Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423:body:0:p25
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2016L00423
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 64795–67451

ACM?
    * If the asbestos will be disturbed during the demolition or refurbishment, can it be removed safely before work commences and how can this be done?

What to do if the asbestos register indicates that asbestos is present
If the asbestos register identifies that asbestos or ACM is present, the person with management or control of the workplace must ensure all asbestos likely to be disturbed is identified and removed, so far as is reasonably practicable, before the demolition or refurbishment work starts.
The WHS Regulations allow for the demolition of part of a structure or plant in order to access in‑situ asbestos so it can be removed. For example, part of a wall may be demolished to access asbestos located in the wall cavity so it can be removed prior to further demolition.
For demolition work, if an emergency occurs, the person with management or control of the workplace must ensure a procedure is developed before the demolition work starts. The procedure must outline how to minimise the risk of exposure of workers and persons in the vicinity of the demolition site and ensure the exposure standard is not exceeded, so far as is reasonably practicable. The person must also provide the regulator with written notice of the emergency immediately after they become aware of the emergency and before the demolition starts.
Note: An emergency can occur if a building, structure or plant is structurally unsound or a collapse of the building, structure or plant is imminent.

If there is no asbestos register at the workplace
If there is no register for the workplace, the person who is carrying out the demolition or refurbishment work must not carry out the work until a competent person determines whether asbestos or ACM is fixed to or installed in the structure or plant.
If a competent person has reasonable grounds to be uncertain as to whether or not asbestos is present, before commencing demolition or refurbishment work the person carrying out the work must assume it is present. If it is determined or assumed to be present, the person carrying out the work must inform the occupier or owner (if it is domestic premises) or the person with management or control in any other case.
    * Demolition – Once the person with management or control of the workplace or plant has been notified that asbestos is present and demolition work is to occur, they must decide whether the asbestos is likely to be disturbed by the work. If it is likely to be disturbed they must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that the asbestos is removed before the work commences.
    * Refurbishment – Once the person with management or