Planning

Identification of ACM

As far as reasonably practicable and before the commencement of any refurbishment, demolition or excavation at historical sites, the potential for ACM must be investigated by reviewing:

• R The contents of any Detailed Site Investigation (DSI) report(s)
• R The contents of any geotechnical reports

Further Investigation

Where information exists and this identifies the presence of ACM or the potential presence of ACM, further investigation may be required, this can include, but not be limited to:

• R Additional HAZMAT survey(s) (e.g. Intrusive / destructive) and
• R Additional geotechnical survey(s) (incl. where applicable sampling).

NATA approved sampling methods should be used. 

R Should site activities require demolition to parts or all of an existing building, then the building owner must provide either an existing (recent) HAZMAT report or preferably commission a Competent Person to complete a HAZMAT survey and summarise findings in a HAZMAT survey report.

If there is uncertainty over the accuracy of an existing HAZMAT Report it may be applicable to commission a separate HAZMAT Survey and Report which may include destructive testing to validate areas (note: this would be commissioned by MPX).

Any assumed ACM present must be treated as ACM until verified by a Competent Person as not ACM.

R Any existing Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) reports or Asbestos Management Plan and registers should be compiled into one register. The register must include the following information:

• Date ACM identified
• Location of ACM to be marked on a project map, referenced to building grid line
• Validation of ACM type (friable or nonfriable) including confirmatory testing through laboratory analysis
• Photograph(s) of identified ACM
• Activity being undertaken at the time of identification
• Licensed contractor who removed ACM
• Actions taken during removal
• Validation of ACM clearance (post removal) to be confirmed by laboratory analysis and
• Records of waste receipts for ACM disposal to a licensed facility.

Communication and Consultation

Where ACM has been identified during the planning stages and still present on a project, the following information must be made available via a site induction:

• Details of any areas of the project in which there is known ACM
• The control measures in place to verify employees are not exposed to ACM (if present on the project)
• The notification procedure as described by ‘Unexpected ACM Finds’, if it is possible that ACM is present on the project and
• Reference to this procedure with copies made available to employees upon request.

The following information must be made available to the licensed ACM contractor, for communication to their employees:

• HAZMAT survey report and
• Any existing workplace Asbestos Management Plan and ACM registers.

The licensed ACM contractor must communicate / consult with their employees on the following:

• HAZMAT survey report
• Any existing workplace HAZMAT survey report and ACM registers
• Asbestos Removal Control Plan and
• Applicable SWMS.

The following information must be made available to clients and other potentially affected parties if required:

• Details of any areas of the project in which there is known ACM

Health Surveillance

The licensed ACM contractor must establish a health surveillance program, as determined by an assessment of the potential for exposure to ACM, in accordance with requirements of Appointed Medical Practitioner with reference to the SafeWork Australia - Hazardous Chemicals Requiring Health Monitoring.

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