Compliance code: Removing asbestos in workplaces

What it contains

If your work involves asbestos removal, there are specific duties and obligations you need to comply with under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHS Act) 2004 and Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (OHS Regulations) 2017.

Note that on 18 June 2017, the OHS Regulations 2017 replaced the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007, which expired on this date. This compliance code has not yet been updated to reflect the changes introduced by the OHS Regulations 2017. Complying with a compliance code made in relation to the old regulations may not necessarily mean compliance with a duty under the new regulations.

This compliance code has been made available solely as a source of practical guidance, to contribute to industry state of knowledge and assist those who must comply with health and safety laws.

The information in this compliance code is particularly relevant for you if you’re a licensed asbestos removalist, or an employer or self-employed person carrying out limited removal work. It is also relevant for people who commission asbestos removal work, those who manage or control workplaces where removal work is performed, and employees and health and safety representatives of workplaces where removal work is carried out. It uses examples and tools you can apply to your own situation.

It includes information on:

• the duties for controlling asbestos exposure
• the regulatory prohibitions in place for asbestos and asbestos-containing material
• the duties and legislation that apply to all asbestos removal
• the additional requirements that apply to licensed asbestos removal
• requirements for the removal of friable asbestos-containing material
• paraoccupational air monitoring and clearance inspections
• examples and technical information for a range of asbestos removal scenarios