Asbestos Materials SWMS

Product Overview

This SWMS covers planning, removal, containment, decontamination and disposal activities involving asbestos materials. It supports risk management for fibre release, access control, contaminated waste and work-area close-out.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes task-specific risk controls for:

• Plan the removal work and confirm materials and services
• Establish an exclusion zone and control access
• Inspect equipment and personal protective equipment
• Construct and maintain the friable enclosure
• Remove asbestos materials while managing breakage and handling
• Package asbestos waste for transfer
• Decontaminate personnel and equipment
• Monitor airborne fibres and respond to contamination incidents
• Clean the removal area and complete disposal and close-out

Who is this for?

Suitable for contractors, workers, supervisors and businesses carrying out asbestos materials removal activities.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

The template includes references relevant to the documented work, including:

• Applicable Commonwealth, state or territory WHS/OHS legislation and regulations, including duties to identify asbestos, manage airborne asbestos risks, use licensed removalists where required, prepare removal control plans, restrict access, conduct air monitoring and obtain clearance certification.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace — guidance on asbestos registers, hierarchy of controls and prohibited equipment.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos — guidance on licensing, removal control plans, enclosures, wet methods, decontamination, air monitoring, waste and clearance.
• Safe Work Australia, Model Code of Practice: Construction Work — guidance on SWMS requirements for high risk construction work.
• Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres, 2nd Edition [NOHSC:3003 (2005)] — air-monitoring method.
• AS/NZS 1715 Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment; AS/NZS 1716 Respiratory protective devices; AS/NZS 60335.2.69 Particular requirements for wet and dry vacuum cleaners, including power brush, for commercial use; AS/NZS 3012 Electrical installations—Construction and demolition sites.

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Standard SWMS Features (Click to Expand)

• Task-specific job steps, hazards and control measures
• Initial and residual risk ratings
• Assigned responsible persons for each job step
• Plant, equipment and PPE requirements where applicable
• Permits, qualifications and high-risk construction work details where applicable
• Worker consultation, sign-off and review sections