Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Asbestos Material Management Plan
FACILITIES MANAGEMENT
Asbestos Materials Management Plan
(AMMP)
Contact Officers / Facilities ManagementSenior Technical Officer H & SFacilities Management Asbestos Materials Co-ordinator
Issue Date / 9th November 2010
Approval Authority /
Andrew Frowd
Director
Facilities Management
Date of Next Scheduled Review / 9th November 2015
Document Identification Number / PLN805_010
Issue B Nov 2010 / Rev # 1:10
PLN805_010 Asbestos Materials Management Plan Issue B Rev 1_10 .docx 1 of 35
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Asbestos Material Management Plan
Contents
1. Introduction
2. Statutory references
3. Glossary of Asbestos terms – See Appendix A
4. Asbestos Management Policy
5. General Risks to Health from Asbestos Containing Materials
5.1 Who is at risk?
5.2Typical Locations and Use around Campus
6. Organisational Responsibilities
7.0QUT Asbestos Materials Management Plan
7.1 Risk Management for ACM at QUT.
7.1.1Identification – Surveying and Sampling for asbestos
7.1.2Inspection / Survey of ACMs
7.1.3. Asbestos Consultants (Occupational Hygienists or other Competent Persons)
7.1.4 Material Sampling and Analysis
7.2Risk Assessment
7.2.1Risk Rating and Removal Priority
7.2.2 Review of risk assessments
7.3Control Principles for Managing In Situ ACM
7.4 Building Asbestos Risk Register(s)
A. Building Identification & Asbestos Information
B. Risk assessment information
C. Control Action taken
D. Information on Documents Held Relative to Each Building
7.5 Provision of Information and Consultation
7.5.1 Heritage Buildings
7.6Asbestos Records & Retention
7.7Asbestos Labelling & Warning signs
7.7.1 Warning Signs
7.7.2 Labelling
7.7.3 General Awareness
7.8 Training / Awareness
7.9Asbestos Removal
7.9.1Statutory Notification of Removal
7.9.2 Technical Scope of Work
7.9.3 Procedures for Removal or work on specific AC products
7.10 Asbestos Removal Contractors and Licences
7.10.1 Supervision of Work and Competency
7.10.2 Health Surveillance
7.11Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARC Plan)
7.12 Asbestos Work Permits
7.13 Control Monitoring
7.14 Clearance Certificates
7.15 Special Removal Considerations for Friable ACM:
7.16 Preparing the Asbestos Removal Work Area
7.17 Other Hazardous Activities –Minor Works within Maintenance & Other Service teams
7.17 .1 Preparing the Maintenance / Service Work Area for Minor Work
7.17.2 Tools and Equipment
7.17.3 Asbestos Vacuum Cleaners
7.17.4 Decontamination of Maintenance / Service Work Areas
7.18Asbestos Waste and Disposal
7.18.1 Waste disposal
7.19Emergency Situations and Unplanned Events
7.20. Health Surveillance
8.0Review /Monitoring of AMMP
8.1Review of Risk Assessments, Asbestos Register and Asbestos Removal Program.
8.2 Re-assessment of In Situ ACMs for Deterioration
9.0 Facilities Management Contacts
10.0References and Further Information
Appendix A- Glossary of Asbestos Related Terms Used in QUT AMMP
Appendix B - Asbestos Materials Overall Management Strategy
Appendix C – Examples of Asbestos Warning Signs and Labels
Appendix D – Sample of Asbestos Materials Work Activity Record
Appendix E -Facility Management Asbestos Records & Information Flow Chart
Asbestos Work Permit
Appendix G: - Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PLN805_010 Asbestos Materials Management Plan Issue B Rev 1_10 .docx 1 of 35
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
Asbestos Material Management Plan
1. Introduction
Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Facilities Management (FM) has developed this Asbestos Materials Management Plan (AMMP) as required by Queensland Workplace Health & Safety Regulations, to document how we manage asbestos containing materials (ACMs) within University buildings.
The QUT AMMP does not cover the use of asbestos materials in teaching or research activities.
2. Statutory references
See section 10.
3. Glossary of Asbestos terms – See Appendix A
Refer to Appendix A for an understanding of asbestos industry terminology and context before reading this plan.
4. Asbestos Management Policy
Queensland University of Technology (QUT) acknowledges that there may be some building materials that still contain asbestos on its campuses, due to the age of some buildings or structures.
QUT has a legal obligation to ensure that these buildings are managed in accordance with all legislative requirements to prevent or minimise any asbestos related, health and environmental consequences.
The QUT focus is on protecting all staff, students or other persons from exposure to uncontrolled release of airborne asbestos fibres from any planned building work, or during an emergency situation.
QUT will provide strong management and control of all in situ asbestos containing materials (ACM) which pose a potential risk.
The QUT asbestos risk management strategy and plan identifies, evaluates, controls, and monitors all sources of asbestos throughout the University, with an emphasis on all buildings and structures constructed prior to 1990.
It is incumbent of all campus building occupants to check with Facilities Management before attempting to disturb or modify building structure or fittings. See QUT | MOPP | Chapter H Physical facilities.
Control measures aim to prevent, as far as practicable, the generation of airborne asbestos fibres and any exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Asbestos risk management control for each building is prioritised and applies the hierarchy of controls through a range of options, to achieve a safe & healthy environment.
5. General Risks to Health from Asbestos Containing Materials
Asbestos is a general term that covers a number of naturally occurring fibrous minerals. Asbestos is the fibrous form of mineral silicates with the most common types being crocidolite (blue asbestos), amosite (brown or grey asbestos) and chrysotile (white asbestos). Asbestos and asbestos containing materials were used in a variety of domestic and commercial applications from the 1950s up until the mid 1980’s.
It is now illegal to use asbestos in construction. Where asbestos materials remain in place in a bonded form, undisturbed and in a good condition, there is no immediate health risk to the general University community.
The main likelihood of exposure belongs with specific work environments and occupations. The inhalation of sufficient numbers of fibres from friable forms of asbestos or dusts that are generated when disturbing bonded materials may lead to the risk of asbestos related disease. The latency of any asbestos related disease process between first exposure and onset of any symptoms can vary from 15 – 40 years.
5.1 Who is at risk?
Generally the University community has a low risk of exposure to asbestos containing materials under normal circumstances.
University trade and technical staff, consultants and contractors who undertake inspection, construction, service or installation work in older or at risk buildings or structures are at risk of exposure.
Demolition and asbestos removalists run a high risk given their work activities.
Otherwise, anyone who undertakes drilling, sawing or cutting into the fabric of buildings which contain ACMs could be exposed.
Rigid adherence to the strict Queensland WHS legislative requirements and this QUT Asbestos Material Management Plan will minimise the risk of exposure to everyone while on campus.
5.2Typical Locations and Use around Campus
The following list is not exhaustive and precautions should be taken to establish the presence of ACM in each building or structure before demolition, refurbishment or other disturbance. Buildings which may be Heritage listed are most likely to have asbestos hazards present.
-Fire stoppings in ceiling voids, between floors, cable risers
-Thermal insulation of pipes and boilers – lagging around old water pipes
-Space insulation e.g. beneath metal sheeted roofs, ceiling spaces to prevent condensation
-Fire protection in ducts, partitions , fire doors and structural steel work
-Insulation boards used for fire protection, air conditioning heater banks
-Some ceiling tiles ( acoustic)
-Some textured wall and floor coatings, vermiculite spray
-Lift motor rooms
-Corrugated or flat fibro cement sheeting for fences, walls, roofs or sheeting behind wet areas up until 1984.
-Older style vinyl or thermoplastic floor tiles
-Old gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks
-Boiler seals and flues
-Fume cabinet enclosures and flues
-Gasket joints in steam or hot/cold water pipes
-Older electrical distribution / metering backing boards.
-Some bituminous coated products - e.g.: bituminous waterproof membrane on flat roofs.
6. Organisational Responsibilities
Persons, to whom these titles or functions apply, may act or perform more than one function and therefore hold multiple duties or responsibilities accordingly.
Position/Function / Key Duties / ResponsibilitiesDirector & Senior Management Facilities Management (FM) / -Ensure QUT’ compliance with Queensland WH&S legislation for asbestos management
-Endorse and ensure QUTs’ implementation of this Asbestos Materials Management Plan
-Ensure that responsibility is allocated for co-ordination of in situ asbestos material management.
-Plan and allocate funding and resources for management of in situ asbestos materials.
FM Asbestos Materials Coordinator / -Provide advice on asbestos matters related to asbestos register, and facilitate the implementation of the AMMP with FM WH & S personnel.
-Receive completed Asbestos Materials Work Activity Record (Form F805_006) & project relevant documents from project co-ordinators and ensure building Asbestos Registers are updated as soon as practicable after removal.
-Coordinate ACM hazard information with FM Standards & Records (S&R) section
-Meet annually with Maintenance Manager, Senior Management and FM H & S to assess reinspection requirements and organise accordingly.
FM Standards and Records Section / -Ensure Asbestos Register & project information is collated, updated and retained in both project files and Alchemy data base information system in a timely, accurate manner.
FM Health and Safety / -Provide training and information on asbestos hazards to staff and or contractors
-Facilitate compliance & implementation of AMMP with Asbestos Materials Coordinator
-Meet annually with Asbestos Materials Co-ordinator, Maintenance Manager & Senior Managementto advise on reinspection requirements and assist with organising accordingly.
-Ensure incidents relating to ACM are recorded, reported and investigated as per QUT SPRI procedures.
FM Authorised Representatives (Definition) / -All Project Managers/Co-ordinators (Capital Works and Operations); Maintenance Services Technical Officers; Engineers and Senior Technical Officers. See Appendix A.
QUT Project
Co-ordinators (Capital Works and Operations)
cont’d
QUT Project
Co-ordinators (Capital Works and Operations) / -Check asbestos register for ACM presence / risk assessment status before engaging consultants / contractors for design, construction / refurbishment or removal work
-Provide current risk assessment information from the Asbestos Register and AMMP to contractors / staff.
-Notify Asbestos Materials Coordinator of imminent asbestos work.
-Fulfil the role as “FM Authorised Representative” for issuing Asbestos Work Permits (Form F805_007) prior to imminent asbestos material work (See Appendices D & F for forms)
-Through their project co-ordination activities, ensure contractors and staff are aware of the QUT AMMP and meet their legal obligations on the job
-Preparation of the technical scope of works for any significant asbestos materials removal or other work and statutory notification of ACM removal work..
-Check that contractors hold appropriate and current licences for asbestos removal relevant to the job and can prove competency.
-Obtain Safe Work Method Statements or Asbestos Removal Plans from Contractors, review and issue an Asbestos Work Permit
(Form F805_007) only after all relevant criteria have been met by contractors or others.
-Ensure QUT site specific inductions are provided for all contractors / staff.
-Ensure exclusion zones are established and work areas made secure.
-After work is complete, the Asbestos Materials Work Activity Record (Form F805_006) and a copy of all asbestos work related documents, to the FM Asbestos Material Coordinator for updating of Asbestos Register.
-Undertake asbestos hazard related training as required by QUT AMMP
QUT Operations
Maintenance Service Engineers or Senior Technical Officers / -Check asbestos register for ACM presence / risk assessment status in buildings before engaging contractors or staff for building, maintenance or service delivery work
-Fulfil project co-ordinator responsibilities where applicable (as per QUT FM Project Coordinators (Capital Works and Operations))
-Ensure all University staff and contractors are made familiar with the AMMP requirementsand comply with their legal obligations for asbestos work including public safety.
-Comply with the requirements of AMMP.
-Notify Asbestos Materials Coordinator of imminent asbestos removal or similar work.
-Fulfil the role as “FM Authorised Representative” for issuing Asbestos Work Permits (Form F805_007) prior to imminent asbestos material work (See Appendices D & F for forms)
-After work is complete, forward the Asbestos Materials Work Activity Record (Form F805_006) with copies of all relevant asbestos documents to FM Asbestos Material Coordinator
-Undertake asbestos hazard related training as required by QUT AMMP
All other QUT Technical Officers or Service staff / -Be aware of the QUT AMMP and contact FM for information from the Asbestos Register, before undertaking any work which may disturb ACM.
-Comply with requirements of AMMP and all relevant legislation
-Undertake a task/ job based risk assessment for any taskbefore commencing work ,which may involve drilling, cleaning, working on electrical switchboards that contain ACM or that otherwise may disturb ACM. See Section 7.12
-Develop and submit a Safe Work Method Statement (Asbestos Removal Plan) to a FM Authorised Representativeif asbestos is to be removed or significantly destabilized.
-Obtain an Asbestos Work Permit (Form F805_006) from a FM Authorised Representative for any asbestos materials work excluding minor work. See section 7.12 for requirements for “minor maintenance or service work” eg: drilling, cleaning, sealing, painting etc on ACM.
-Establish and maintain safety exclusion zones and security of work areas where appropriate
-Notify any damaged or suspected asbestos material to FM Asbestos Materials Co-ordinator.
Contractors / -Comply with the QUT AMMP and all relevant Asbestos legislation for asbestos work.
-Notify the FM Authorised Representative of any concerns of deterioration in known ACM or suspected ACM during work.
-Ensure appropriate asbestos removal or other licences are current and provide evidence of competency to FM Authorised Representative as requested including,-
- Evidence of respiratory fit testing and medical surveillance for workers.
- References from past clients on work quality
- Copies of current public liability insurance
-Conduct and provide a copy of asbestos removal job risk assessmentbefore tender.
-Provide a Safe Work Method Statement (or Asbestos Removal Plan) relevant to the size and complexity of the asbestos removal job.
-Obtain and sign off the Asbestos Work Permit (Form F805_006) with a FM Authorised Representative for any asbestos materials work, excluding defined minor work
-Ensure contractor employees or sub contractors are aware of their responsibilities on the job. Providethem with relevant information regarding the site asbestos risk controlsor directly supervise on site when work is in progress.
-Report incidents or potential hazards to FM Authorised Representative.
All other QUT staff – Security, Cleaning and General staff / -Understand the QUT AMMP and accessAsbestos Register information held by FM Operations as required before undertaking cleaning or disturbance of ACM.
-Do not attempt to do any work or cleanup, on known or suspected ACM without contacting an FM Authorised Representative e.g.: for drilling, grinding, punching holes or similar in walls / ceilings.
-Report suspected or damaged ACMs to Facilities Management via Help Desk 83000.
7.0QUT Asbestos Materials Management Plan
The QUT Asbestos Materials Management Plan is based on the Qld Workplace Health and Safety Regulations 2008 and the management principles established in the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC: 2018 (2005)] and Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2002(2005)]
The Asbestos Materials Management Plan outline is attached atAppendix B.
7.1 Risk Management for ACM at QUT.
7.1.1Identification – Surveying and Sampling for asbestos
The identification of asbestos hazards in the workplace is a legal requirement for employers under Queensland WHS Regulations.
As the owner and entity in control of University buildings structure and fabric, QUT shall identify the locations and types of all ACMs within those buildings, including areas that are not normally accessible to the general QUT community.
All information about ACM that is identified will be retained within the QUT FM – Buildings Asbestos Register (Alchemy database system). See section 7.4 of this plan
7.1.2Inspection / Survey of ACMs
-Surveying and representative sampling for QUT buildings shall only be undertaken by Competent persons/ organisations that are accredited, and hold appropriate qualifications, training and experience in the project management of asbestos materials management. Inspections shall include a visual assessment and representative sampling of suspected ACM during the assessment.
-In surveying for ACM, if there are inaccessible areas that are likely to contain ACM eg: fire doors, AC ducting or components in roof spaces, QUT shall presume that, on the advice of a Competent Person, asbestos is actually present.
-During inspection of ACMs in areas where dust is present or where it is presumed that asbestos dust or fibres may be present,appropriate respiratory protective equipmentand other PPE should be worn. (Appendix G)
-If conditions exist and entry is required into an area where friable asbestos may be present during sampling e.g. ceiling cavity with sprayed asbestos insulation; full personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn - including fully disposable coveralls to protect against fibre transfer to areas outside the immediate area.
Refer to Asbestos Management Code – Part 11 and Appendices.
7.1.3. Asbestos Consultants (Occupational Hygienists or other Competent Persons)
Where a project requires the services of an asbestos consultant, the consultancy shall be selected from QUT FM’s approved panel.
Before a consultant is selected by QUT, evidence of the following shall be provided to and approved by an Authorised Facilities Management Representative, before undertaking any work.
Evidence required of training, experience and qualifications of consultants or technicians engaged in a contract for work related to asbestos management -
-Evidence that any survey & sampling will be undertaken in accordance with NOHSC Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres [NOHSC:3003 (2005)]