If you own or manage a commercial or industrial building, you may be legally required to have an asbestos register and management plan. Here's what they are, who needs them, and what has to be in them.
An asbestos register is a documented record of all identified (or presumed) asbestos-containing materials in a workplace — their location, type, condition and how the risk is being managed.
A management plan sets out how the asbestos identified in the register will be managed: responsibilities, control measures, timeframes, decisions about removal, and procedures for incidents and reviews.
In general, the person with management or control of a workplace in a building constructed before 31 December 2003 must ensure an asbestos register and management plan are prepared and kept up to date. If you're unsure whether your building qualifies, it's worth confirming.
Note: confirm the current regulatory requirements that apply to your workplace.
The register and plan must be reviewed and updated — for example after removal works, when new asbestos is identified, or at regular intervals. An out-of-date register is a common compliance gap.
BBN prepares asbestos registers and management plans and provides asbestos testing and inspections across South East Queensland. Get in touch or call 0421 748 867.
Is an asbestos register a legal requirement?
For many workplaces in older buildings, yes — the person with management or control of the workplace is generally responsible.
How often should it be updated?
Whenever asbestos is removed or newly identified, and at regular review intervals.
