Contractors and asbestos in government buildings

Contractors' responsibilities

Contractors are responsible for working with asbestos containing materials (ACM) under the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996.

That includes the codes of practice:

• National code of practice for the management and control of asbestos in workplaces [NOHSC 2018(2005)]
• National code of practice for the safe removal of asbestos 2nd edition [NOHSC:2002(2005)]

Contractors working on Government projects where there may be ACMs must:

1. read the ACM Register and fill in the Building Maintenance Logbook before starting work
2. check for ACMs on site -- the asbestos register is only a guide
3. tell the Site Representative if the work will disturb ACMs
4. decide if the work requires an Unrestricted Asbestos Removal Licence or a Restricted Asbestos Removal Licence. (See More information on WorkSafe licensing requirements here)
5. immediately stop work if they find or suspect ACMs on site, and tell the Site Representative and the Department of Finance representative
6. work on ACMs at time that don’t expose building occupants and the general public to asbestos. The site representative must agree. Note: No staff or students can be on site during any asbestos work at schools
7. inform the Site Representative of progress and the completion date
8. decontaminate the site and leave it in a clean, tidy and presentable state. The Site Representative must approve
9. provide adequate information and documentation about the ACM work. This will allow the Site Representative to properly revise the ACM Register
10. get a clearance certificate from a competent person (independent from the contractor)

More information on safe work practices with asbestos is in the Asbestos Booklet, or contact the Department through your Department of Finance contract manager.

Useful Links

• Government agencies: Managing asbestos in government buildings
• Department of Commerce - WorkSafe WA
• Access the National code of practice for the management and control of asbestos in workplaces [NOHSC 2018(2005)]
• Access the National code of practice for the safe removal of asbestos 2nd edition [NOHSC:2002(2005)]