Working safely with asbestos containing materials
ACT workers who are likely to encounter materials containing asbestos are now required to complete training on how to handle asbestos safely. This course is in addition to the mandated 10675NAT – Course in Asbestos Awareness that came into effect in the ACT on 30 June 2014.
Asbestos is an ongoing risk to the community, and in particular, the health and safety of workers. ACMs are present in a substantial proportion of buildings in the ACT due to widespread use prior to the imposition of a ban in 2003.
If undisturbed, ACMs do not pose a significant risk to health. However, asbestos fibres may become airborne if ACMs are improperly handled, and exposure to these fibres can cause a number of serious diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Under our workplace health and safety laws, asbestos removalists and asbestos assessors must be trained and licensed to undertake work with asbestos.
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 mandates that people in occupations that are likely to work with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) must complete an approved training course in working safely with asbestos.
The objective of the training is to:
- enhance protection for workers who may be required to carry out minor or routine maintenance work or other minor work on ACMs by mandating relevant training;
- ensure workers that are likely to be required to perform this work are trained in how to do so safely;
- ensure best practice management of asbestos in the workplace;
- reduce workers’ exposure to asbestos fibres; and
- in the longer term, reduce incidences of asbestos-related diseases.
The expanded course requirements will support workers not involved in asbestos removal but who may disturb asbestos as part of minor or routine work (such as drilling into a wall to install a cable), and provide them with the skills and knowledge to be able to do so safely.
Licensed asbestos removalists and licensed asbestos assessors are not affected by the amendments and are exempt from completing the training.
The amendments will commenced on 1 July 2019.
Further information on Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials and list of approved registered training organisations.
PCBU responsibilities
The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires that a person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a worker engaged in a specific occupation must be trained in 10852NAT - Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
The person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure that a record is kept of the training undertaken while the worker is carrying out work and for five years after the day the worker ceases working for the business.
List of Occupations
Persons in an occupation specified in the list below are required to complete training in 10852NAT - Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
| Code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 334112 | Air-conditioning and Mechanical Services Plumber |
| 342111 | Air-conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanic |
| 342411 | Cabler (Data and Telecommunications) |
| 899914 | Electrical or Telecommunications Trades Assistant |
| 341111 | Electrician (General) |
| 341112 | Electrician (Special Class) |
| 334114 | Gasfitter |
| 334111 | Plumber (General) |
| 821114 | Plumber’s Assistant |
| 342414 | Telecommunications Technician |
List of approved trainers
The registered training organisations listed below are approved to deliver 10852NAT – Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
- AlertForce
- Future Skills Limited
- Canberra Institute of Technology
- Height Safety Engineers
- MBA Group Training Limited
ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council is the owner of 10852NAT – Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials. Registered training organisations that wish to apply for a licence to deliver the course should contact ElectroComms and Energy Utilities Industry Skills Council directly as follows:
Contact details
Contact Name: Mr Bob Taylor
Position: Chief Executive Officer
Phone: 02 6100 2147
Email: office@e-oz.com.au
Address: PO Box 431, Hall ACT 2618
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