Asbestos

Proposal to amend the bonded asbestos removal licensing threshold

The Commission for Occupational Safety and Health (the Commission) have released a discussion paper proposing to amend workplace asbestos regulations to require workers employed to remove more than 10m² of asbestos to be licensed.

The Western Australian Local Government Association (WALGA) has identified several potential issues for Local Government and will make a submission, subject to the approval of the Municipal Waste Advisory Council (MWAC), along the following lines:

1. The 10 m² guideline undermines the worker health rationale.  It is considered that any amount of asbestos removal has potential repercussions for health and therefore any level of asbestos removal should require a level of competency.  This is in line with the Queensland and Victorian Guidelines.
2. With a view to Local Government’s position as a representative of the community, it is considered that in addition to changes to workplace regulations, homeowners should also be restricted from removing asbestos without adequate training.  Therefore, the Commission is encouraged to work with other Departments to ensure all asbestos regulations operate in a simplified and complimentary manner to reduce the health risk to everyone involved at every stage of asbestos removal (including transport and disposal).
3. The suggestion that Local Government require proof of a Worksafe asbestos removal licence before approving demolition/renovation work may be beyond the capacity of many Local Governments to implement if an on-site inspection is required before approval.  However, the requirement is probably acceptable if Local Government liability can be met based on the contractor’s assessment of the presence or absence of asbestos.

If Local Government have any planning concerns relating to these guidelines they should contact Allison Hailes at the Western Australian Local Government Association on (08) 9321 5055.