Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418:body:0:p19
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00418
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 46798–49662

the effectiveness of implemented control measures. It must be conducted in accordance with the Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Dust, 2nd Edition [NOHSC: 3003 (2005)].

When is air monitoring required?
Air monitoring requirements will vary depending on the type of asbestos being removed, the location and position of the asbestos, if an enclosure is used and whether the asbestos removal work is within a building or outside.
    * Friable asbestos removal – Air monitoring is mandatory for all friable asbestos removal. This includes prior to dismantling an enclosure and for the purposes of the clearance inspection.
    * More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos removal – Air monitoring is not required but may be considered to be carried out by an independent licensed asbestos assessor or competent person to ensure compliance with the duty to eliminate or minimise exposure to airborne asbestos and to ensure the exposure standard is not exceeded.
    * Public Location – Air monitoring should be considered where the asbestos removal work is being undertaken in or next to a public location.
    * Exposure air monitoring – Air monitoring should be carried out at other times to determine a worker's exposure to airborne asbestos if, based on reasonable grounds, there is uncertainty as to whether the exposure standard may be exceeded and a risk assessment by a competent person indicates it is necessary. Since most uses of asbestos are prohibited, exposure monitoring should not be required frequently.
Air monitoring may be required when:
    * it is not clear whether new or existing control measures are effective
    * there is evidence (for example, dust deposits are outside the enclosure) the control measures have deteriorated as a result of poor maintenance
    * modifications or changes in safe work methods have occurred that may adversely affect worker exposure
    * there has been an uncontrolled disturbance of asbestos at the workplace.

When must the air monitoring be carried out?
The air monitoring must be conducted before and during Class A asbestos removal work. However, it is not required before friable asbestos removal work commences when the glove bag removal technique is used. Air monitoring must be carried out as part of the clearance inspection, for instance at the conclusion of the asbestos removal work.

Who must conduct air monitoring?
A person who commissions asbestos removal work that requires a Class A licence must ensure that an independent licensed asbestos assessor undertakes air monitoring of the 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