Proper management of asbestos is crucial in the workplace environment. This hazardous material was installed in buildings due to its favourable properties, including resistance to fire, thermal insulation and chemical resistance. However, the usage has been rejected because the fibrous mineral is associated with dangerous diseases such as asbestosis and lung cancer when inhaled. If you are managing a business, it is crucial to ensure that the presence of asbestos is identified. The findings must be recorded in a document known as an asbestos register for accountability. Here is a description of the aspects that you must understand when dealing with asbestos registers. 

Asbestos Inspection

An inspection must be performed by a qualified consultant to determine whether asbestos is present in your commercial premises or not. The results obtained will be crucial in the creation of an accurate and legal asbestos register. You can choose between a presumptive examination and a sampling inspection for your building. The presumptive check-up is a visual examination of the building materials such as insulation, floor tiles and roofing features. The consultant will presume that every suspected material contains asbestos. The sampling inspection is more expensive because the examiner will collect samples of the suspect material. The samples will be tested to confirm the presence of asbestos in any suspected building features.

Register Requirements

The asbestos register for your premises must outline a clear record of the asbestos identified in your workplace. If the inspection performed was a presumptive one, the suspected materials will be recorded as asbestos. You should ensure that the document indicates the correct inspection date. In addition, the type of asbestos, its location and general condition should also be recorded. This will help people in the workplace to take the right measures, depending on the specific circumstances.

An asbestos register is not necessary if there are no asbestos-containing materials in your building and there is no potential source. In addition, commercial buildings that were built beyond a certain period are considered exempt. The exact year and date can vary widely depending on the region. For example, Queensland does not demand registers for buildings built from the beginning of 1990.

Register Maintenance 

You should maintain the asbestos register by updating any developments. For instance, if you decide to remove or seal the hazardous material, you should ensure that the register has the information. The inspections should be performed regularly to mitigate the dangers associated with deterioration of asbestos. Finally, when you leave the premises, ensure that the next manager or owner receives the documentation.