Be asbestos aware - free handbook for NECA members

NECA National Update - 8 February 2018

With 13 Australians dying every week from asbestos-related diseases, the new Asbestos Management Handbook for Commercial and Non-residential Properties is a free resource that we strongly encourage all NECA members to access.

Although asbestos was banned in commercial and non-residential properties in the 1980s, asbestos use continued in some property types until the end of December 2003. Electrical switchboards, meter boards, fuses and circuit breakers could all potentially contain asbestos.

If undisturbed, well maintained and in stable, sealed and good condition, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are unlikely to pose a risk. It’s when they’re disturbed, during renovations or maintenance, especially when power tools are used, that the microscopic fibres are released and could be inhaled.

The Asbestos Management Handbook includes easy to understand technical information and requirements for regulatory compliance. There’s also a comprehensive list of the many property types that may be affected by ACMs along with images and details to help you identify commonly found materials.

Should you need to develop an Asbestos Register, Asbestos Management Plan, Asbestos Removal Record, Workers Training Records, Asbestos Policy or Asbestos Management procedures for contractors, you’ll find the accompanying Word and Excel Templates an essential resource.

The Fact Sheets cover Roles & Responsibilities for Management of Asbestos and ACMs, procedures for Unexpected Asbestos Finds and Incidents and the step-by-step application of Personal Protective and Respiratory Equipment. 

“The Handbook provides the information small businesses and individual contractors need to make sure they have safe work processes in place to prevent possible contamination by asbestos,” said Suresh Manickam, NECA CEO.

“Asbestos is one of the most hazardous materials you and your staff could be exposed to, so it’s vital that you are aware of how to prevent exposure, or to manage it should you unexpectedly come across asbestos or ACMs during the course of your work,” he continued.

Click here for more information and to access the free materials.


National Electrical and Communications Association
www.neca.asn.au