Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423:body:0:p12
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 31048–33874

task.
There are a number of factors that may be taken into account to identify or assume that asbestos is present in a workplace. These include:

When was the building constructed?                                                     Asbestos was widely used as construction and insulation material in buildings until the late 1980s when bans on its manufacture and use were put in place. However, the use of asbestos was only completely prohibited on 31 December 2003. As the bans were not absolute prior to 2003 and building materials may have been stockpiled, stored, or recycled and used, it is possible that asbestos may be present in buildings that were constructed up to 31 December 2003 and possibly later.
Were there any refurbishments or additions to the building prior to 31 December 2003?  Any refurbishment or extensions to the original building prior to 1990 and potentially up to 31 December 2003 may have involved the use of asbestos. Even if the original parts of the building did not contain asbestos, it should not be assumed that subsequent additions have no asbestos.
What type of material was used to construct the building?                              The main construction materials used are made from timber, brick, steel and cement sheet. If cement sheet is present and was installed up until 1990, it is likely to contain asbestos bonded to the cement particles. For example, a roof made from corrugated cement sheeting is likely to contain asbestos. Areas of buildings that are prone to wet conditions may contain asbestos in the walls and floors due to its hardiness and waterproofing qualities compared to other materials. For example, bathrooms, toilets and laundries may have asbestos sheeting or vinyl tiles. Likewise, pipes throughout the building that carry water and sewage may also contain asbestos.
Talk to designers, manufacturers or suppliers of plant, or refer to design plans       Asbestos may be present in specific parts of the plant in a workplace as it was used in gasket and friction brake products. Despite a large reduction in its use, chrysotile asbestos was still being used in some specific applications until recent years, including rotary vane vacuum pumps and in gaskets for certain types of equipment. If there is plant that was designed, built and installed prior to 1 January 2004, the supplier, manufacturer or designer of the plant should be consulted to find out if asbestos is present and, if possible, obtain this advice in writing. If this is not possible, review the design plans and seek advice from an experienced engineer or plant designer. Quality assurance systems or checks should be in place to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Talk to workers who have worked at the workplace for a long time                       Speaking with experienced workers