Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418:body:0:p20
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 49398–54075

asbestos removal area at the workplace.
In relation to asbestos removal work requiring a licence:
    * Friable asbestos removal – An independent licensed asbestos assessor must be engaged to carry out air monitoring when it is required.
    * Non-friable asbestos removal (more than 10 m²) – An independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person must be engaged to carry out air monitoring when it is required.
Where air monitoring is otherwise required, for instance to determine whether the exposure standard has been exceeded following an uncontrolled disturbance or release of asbestos at the workplace, an independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person may carry it out. However, if the release involves friable asbestos, only an independent licensed asbestos assessor can carry out the air monitoring.

Results of the air monitoring
Once the results of the air monitoring are received, the licensed asbestos removalist must take action depending on the respirable fibre level. Where the results show that respirable asbestos fibre levels exceed the action levels outlined in Table 1, action must be taken immediately.

Table 1 Air monitoring action levels
Action level                                                                            Control                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Action

Less than                                                                               No new control measures are necessary                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Continue with control measures
0.01 fibres/ml
At 0.01 fibres/ml or more than 0.01 fibres/ml but less than or equal to 0.02 fibres/ml  1. Review                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Review control measures

2. Investigate                                                                          Investigate the cause

3. Implement                                                                            Implement controls to eliminate or minimise exposure and prevent further release
More than                                                                               1. Stop removal work                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                Stop removal work
0.02 fibres/ml
2. Notify regulator                                                                     Notify the relevant regulator by phone followed by fax or written statement that work has ceased and the results of the air monitoring
3. Investigate the cause                                                                Conduct a thorough visual inspection of the enclosure (if used) and associated equipment in consultation with all workers involved with the removal work
4. Implement controls to eliminate or minimise exposure and prevent further release     Extend the isolated/barricaded area around the removal area/enclosure as far as reasonably practicable (until fibre levels are at or below 0.01 fibres/ml, wet wipe and vacuum the surrounding area, seal any identified leaks (e.g. with expandable foam or tape) and smoke test the enclosure until it is satisfactorily sealed.
5. Do not recommence removal work until further air monitoring is conducted                 * Do not recommence until fibre levels are at or below 0.01 fibres/ml

Any information that is gathered from these actions can be referred to during future asbestos removal jobs (where applicable).

Communicating the results of the air monitoring
The person who commissions the licensed asbestos removal work must ensure the results of the air monitoring are given to the following persons:
    * workers at the workplace
    * health and safety representatives for the workplace
    *