6.2.1 Re-survey and Inspections ...................................................................................... 16

6.2.2 Labelling .................................................................................................................. 16

6.3 Removal of ACM ............................................................................................................. 17

6.3.1 Asbestos Removal Plans ......................................................................................... 18

6.3.2 Work Permits ........................................................................................................... 19

6.3.3 Clearance Inspections ............................................................................................. 19

6.4 Maintenance or Service work involving ACM .................................................................. 19

6.5 Work Method Statements (WMS) .................................................................................... 19

6.6 Damaged ACM ............................................................................................................... 20

6.6.1 Health Surveillance .................................................................................................. 20

6.6.2 Notification ............................................................................................................... 20

7 Training .................................................................................................................................. 21




7.1 Induction ......................................................................................................................... 21

7.2 Work with Asbestos ........................................................................................................ 21

7.3 Contractors ..................................................................................................................... 22

8 Reviewing and Updating the Management plan ..................................................................... 22

8.1 Reviews .......................................................................................................................... 22

8.2 Updates & Changes ........................................................................................................ 22

9 Records ................................................................................................................................. 22

10 References ......................................................................................................................... 22

10.1 Legislation ...................................................................................................................... 22

10.2 Procedures ..................................................................................................................... 23

10.3 Forms & Registers .......................................................................................................... 23




1 INTRODUCTION

Seqwater has a legal obligation and responsibility to protect the health and safety of its staff,

contractors and visitors from the possible exposure to asbestos. This Asbestos Management Plan

(AMP) identifies the objectives, scope, management, practices and procedures required to ensure

that Seqwater legal obligations are carried out effectively.

It provides staff, contractors and visitors to Seqwater facilities and structures with an outline of

responsibilities and management procedures for dealing with asbestos products and materials.

The AMP and its associated plans, instructions, registers, forms and procedures integrate and

operate under the Seqwater WHSMS. Certain terminology and abbreviations are defined under

section 3.

Management of asbestos in Seqwater is structured around 4 main levels:

1. AMP – This document provides the high level commitment and functions required to

manage asbestos by providing directions for sites to follow and utilise for managing

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM).

2. Asbestos Registers – A Seqwater Asbestos Database provides the complete data for

all facilities from which site specific registers can be provided. Each site must have its

own register which contains asbestos information such as location, condition, risk levels

and controls.

3. Procedures – The procedures relate to the processes required for working on or near

asbestos.

4. Forms – The Forms provide a process to gather evidence or information regarding the

management of asbestos at Seqwater sites.

2 SCOPE

This Seqwater Asbestos Management Plan is to be applied to all relevant Seqwater owned

structures and leased premises where the lease deems Seqwater responsible for compliance with

the Code of Practice How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace (2011).

Asbestos was widely used as construction and insulation material in buildings until the late 1980s

when bans on its manufacture and use were put in place. However, the use of asbestos was only

completely prohibited on 31 December 2003. As the bans were not absolute prior to 2003 and

building materials may have been stockpiled, stored, or recycled and used, it is possible that

asbestos may be present in buildings that were constructed up to 31 December 2003 and possibly

later.

Seqwater has undertaken asbestos surveys (using competent persons) of all facilities including

residential dwellings to determine the presence of asbestos containing materials (ACM), and the

information has been compiled in a database. The Asbestos Database is kept electronically on the

network by the WHS Department and contains information about all identified Seqwater structures

containing asbestos. From this database, an individual site’s asbestos register can be downloaded

and printed.

This document identifies and defines how Seqwater will manage the ACM at its facilities and

addresses Seqwater’s legal obligation under the Work Health and Safety Act, as it relates

specifically to the presence of asbestos on Seqwater owned or leased property. The AMP is a

working document designed to effectively manage and minimise asbestos-related health risks to

personnel working on or visiting Seqwater sites as well as any other person that may be affected

as a result of work undertaken by Seqwater.




3 DEFINITIONS

Word/Acronym Definition

ACM Asbestos Containing Materials

AM Asset Management/Manager

AMP Asbestos Management Plan

Asbestos Means the fibrous form of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and

amphibole groups of rock-forming minerals, including actinolite, Amosite

(brown asbestos), Anthophyllite, chrysotile (white asbestos), crocidolite

(blue asbestos), tremolite, or any mixture containing one or more of the

mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and amphibole groups.

Asbestos Removalist Means a competent person who performs asbestos removal work.

Note: An asbestos removal licence is required in all State and Territory

jurisdictions for the removal of friable ACM. Some States and Territories

also require a licence for removal of specified quantities of AMC,

regardless of whether they are friable, and relevant OHS authorities should

be consulted prior to any removal work.

Asbestos Removal

Control Plan

Means a document which identifies the control measures which will be

implemented to ensure workers and other persons are not at risk when

asbestos removal work is being conducted.

AS/NZS Australian Standard/ New Zealand Standard

Bonded Asbestos Means ACM containing a bonding compound reinforced with asbestos

fibres, e.g. Asbestos cement pipes and flat or corrugated asbestos cement

sheets consist of sand and cement reinforced with asbestos fibres. For

removal of bonded asbestos the person must have a B Class licence1 or

work under the supervision of a business that has an A Class licence and

has a supervisor on site that is deemed a competent person for asbestos

removal work. All persons will need to follow a WMS for removal.

Clearance Inspection Means an inspection, carried out by a competent person, to verify that an

asbestos work area is safe to be returned to normal use after work

involving the disturbance of ACM has taken place. A clearance inspection

must include a visual inspection, and may also include clearance

monitoring and/or settled dust sampling.

Note: A clearance inspection should only be carried out when the asbestos

work area is dry.

Clearance Monitoring Means air monitoring using static or positional samples to measure the

level of airborne asbestos fibres in an area following work on ACM. An

area is ‘cleared’ when the level of airborne asbestos fibres is measured as

being below 0.01 fibres/ml.

Competent Person

for Friable asbestos

removal

A person who is competent under Information Paper AR2 (Requirements

for a competent person to supervise work to remove friable asbestos

containing material) issued by Department of Employment & Industrial

Relations.

Competent Person Means a person possessing adequate qualifications, such as suitable

1 Seqwater requirement





for Clearance

Inspections

training and sufficient knowledge, experience and skill, for the safe

performance of the specific work.

Control Monitoring

Means air monitoring, using static or positional to measure the level of

airborne asbestos fibres in an area during work on ACM. Control

monitoring is designed to assist in assessing the effectiveness of control

measures. Its results are not representative of actual occupational

exposures, and should not be used for that purpose.

Note: Static of positional samples are taken at fixed locations which are

usually between one and two metres above floor level.

COP Code of Practice

Friable Asbestos Means asbestos-containing material which, when dry, is or may become

crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure. The

removal of friable asbestos can only be done by a business that has an A

Class licence and has a supervisor on site that is deemed a competent

person for asbestos removal work. All persons will need to follow a WMS

for removal.

IMS Integrated Management System

In situ Means fixed or installed in its original position, not having been moved.

Inaccessible area Means areas which are difficult to access, such as wall cavities and the

interiors of plant and equipment.

OHSMS Occupational Health & Safety Management System

NOHSC National Occupational Health & Safety Commission (former now known as

Worksafe Australia)

P.C. Principal Contractor

PPE Personal Protective Equipment

Person with control Means, in relation to premises, a person who has control of premises used

as a workplace. The person with control may be

a) The owner of the premises

b) A person who has, under any control or lease, an obligation to maintain

or repair the premises

c) A person who is occupying the premises

d) A person who is able to make decisions about work undertaken at the

premises; or

e) An employer at the premises

RA Risk Assessment

Site Includes the associated buildings, workplaces, facilities, plant etc within a

business address or property e.g. Wivenhoe Dam or 240 Margaret St.

Structure Includes but not limited to:

a) a building, construction, wall, mast, tower, pylon, structural cable or

telecommunications structure; or

b) underground works (including shafts and tunnels),pipe, pipeline, river

works, earthworks or earth retaining construction or other construction

designed to preserve or alter a natural feature; or

c) a road or highway, footpath or driveway, railway line or siding, tramway





line, dock or harbour, water storage or supply system (including a

constructed lagoon), sewerage or drainage system, electricity or gas

generation facility, transmission or distribution facility,

d) gasholder, park or recreation ground (including, for example, a playing

field or swimming pool); or

e) production, storage or distribution facilities for heavy industries; or

f) fixed plant;

WHS Workplace Health & Safety

WHSC Workplace Health & Safety Committee

HSR Health & Safety Representative

WMS Work Method Statement

4 RESPONSIBILITIES

Seqwater has an overall responsibility to:

Develop and implement and maintain an asbestos management plan.

Assess all Seqwater premises for the potential presence of ACM.

Develop and maintain a register of the identified or suspected ACM, including details on

its location, accessibility, condition, risk assessments and control measures.

Assess the condition of ACM that are found and the associated risks.

Develop measures to remove or manage the ACM to minimise the risks and prevent

exposure to asbestos.

Ensure the control measures are implemented and are maintained as long as the ACM

remain in the workplace.

4.1 Board of Directors

Ensure that Seqwater complies with this AMP and any WHS Legislative or other

requirements relating to ACM.

Review a summary of any Asbestos survey results and any asbestos related incidents

annually.

Ensure sufficient resources are allocated to allow management to successfully implement

and manage compliance with legislation relating to ACM.

Ensure senior management instigates systems for the AMP to be implemented,

monitored, maintained and updated.

4.2 Executive Management

Assist the Board in ensuring that Seqwater complies with the AMP and any legislative or

other requirements relating to ACM.

Ensure the AMP requirements are implemented in Seqwater facilities.

Ensure facilities maintain a site-specific Asbestos Register.

Review any survey results and any asbestos related incidents prior to the annual Board

Review.

4.3 Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) Manager

To maintain this AMP, and inform Executive Management when changes occur.




Ensure that the Asbestos Database is maintained for all known sites where ACM has

been identified, and the information is kept up to date.

Ensure site-specific Asbestos Registers can be obtained for all facilities from the

Asbestos Database.

Ensure this AMP is available to all personnel including contractors, and undertake

reviews of the AMP as required.

Audit relevant sites for the management of asbestos and the AMP.

Report to Executive Management any survey results and any asbestos related incidents

annually.

Facilitate for competent persons to conduct regular (at least biennial) surveys of ACM

locations to report on the condition of ACM.

4.4 Managers

Ensure that Asbestos Registers are documented and maintained at each site, and

provide updated information as site conditions change.

Ensure Risks Assessments are conducted when working around/with areas containing

ACM.

Ensure that all required notices and labels are in place for ACM on site.

Ensure that personnel including contractors, suppliers, visitors and the public are

informed and/or made aware of ACM at specific sites.

Ensure all personnel who work on or near ACMs have been trained on the relevant

asbestos procedures.

Implement the controls identified from surveys where ACM are damaged.

Implement and maintain appropriate controls for the removal or control of exposure to

ACM fibres.

Notify the WHS Manager of any asbestos related incidents.

Monitor work areas containing ACM to check for any damage, deteriorations or defects.

Report any changes to ACM to the WHS Manager and appropriate Level 3 Manager.

Manage any works done to ACM by licensed contractors.

Report anyone potentially affected by ACM to the WHS Manager.

4.5 Workers

To comply with the requirements of this AMP.

To follow WMS and procedural requirements and wear the identified PPE when working

with ACM or as directed.

Not to put themselves or any other person at risk by the use of inappropriate behaviour

and Work Practices.

To notify the WHS Manager of any incidents associated with ACM that may expose

persons to the risk of exposure or damage to ACM.

Notify Manager and/or WHS personnel of any suspected ACM materials disposed on

Seqwater property.

4.6 Contractors & Suppliers

To not interfere with ACM without appropriate Seqwater approval, and compliance with

this AMP.

When working with ACM to have developed the required WMS and risk assessment




To work with/remove ACM individuals must hold a B Class Asbestos Licence for working

with bonded asbestos, and hold A Class Asbestos Licence for removal of friable asbestos

and have a “competent person” to directly supervise the removal works.

To notify the site Coordinator of any incidents associated with ACM that may expose

persons to the risk of exposure or damage to ACM.

4.7 Visitors

To follow instructions given by Seqwater staff in relation to ACM.

Wear any required PPE.

Report any asbestos related incidents to Seqwater.

5 PROCESS

The following section provides an overview of how Seqwater manages the ACM identified at its

facilities. The flowcharts provide a summary of the AMP and should be used as a checklist for

processes to manage ACM at Seqwater facilities.

5.1 Risk Overview

Asbestos within a building represents a health risk to people only when the asbestos fibres are

airborne, and are subsequently inhaled. The risk to health increases as the number of fibres

inhaled increases, that is, the health risk is related to the dose, or level of exposure.

Asbestos that is in a stable matrix, or effectively encapsulated or sealed, and remains in a sound

condition while left undisturbed, represents a negligible asbestos-related health risk.

It is necessary to differentiate between 'asbestos hazard' and 'asbestos risk'. 'Hazard' indicates

potential for harm, while 'risk' refers to the probability of that harm becoming real. For example, the

presence of asbestos in a building is a hazard, but while that asbestos remains in sound condition

and does not release fibres into the air, the risk is negligible.




Process Flowchart (PF) 1 – Updating ACM Information

5.2 Asbestos Surveys

As documented in the flowchart above, Seqwater has already undertaken detailed Asbestos

surveys of all facilities and identified those sites where ACM is present. This information about the

ACM has been extracted and incorporated in the sites’ Asbestos Registers.

A qualitative asbestos risk assessment is undertaken each time an asbestos survey of Seqwater

buildings or structures is conducted. The risk assessment must take account of information

including:

1. The condition of the ACM (e.g. whether they are friable or bonded and stable, and

whether they liable to damage or deterioration);

2. The likelihood of exposure (considering accessible, condition);

3. Whether the nature or location of any work to be carried out is likely to disturb the

ACM; and

4. Results from monitoring and/or samples taken.

Updating ACM Information

Licensed ContractorSupervisorACM Survey

ConsultantSite CoordinatorWHS Team

Asbestos

Register

available for site

Conduct ACM

survey

Engage

consultant to

conduct ACM

survey

Review existing

information and

conduct site

visits

Check signs/

labels, site

register, ACM

condition

Update

database with

information from

survey

Action plan

developed to

address

deficiencies

Work orders

created to

address

deficiencies

Update hardcopy

Asbestos Register

following changes

Updated

Asbestos

Registers

reviewed

Update database

and reissue

Asbestos Register

Conduct

scheduled

condition

inspections

Report any

changes to

conditions

Make repairs or

remove ACM

(refer PF2)

Engage licensed

contractor to rectify

issues (assistance

from WHS)

Review report

and provide

guidance




Each asbestos situation is allocated either an “Immediate”, 'High', 'Medium' or 'Low' risk rating.

These ratings are defined as follows:

Immediate: Asbestos containing material (ACM) is in poor or significantly deteriorated condition

and elevated levels of respirable airborne fibre are probable with minimal disturbance. The ACM is

readily accessible, prone to further disturbance and poses an immediate health risk to personnel.

Area should be isolated immediately and abatement (removal or repair) required as soon as

practicable.

High: Asbestos containing material shows moderate signs of deterioration and/or unsealed.

Elevated levels of respirable airborne fibre are possible, and further disturbance due to routine

building activity and/or maintenance is likely. Includes unsealed friable ACM in air conditioning

systems.

Medium: Asbestos containing material shows moderate signs of deterioration and/or unsealed.

Low levels of respirable asbestos fibre is possible, and further disturbance due to routine building

activity and/or maintenance is likely. Includes accessible damaged asbestos containing materials

and asbestos cement debris.

Low: Asbestos containing materials shows no or very minor signs of damage/deterioration.

Routine accessibility is unlikely to cause significant deterioration, or the material is adequately

sealed.

Should ACM of unknown composition, or materials suspected of containing asbestos, be

encountered on site, and are not documented in the existing asbestos register, such materials

should be treated as if they were asbestos until sample analysis confirms otherwise. In the event

that additional asbestos is identified, a risk assessment shall then be conducted by a suitably

qualified and competent person. For example, in the event that demolition or refurbishment works

are to be carried out in areas previously not inspected for the presence of asbestos, such as

inaccessible wall cavities or beneath floors, an inspection and risk assessment should be

performed by a suitably qualified person prior to the commencement of the planned

demolition/refurbishment works.

5.3 Asbestos Registers

A register is required for all sites where ACM exists, is suspected to exist. The register contains

information that is relevant to managing ACM and is essential to all people that work at the site

including contractors and others.

The register contains information on:

The date(s) on which the inspection/identification of ACM was made and details on the

competent person(s) who carried out the inspection/identification;

Details on the locations, types (i.e. friable or non-friable) and condition (i.e. damaged or

intact) of any ACM identified on the premises, including ACM in items of plant and

equipment, and the type of asbestos involved (i.e. blue, brown or white);

Details on any material presumed to contain asbestos;

Any inaccessible areas that are likely to contain ACM;

The results of any analysis to confirm a material is or is not an ACM;

The results of any air monitoring for airborne asbestos fibres and an assessment of these

results

Risk assessments of the ACM;

The controls recommended for the ACM; and

Any work carried out on the ACM including; the company or persons involved, the date

and scope of the work undertaken and details on clearance certificates.




Developing Registers 5.3.1

Registers will need to be developed or redeveloped where sites/structures do not have a register;

this may be through acquisition or merger of sites. Where a site does not have a register, an ACM

survey will be undertaken by the competent person (contractor) to determine what ACM is present

at the premises, and the Asbestos Database will be updated to incorporate the information from

the survey for the premises.

Register Changes and Maintenance 5.3.2

To keep the register maintained and up to date, changes that occur that may affect the register

need to be included such as reviews or removal of ACM from an area. The following are examples

of where changes need to be included and/or updated:

Dates of damage, removal and reviews.

Change in risk levels because of damage or removal.

Change in controls as management decision.

New samples taken and their outcomes.

New areas located where ACM exists or is suspected to exist.

New structures within a site that have been found or purchased.

These changes need to be included in the site hard copy of the register and sent to the WHS

Manager to update the Asbestos Database. The WHS Manager will then issue a new Asbestos

Register for that site.

Asbestos Register Reviews 5.3.3

All site-specific Asbestos Registers are to be reviewed regularly either via an asbestos survey

(biennial) or following a scheduled inspection by the Supervisor or WHS Advisor. Reviews will also

be required when any of the following occur:

There is evidence that the risk assessment is no longer valid;

There is evidence that any control measures are not effective;

A significant change is proposed for the workplace or for work practices or procedures

relevant to the risk assessment;

There is a change in the condition of the ACM; or

The ACM have changed (been removed, enclosed or sealed).

The review process will be undertaken through a visual inspection of identified ACM. The review

process must as a minimum assess:

1. Removals recorded/removed and not recorded e.g. removed after last register issued.

2. Risk levels – change of risk levels e.g. there is further deterioration or damage, old

switchboards opened (e.g. needs to change from low to medium risk)

3. Recommendations/Controls – e.g. may need to remove, dispose, remove on next

service, signs needed etc.).

5.4 Communication & Consultation

It is important that personnel are involved in the implementation and review of the AMP, associated

procedures and the sites’ Asbestos Registers. This AMP is to be reviewed by the Seqwater WHS

Team in consultation with the Regional WHS Committees and WHS Consultative Committee to

allow personnel to be involved in the AMP. The reviewed AMP will be tabled at the next available




meetings for distribution and comment. The following avenues of communication will also be made

available for information regarding ACM:

Corporate and Contractor WHS Inductions will provide an overview of the AMP and

requirements regarding ACM

Site specific induction will highlight the presence of an Asbestos Register, its location,

and any specific conditions regarding the ACM

When conditions of ACM change, personnel working on the site will be notified through

toolbox or pre-start meetings, and any specific conditions in force

When ACM is being removed, personnel will be notified of the timing and conditions to

minimise exposure to asbestos fibres

Where Seqwater property is to be leased the Asbestos Register must be made available

and be up to date with review requirements.

6 MANAGEMENT OPTIONS & CONTROLS FOR ACM

Where identification of asbestos in structures has been found, the preferred management option is

to be the recommendation of the competent person conducting the asbestos survey. The

appropriate controls are to be listed in the register and action taken to minimise the risk. The

hierarchy of control must be followed when managing ACM in structures:

1) Elimination/removal (most preferred);

2) Isolation/enclosure/sealing;

3) Engineering controls;

4) Safe Work Practices (administrative controls); and

5) Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) (least preferred).

6.1 Asbestos Management Options

There are four possible options to take in order to reduce the risk associated with the ACM:

1. Removal

2. Encapsulation or sealing

3. Enclosure

4. Deferment

The table below provides guidance around the rationale for each control method.


The controlled version of this document is registered. All other versions are uncontrolled Document Number: PLN-00055 Version Date: 24/04/2013 Page: 14 of 23 Document Owner: Y. Dong Document Approver: Manager WH&S

Method of

Control

Description Appropriate When: Not Appropriate When: Advantages: Disadvantages:

Removal

Removal of asbestos must be

performed under certain controlled

conditions, depending on the type of

ACM to be removed. Where

demolition or refurbishment works are

to occur, and this work is likely to

impact on ACM, the ACM must be

removed under controlled conditions

prior to the commencement of any site

works.

Surface friable or

asbestos poorly bonded

to substrata.

Asbestos is severely

damaged or liable to

further damage or

deterioration.

Located in A/C duct.

Airborne asbestos

monitoring results

exceed recommended

exposure standard.

Other control techniques

inappropriate.

Located on complex or

inaccessible areas.

Removal extremely

difficult & other

techniques offer

satisfactory alternative.

Hazard removed

and no further

action required.

Cost-effective

long term option.

Increases immediate risk

of exposure especially to

removal workers.

Creates major disturbance

in building.

Highest cost, most

complex & time

consuming method.

Removal may increase fire

risk within building;

substitute required.

Possible contamination of

structure and increase in

airborne fibre levels in

adjacent occupied areas if

the removal program is not

strictly controlled.

Encapsulate or Seal

Coating of the outer surface of the

ACM by the application of some form

of sealant compound that usually

penetrates to the substrate and

hardens the material making it

impermeable to asbestos.

Helps protect the ACM from

mechanical damage, and is designed

to reduce the risk of exposure by

inhibiting the release of asbestos

fibres into the airborne environment,

and increase the length of

serviceability of the material.

Removal difficult or not

feasible.

Firm bond to substrata.

Damage unlikely.

Short life structure.

Readily visible for regular

assessment.

Asbestos deteriorating.

Application of sealant

may cause damage to

material.

Water damage likely.

Large areas of

damaged asbestos.

Quick and

economical for

repairs to

damaged areas.

May be adequate

technique to

control release of

asbestos dust.

Hazard remains.

Cost for large areas may

be near removal cost.

Eventual removal may be

more difficult and costly.



Method of

Control

Description Appropriate When: Not Appropriate When: Advantages: Disadvantages:

Enclosure

Enclosure involves installing a barrier

between the ACM and adjacent areas

where it is effective in inhibiting further

mechanical damage to the asbestos.

The type of barrier installed may

include plywood or sheet metal

products, constructed as a boxing

around the asbestos.

Removal extremely

difficult.

Fibres can be completely

contained within

enclosure.

Most of surface already

inaccessible.

Disturbance to or entry

into enclosed area not

likely.

Enclosure itself liable

to damage.

Water damage likely.

Asbestos material

cannot be fully

enclosed.

May minimise

disturbance to

occupants.

Provides an

adequate method

of control for

some situations.

Hazard remains.

Maintenance of enclosure.

Need to remove enclosure

before removal of ACM.

Precautions for entry into

enclosure.

Defer The identification of ACM in a building

does not automatically necessitate its

immediate removal. Asbestos in a

stable condition and not prone to

mechanical damage can generally

remain in situ. The ACM will need to

be inspected on a regular basis (as

part of monthly Supervisor inspections

and at 12 months to update the

register) to ensure its integrity is

maintained.

No risk of exposure.

Asbestos inaccessible

and fully contained.

Asbestos stable and not

liable to damage.

Possibility of

deterioration or

damage.

Airborne asbestos

monitoring results

exceed recommended

exposure standard.

No initial cost.

Cost of removal

deferred.

Hazard remains.

Need for continuing

assessment and

management.



6.2 Management of In-situ Asbestos

In-situ asbestos refers to Leave As-is, Encapsulation or Enclosure. The management of in situ

asbestos is important to ensure ACM are not damaged or deteriorated to such an extent that

Seqwater staff, external contractors, visitors or members of the public are unnecessarily exposed

to airborne asbestos fibres. The requirements of the contractor site induction and permit to work

system will aid in the management of in situ ACM. It is also the policy of Seqwater to incorporate

asbestos issues into building works contracts, designed to ensure any asbestos on, or in Seqwater

sites is dealt with in the appropriate manner.

Re-survey and Inspections 6.2.1

A re-survey of ACM remaining on site are to be conducted by a competent person. Such re-

surveys will comprise a visual assessment of the condition of the materials to determine whether

the material remains in a satisfactory condition, or if deterioration has occurred since the previous

survey. Such re-surveys will determine if any remedial action, such as encapsulation, isolation or

removal of the asbestos containing materials, is required. Re-surveys will be performed on a

regular basis for ACM. Seqwater will have ACM re-surveyed every two years.

More regular assessments of ACM will be undertaken by site Supervisors during scheduled

workplace inspections to determine if conditions have changed. This inspection will assess

whether:

Damage or deterioration has occurred since the previous inspection; and

Labels or signs have been removed.

Normally, re-sampling of materials would not be required during re-surveys. If, however, previously

unidentified or undocumented asbestos, or materials suspected of containing asbestos, are

encountered during the re-survey process, sampling and analysis will need to be performed. The

Asbestos Register will be updated and re-issued at the completion of the re-survey work.

Following a scheduled inspection, if the condition of the ACM has changed, the Supervisor or WHS

Advisor must amend the hardcopy of the register on-site and provide a copy to the WHS Manager

to update the Asbestos Database. A new copy of the register will be re-issued to site.

Labelling 6.2.2

The use of warning signs and labels is one of many recognised methods of asbestos risk control.

Such systems are designed to alert personnel to the presence of asbestos, thereby reducing the

risk of inadvertent damage to the ACM (which may liberate asbestos fibres to the airborne

environment) by the actions of personnel.

The Queensland Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 makes it mandatory for those who

manage or control a workplace to indicate the presence and location of asbestos or ACM

identified, and indicate the presence and location of the asbestos or ACM by a label, such as those

provided below.

For Seqwater, these signs shall be placed at all of the main entrances to the work areas where

asbestos is present. Any such notice shall comply with Australian Standard 1319 (Safety signs for

the occupational environment). The notice shall be made of durable materials and be weatherproof

for outdoor applications. It would be prudent to include generic titles on the sign to allow for

changes in personnel responsible for administering the Asbestos Register. Specific asbestos

locations will be labelled for identification, where possible.



6.3 Removal of ACM

Removal of ACM from Seqwater structures must only be completed using licensed contractors.

The contractor must be supplied with relevant information for the safe removal of the ACM,

including the Asbestos and Risk Registers for the site. When removal has been done the

Asbestos Register will be updated to reflect the changes. The process flowchart (PF2) provides an

overview of the work requirements which must be met.



Process Flowchart (PF) 2 – Working with Asbestos

Asbestos Removal Plans 6.3.1

A site-specific Asbestos Removal Plan shall be developed by the contract company removing the

asbestos. The plan shall include the following:

i. Details of the ACM to be removed (e.g. the location(s), whether it is friable or non-friable,

type, condition and the quantity to be removed).

ii. Consultation details with Seqwater

iii. Assigned responsibilities for the removal

iv. Program of commencement and completion dates

Work with Asbestos

Clearance

ContractorWHS ManagerSite Coordinator/Property ManagerLicensed Contractor

Engage

Licensed

Contractor for

Asbestos work

Does work

require in-situ

treatment?

Asbestos

removal workNo

Class B Licence

and WMSYes

Complete work

encapsulation or

enclosure

Maintain records

and provide

updates

Class A Licence,

Asbestos

Removal Plan and

WMS

Obtain Access,

Permit to Work, 2nd

Tier permits, and

Asbestos Register

Undertakes

removal work in

accordance with

plan

Maintain records

and provide

updates

Provide records

of works and

disposal

certificates

Update

Asbestos

Database and

re-issue register

Undertake

Clearance

Inspection and

provide certificate

Friable

Asbestos?Yes

Class B Licence,

Asbestos

Removal Plan and

WMS

No



v. Asbestos removal boundaries, including the type and extent of isolation or containment

required and the location of any signs and barriers.

vi. Control of electrical and lighting installations

vii. Personal protective equipment (PPE) to be used, including respiratory protective equipment

(RPE).

viii. Waste storage and disposal program

ix. Methods for removing the ACM (wet or dry methods)

x. Asbestos removal equipment (spray equipment, tools etc.)

xi. Control measures to be used to contain asbestos within the asbestos work area.

xii. Detailed procedures for workplace decontamination, the decontamination of tools and

equipment, personal decontamination and the decontamination of non-disposable PPE.

xiii. Methods of disposing of asbestos wastes, including details on the disposal of disposable

protective clothing and equipment, and

xiv. Develop an emergency plan to include site specific emergencies, evacuations, first aid and

equipment.

Work Permits 6.3.2

Contractors will be required to obtain a permit to work that has been approved by the Seqwater

Access Officer in addition to other requirements such as isolation of services which will be

dependent upon the type of work and/or the work environment. Second tier permits may also be

required which include confined space entry and work at heights.

Clearance Inspections 6.3.3

Before clearance is granted for an asbestos work area to be re-occupied there must be a thorough

clearance inspection. The clearance inspection must be conducted by a competent person who is

independent from the person responsible for the removal work; this does not have to be a separate

company but a competent person who was not involved in the removal work.

Where friable asbestos removal occurs this must be accompanied by monitoring results that

establish that fibre levels are <0.01 fibres/ml. These records are to be kept by Seqwater.

6.4 Maintenance or Service work involving ACM

Prior to any work being conducted on site involving penetration methods on walls, floors, ceilings,

roofs or other parts of building structure, the site Asbestos Register must be reviewed to determine

if the location of the work is to be in contact with or near ACM. Any work by Seqwater staff or

contractors that may damage or interfere with the condition of ACM must:

have a detailed WMS providing details of how any invasive work into the ACM will

minimise airborne particles, and what controls will be used

have a permit-to-work for approval of the activity

follow the relevant Seqwater procedures when undertaking the work. The contractor may

have more detailed procedures (refer Reference Section below) to follow if they are a

licensed asbestos removal contractor.

Include an update in the site Asbestos Register for any changes that took place

6.5 Work Method Statements (WMS)

A WMS must be developed for any works involving asbestos such as sealing, drilling or removal.

The WMS provides the details of the hazards, risks and controls identified for each task being

undertaken, and must include the following:



The name, address, Asbestos Licence Number if removing asbestos and ABN of the

contractor doing the work.

The specific control measures proposed to be used to undertake the task.

The way the contractor proposes to perform the activity, including how the control

measures are to be implemented.

How the effectiveness of the control measures will be monitored and reviewed.

Provisions for training of workers into the WMS, and communication of the activity to

Seqwater personnel.

Where friable asbestos is to be removed provisions for supervision by a competent

person for asbestos removal.

Be signed and dated.

Be reviewed at least annually

6.6 Damaged ACM

When conditions arise where the risk to exposure through dust inhalation from ACM changes, such

as through fire, storm or malicious damage, the process in the flowchart below must be followed.

Health Surveillance 6.6.1

Seqwater must arrange for health surveillance of personnel that have been potentially exposed to

asbestos fibres such as through changes to ACM condition. The Seqwater Health Surveillance

Procedure for Hazardous Substances must be followed.

Notification 6.6.2

Where ACM has been severely damaged including where a person might have been potentially

exposed to asbestos fibres without protection, then WHS Queensland should be contacted,

following the Seqwater notification procedure. Seqwater personnel working on the affected site

will also be notified as soon as possible, including any conditions and controls to minimise

exposure.



Process Flowchart (PF) 3 – Change to ACM Condition

7 TRAINING

7.1 Induction

All personnel and contractors must be inducted before accessing any Seqwater facility. The

induction will address the requirements of the AMP, site Asbestos Registers, and identify that

specific procedures exist for working with ACM.

7.2 Work with Asbestos

Where Seqwater personnel are to work with ACM such as drilling or cutting, then they must be

engaged in the development of a specific WMS for the task, and be trained in specific procedures

that apply. The applicable procedures will be recorded on the WMS.

Change of ACM Condition

Property ManagerSupervisor/

CoordinatorWHS ManagerIndivdual

Becomes aware

of damaged

ACM

Notified of

damaged ACM

Completes

incident report

form

Is facility

leased to

others?

No

Notified of

damaged ACMYes

Receives

incident report

form

Personnel

exposed to

fibres?

Undertake

Health

Surveillance

of personnel

Yes

Provides

assistance with

controls

No

Implement

controls

including

exclusion

Completes

incident report

form

Implement

controls

including

exclusion

Where required,

engage contractor

for removal (refer

PF2)

Where required,

engage contractor

for removal (refer

PF2)

Update register

and inform

Update register

and inform

Update database

and re-issue site

Asbestos Register



7.3 Contractors

Contractors who are going to work with ACM such as for removal, cleaning, sealing etc. on

Seqwater sites must be trained their own procedures and be able to show evidence of the training.

Where licences are required, evidence must also be provided.

8 REVIEWING AND UPDATING THE MANAGEMENT PLAN

8.1 Reviews

Reviews must be done where any relevant legislative changes or WHSMS changes will impact on

the content and application of the either site Asbestos Registers or the AMP. As a minimum, the

AMP is to be reviewed at least biennially by WHS team.

8.2 Updates & Changes

Changes to the AMP can only be made by the WHS Manager with approval by the Seqwater WHS

Consultative Committee. These changes are to be done in accordance with all consultative or

document control requirements.

9 RECORDS

Seqwater shall maintain detailed records of all activities and work permits relating to asbestos

works which have been undertaken on Seqwater premises. The records kept should include:

copies of all asbestos survey reports, including updates and amendments

copies of all 'permit to work' documents which will be kept at the respective site

site induction records pertaining to the informing of contractors about the presence of

asbestos on site, and that such contractors have been appropriately trained in safe work

procedures and practices

records pertaining to the informing of Seqwater employees about the presence of

asbestos on site, and that such employees have been appropriately trained in safe work

procedures and practices

records of any asbestos management works performed on site, including clearance

certificates indicating areas are safe to re-occupy after asbestos management works, will

be kept by the Coordinator. Copies of disposal certificates will also be kept

asbestos fibre air monitoring results which will be kept by the WHS Manager.

Records must be stored and retained in accordance with the IMS requirements for Seqwater.

Documents and completed records must also be accessible by all relevant personnel for the

transfer of information.

10 REFERENCES

This AMP has been developed referencing the following documentation.

10.1 Legislation

REG-00003 Work Health and Safety Act 2011

REG-00003 Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011

REG-00003 Code of Practice How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace [Safe Work

Australia 2011]

REG-00003 Code of Practice How to Safely Remove Asbestos [Safe Work Australia 2011]



10.2 Procedures

The procedures to be utilised by Seqwater personnel are:

PRO-00996 Corporate Safety - Drilling of ACM Procedure

PRO-00999 Corporate Safety - Safe Work on Switchboards with Asbestos

Procedure

PRO-01001 Corporate Safety - Tool and Equipment Decontamination Procedure

PRO-01003 Corporate Safety - Personal Decontamination Non Friable ACM

Procedure

PRO-01006 Corporate Safety - Use of PPE for work with ACM Procedure

10.3 Forms & Registers

The Forms and Registers that are specific to this AMP are:

FRM-00203 Corporate Safety - Asbestos Induction Training Checklist Form

FRM-00204 Corporate Safety - Contractor Asbestos Information Form

FRM-00205 Corporate Safety - Asbestos Removal Plan Checklist Form