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

AppendicesThe following are examples of situations in which atmospheric monitoring may beneeded because of uncertainty about the level of exposure or whether there is a risk:• it is not clear whether new or existing risk controls are effective• the risk to health is largely controlled through the use of respiratory protection,but there are concerns that respiratory equipment has not been correctly selected,used, fitted, maintained or stored, and employees have not been adequatelytrained in its use• the risk to health is largely managed through administrative controls (ie safe workpractices or systems of work) and employees do not always follow these practices– perhaps due to lack of training or supervision• there is evidence (such as dust deposits in the work area) that the risk controls(such as engineering controls) have deteriorated as a result of poor maintenance,or• process modifications or changes in work practices have occurred that mayadversely affect employee exposure.Where it is not practicable to eliminate exposure to asbestos, the Regulations requirethat exposure to asbestos is reduced so far as is reasonably practicable for all peopleat the workplace.If it is obvious that there is potential for exposure to asbestos, priority needs to begiven to controlling the risk rather than carrying out atmospheric monitoring just toconfirm that the potential for exposure exists. However, once controls have beenput in place, their effectiveness can be determined by performing atmosphericmonitoring.For further information about atmospheric monitoring, refer to relevant documentedstandards, technical journals or publications issued by WorkSafe and the AustralianSafety and Compensation Council (ASCC). Further information and advice can beobtained from professionals such as occupational hygienists. Other employers inthe industry could also be approached for advice.Who can conduct the atmospheric monitoring?People who perform atmospheric monitoring do not have to be approved under theRegulations. However, atmospheric monitoring and the interpretation of the results(including comparison with the asbestos exposure standard) need to be undertakenby a competent person, such as an occupational hygienist or safety professional,who has the appropriate qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience.The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists (AIOH) is an incorporatedinstitute that represents the occupational hygiene field, both nationally andinternationally. A list of service providers who may be able to conduct atmosphericmonitoring can be found at aioh.org.au.Who can analyse the atmospheric monitoring samples?If an analysis of any sample is required under the Regulations, the analysis mustbe undertaken by an approved analyst. The accurate identification of asbestos andcounting of fibres by approved analysts is an important step in controlling exposureto this harmful substance. The Regulations define an approved analyst as being:‘An analyst approved by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) toperform asbestos fibre counting or to identify asbestos in samples, and to issuefindings as endorsed reports under the authority of a NATA accredited laboratory.’96 Compliance code / Removing asbestos in workplaces WorkSafe Victoria