Unexpected ACM Finds

References: R Record keeping requirement | E An engineering/certification requirement | P A permit to work requirement | S A safe work method statement (SWMS) / written plan


Note: This section is to be read in conjunction with Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings, Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) - General and Asbestos Containing Materials in Soils (Below Ground)


Where an unexpected find occurs involving the suspected presence of ACM during work that is not being conducted under ACM removal processes, the following applies:


  • Work to cease in immediate area.
  • Worker to notify MPX Supervisor
  • Area must be barricaded and signposted (refer to above section)
  • A photograph of the suspected ACM and a sample must be taken.
  • Where required contact a Competent Person to confirm the suspected ACM
  • R Information must be recorded
  • R If required, the ACM sample must be sent for further confirmatory testing (laboratory analysis), this is only required if the Competent Person concludes that the find is likely to be ACM, after visual inspection.
  • If the sample is confirmed as being ACM after confirmatory laboratory testing, or if MPX believes after a visual inspection that the unexpected find is ACM, then handling, removal and disposal requirements are described below.



Managing ACM- Non-Friable less than 10m2


NSW - Follow the procedure for Managing Friable ACM and Non-Friable ACM (greater than 10 m2)


WA – Follow the procedures outlined in Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings/Structures


VIC, QLD - The following is to occur for non-friable ACM less than 10 m2:

  • ACM removal should only be permitted if authorised by the MPX Site Manager
  • Other work must cease in the immediate area where ACM or suspected ACM is located.
  • Area must be barricaded and signposted.
  • Where required contact a Competent Person to confirm the suspected ACM
  • Where practical the area should be kept damp using water (wet spray method)
  • ACM removal to follow safe working methods specified in Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2002 (2005) or regulatory requirements.
  • Associated ACM debris must be removed and placed into appropriate ACM waste receptacle (refer to ‘Disposal and ACM Waste Management’)
  • ACM debris must be disposed of (refer to ‘Disposal of ACM)


R Records must be maintained


R A visual inspection must be undertaken by a Licensed Contractor and the area declared clear of ACM prior to removal of any barricading and warning signage.


 

Managing Friable ACM and Non-Friable ACM (greater than 10 m2)


WA – Follow the procedures outlined in Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings/Structures


NSW, VIC, QLD - The following must occur for all friable ACM (irrespective of quantity) and any non-friable ACM greater than 10 m2:

  • ACM removal should only be permitted if authorised by the MPX Site Manager
  • Other work must cease in the immediate area where ACM or suspected ACM is located.
  • Area must be barricaded and signposted.
  • Where required contact a Competent Person to confirm the suspected ACM
  • Air monitoring programs must be implemented (friable only) prior to commencing removal
  • ACM removal to follow safe working methods specified in Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2002 (2005) or regulatory requirements
  • Associated ACM debris must be removed and placed into appropriate ACM waste receptacle
  • Refer to ‘Disposal and ACM Waste Management' under ACM in Buildings


R ACM debris must be disposed of (refer to ‘Disposal of ACM Waste Management’). Records must be maintained.


A visual inspection must be undertaken by a Competent Person and the area declared clear of ACM prior to removal of any barricading and warning signage.


R A clearance certificate must be issued by the Competent Person, refer to ‘Monitoring and Clearance Inspections’.


R Where friable ACM is removed, control monitoring and clearance monitoring records must be issued by the Competent Person.


The mobile plant operators (e.g. excavator operator) shall be “inducted” into the relevant SWMS for removing the ACM/ACD and work under the supervision of a Licenced Asbestos Removalist – with appropriate PPE, etc. An air monitor maybe setup in the cabin whilst the works are being conducted.


The mobile plant (e.g.) excavator must be “decontaminated” once the task has been completed and the Competent Person has issued a clearance certificate for the area.

 


ACM Inadvertent Potential Exposure


Any ACM inadvertent potential exposure events are to be reported and investigated in accordance with relevant incident procedure(s).


Where persons have been potentially exposed to ACM the following is to be provided by the employer

- Make available an Employee Assistance Provider (or similar)

- Offer / provision of a health/medical assessment

- Provide the link to the voluntary, self-registering Australian Government National Asbestos Exposure Register -https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/asbestos-health-risks-and-exposure/national-asbestos-exposure-register



Documents and Forms


Australia

  • Remediation action plan or asbestos management plan
  • HAZMAT survey & report
  • Detailed Site Investigation report
  • Clearance report
  • Asbestos Removal Control Plan
  • SWMS

Western Australia



Document Control

Version 1 August 2019 – New Procedure



Version 2 June 2025 –

  • Updated to incorporate WA legislative changes.
  • Additional requirements included for unexpected finds involving suspected ACM during work not conducted under ACM removal processes.
  • Additional requirements detailed for when persons have been potentially exposed to ACM.