Removing asbestos in workplaces - Compliance ... - WorkSafe Victoria

Generalrequirements forall asbestosremoval68. This section applies to asbestos removal performed by both licensed andunlicensed persons. Additional guidance on the requirements of licensedremoval is provided on page 43.Planning69. Planning requirements for the removal of asbestos can differ greatly dependingon many factors, including the:• specific asbestos removal task• type, location, quantity and condition of the ACM to be removed• presence of employees or other persons nearby.70. A removalist must:• Obtain as much detail as possible on the location and condition of theACM to be removed and any adjacent ACM. If in doubt to whether anitem contains asbestos, it needs to be assumed that it does (or a sampleof it analysed). Appendix C provides a list of examples of ACM.• Obtain a copy of the asbestos register (refer to page 22).• Consult with the person who commissioned the work and advise themwhen asbestos removal work will be taking place.• Ensure the proposed removal area and its surrounds will be unoccupiedfor the duration of the removal.• Establish a location for personal decontamination.• Establish emergency plans for prompt evacuation (such as for fire) andelevated airborne fibre detection.• Provide employees with the information, instruction, training or supervisionthat is necessary to enable them to perform their work safely. Licensedremovalists have additional duties under the Regulations in relation tosupervisors (refer to ‘Additional requirements for asbestos removal’ onpage 43).• Establish the controls to be used and ensure these are conveyed to allrelevant persons (see the asbestos removal check sheet in Appendix G).• Complete a safe work method statement if one is needed – see paragraph 80.• Identify other hazards related to the job, assess the risk and implementcontrols. Such hazards include but are not limited to working at height,working next to hot surfaces and electrical hazards.71. Planning is essential as any misunderstanding could lead to the use of unsaferemoval methods and potentially endanger the health of asbestos removalworkers, people in adjoining properties and local residents.WorkSafe Victoria Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces 21