Do You Need an Asbestos Register?
Did you know that if your business or commercial building contains asbestos, you need to have an asbestos register? Such a document outlines any identified or assumed asbestos in a workplace and must be prepared and kept at that workplace. Intrigued about what this might mean for you and your business? Read on to find out more.
Who Needs an Asbestos Register?
In New Zealand, any workplace that has identified or assumed asbestos requires an asbestos register. Any individual in charge of that workplace or building must prepare the register and keep it at that place of business.
Are there any workplaces that don’t need an asbestos register? Yes! If your building was constructed after December 31, 2003, and has been deemed to have no asbestos, then you do not require a register.
What to Include in an Asbestos Register
If you have been tasked with compiling an asbestos register, you may find yourself overwhelmed as to what to put in it. Fortunately, it’s a straightforward document – even if it does have to a thorough one. If you talk to an asbestos removal expert, they may be able to provide some helpful resources.
One of the most important things to include in the register is assumed or identified asbestos. Go one step further by including the date it was identified, its location, type, and condition. If no asbestos has been found, include this information, too.
It’s also important to add information on the register relating to when identification work was carried out and when and where any removal work took place. Your asbestos register should be kept up to date and be given to the person in charge of managing the workplace.
What Does an Asbestos Register Look Like?
Given the information you need to include in an asbestos register, you might think it’s a complex document that will take you hours to complete. The opposite is true. An asbestos register is an uncomplicated document that you can even download templates of from the internet.
It should include:
Your workplace’s address
The person in charge of the register
The date of identified or assumed asbestos in the workplace
The type of materials (both identified and assumed)
Whether the asbestos is friable, non-friable, or both
The condition of the asbestos
The specific location of the asbestos
Whether or not the area is accessible
Form the information in an easy-to-read document so that anyone – with asbestos knowledge or not – can understand what it is and how they can update it at a later date if necessary.
Working with Asbestos Materials
Suppose your workplace doesn’t contain asbestos, but you work with machinery or items that arrive for maintenance that does. Do you need to include it on your asbestos register? Yes and no.
Let’s say, for example, that your workplace specialises in plant machinery repairs. A particular machine arrives for maintenance, and it contains asbestos. In this instance, you wouldn’t need to report it on your register. You would, of course, take all necessary precautions while working with asbestos.
But if this particular machine is frequently at your premises, along with others containing asbestos, then you would record it in your register.
When to Update an Asbestos Register
The average New Zealand business has a lot of health and safety rules to follow. It can sometimes be hard to keep up. But one thing you shouldn’t forget about is keeping your asbestos register up to date.
If you identify more asbestos in the workplace or any refurbishment or demolition work is undertaken, it’s essential to document it. The same rules apply when you disturb, enclose, or seal any asbestos – or its status changes in any way. Add any certificates and documentation provided by your chosen asbestos removal company in NZ, as well.
You should also check your register at least once every five years to ensure it’s up to date. If any changes are made, the person in charge of it should visually inspect the new addition to ensure the register addition is accurate.
What About an Asbestos Management Plan?
An asbestos management plan is a detailed plan outlining the identification of asbestos and how to manage it in the future. You can have either a digital or paper form of this plan, but it must include:
The management of it (removed, left in good condition, encapsulated, or painted)
The work process if it is exposed (how to log emergencies and incidents)
Asbestos exposure management timetable (dates for removal, potential environmental changes)
Any worker coming onto our worksite to carry out maintenance must be supplied with your asbestos management plan to avoid asbestos fibre exposure.
Have You got an Asbestos Register?
If your workplace, built before December 31, 2003, doesn’t contain an asbestos register, then you may need to create one. If you’re unsure about identifying asbestos in your workplace, or you want to find out as much as possible about the asbestos register, consult an asbestos removal expert.