Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
1.
Purpose:
The purpose of this procedure is to ensure all risks associated with hazardous building materials
within the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development (DEECD) are identified and
managed.
2.
Scope:
This procedure applies to all hazardous building materials in DEECD workplaces including schools
and central and regional offices.
3.
References
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007
DEECD Asbestos Management Plan Template 2014
DEECD Asbestos Procedures 2013
DEECD Building Quality Standards Handbook 2011
DEECD Polychlorinated Biphenyls Environment Improvement Plan
DEECD Reinstatement and Preventative Maintenance Procedures 2013
DEECD Schools Policy and Advisory Guide – School Site Safety Policy
Managing asbestos in workplaces - Compliance Code
Removing asbestos in workplaces - Compliance Code
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4.
Definitions:
Approved
Asbestos
Analyst:
Asbestos:
A person trained to identify asbestos and complete asbestos fibre counts.
Asbestos
Licence Holder:
Fibrous forms of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine and
amphibole groups of rock-forming minerals.
A person licensed to remove and dispose of asbestos.
Competent
Person:
A person who has acquired through training, qualification or experience, or
a combination of both the knowledge and skills required to safely carry out
a task.
Deputy Health
and Safety
Representative:
An elected employee responsible for representing employees within a
Designated Work Group (DWG) on matters relating to Occupational Health
and Safety (OHS) in the absence of the HSR.
Friable
Asbestos:
Asbestos-containing materials that can be crumbled or pulverized to a
powder when dry.
Hazard:
Anything with the potential to cause harm, injury, illness or loss.
Hazardous
Building
Materials:
Materials, in addition to asbestos, including PCBs, SMFs and lead paint.
Health and
Safety
Representative
(HSR):
An elected employee responsible for representing employees within a
DWG on matters relating to OHS.
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 1 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
Lead Paint:
Lead paint is paint containing lead, which is a heavy metal that was once
used to create pigment in paint. All paints manufactured prior to 1978 had
lead as one of the ingredients.
Management
OHS Nominee:
A position nominated by the Workplace Manager to oversee the operational
aspects of implementing health, safety and wellbeing initiatives, policies
and procedures.
Non-friable
Asbestos:
Asbestos-containing materials that cannot be crumbled by hand pressure
alone.
Polychlorinated
Biphenyls
(PCBs):
The main use of PCBs in building materials is as a plasticiser. They are
found predominantly in paints, specialty coatings, caulking, sealants, and
other materials as well. They were used in equipment such as fluorescent
light fitting capacitors, electric motors, ceiling fans and dishwashers that
generally predate 1980.
School Asbestos
Co-ordinator
A person who is responsible for the safe management of asbestos and is
the main contact for asbestos-related issues in the school.
Synthetic
Mineral Fibres
(SMFs):
SMF is a general term used to describe a number of fibrous materials
made from glass, rock, alumina and silica. SMF have been widely used as
alternatives to asbestos in insulation and fire-rating products and as
reinforcement in cement, plaster and plastic materials
OHS Risk:
A description of the likelihood and consequence of a hazard causing injury
or illness.
Workplace
Manager:
The Manager or Principal responsible for the school, central office, regional
office or other DEECD workplace.
5.
Responsibility:
Workplace Managers and/or Management OHS Nominees are responsible for:
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commissioning a competent person to identify and assess hazardous building materials in the
workplace;
appointing a person to act as School Asbestos Co-ordinator within the school;
ensuring controls are implemented and the OHS Risk Register is reviewed if reasonably
practicable indicating hazardous building materials by labelling;
informing employees, contractors and visitors of the presence of hazardous building materials;
complying with legislation relating to hazardous building materials.
The functions of the Health and Safety Representative can include:
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Reporting incidents or near misses related to hazardous building materials as well as the use and
effectiveness of risk control measures.
Employees are responsible for:
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6.
6.1
reporting risks associated with hazardous building materials;
complying with procedures for safe management of hazardous building materials.
Procedure:
Identifying and Assessing Hazardous Building Materials
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominees are to engage a competent person
to identify the presence of hazardous building materials within the workplace. The results of this
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 2 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
assessment should be recorded in a hazardous building material report provided by the competent
person.
Hazardous building materials that may be identified include:
 Asbestos (friable and non-friable)
 Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB)
 Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMFs)
 Lead based paint
6.1.1 Asbestos
Asbestos are naturally occurring fibrous silicate materials that have been banned for use in
Australia since 31 December 2003. The three types of asbestos commonly used in Australia were:
Crocidolite (blue asbestos), Amosite (brown asbestos), and Chrysotile (white asbestos). Asbestoscontaining materials (ACM) in schools and other DEECD workplaces could include:
 Splashback/glue to urinals and behind ceramic tiles
 Cement flue to heating unit
 Eaves and infill panels
 Floor steps
 Ceiling and walls
Asbestos-containing materials in schools and other DEECD workplaces are recorded in Division 5
and Division 6 Asbestos Audit Reports which can be accessed through the School Maintenance
System portal - http://prms21.eduweb.vic.gov.au/Home/. When an asbestos-containing material is
identified, the Workplace Manager and/or Asbestos Co-ordinator is to record it on the OHS Risk
Register and to develop an Asbestos Management Plan using the DEECD Asbestos Management
Plan template.
Schools and other DEECD workplaces are expected to implement appropriate actions in order to
reduce the risks of its employees, contractors, students and visitors from exposure to asbestos
fibres while on site. The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee are required to
provide current copies of the Division 5 and Division 6 Asbestos Audit Report and Asbestos
Management Plan as part of their OHS induction to all persons who come on site prior to
commencing work that could potentially affect ACMs.
6.1.2 Polychlorinated Biphenyls
Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are a group of chemical substance classified as probable human
carcinogens. Other potential health effects include; irritation of the nose, lung and skin where
people have been exposed to PCBs over long periods of time. PCBs are persistent in the
environment and can build up in the food chain. Due to concerns about health effects, the
importation and manufacture of PCBs in Australia have been banned since the 1970s.
PCBs were widely used in electrical equipment due to their good insulating, fire resistant and
dielectric properties. Polychlorinated Biphenyls -containing material, however, may still be found in
some electrical supply and telecommunications equipment such as transformers, generators and
capacitors.
Note: all DEECD schools have been audited for PCBs and schools have received relevant reports.
It should be noted that all PCBs have been removed from school buildings as part of DEECD’s
Environment Improvement Plan.
6.1.3 Synthetic Mineral Fibres
Synthetic Mineral Fibres (SMFs) are man-made mineral fibres (MMMF) and include glass fibre, rock
wool, slag wool and refractory ceramic fibres (RCF). No form of SMF has been classified as being
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 3 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
confirmed human carcinogen, although concerns remain for specific types such as more biopersistent RCF. Synthetic Mineral Fibres has become an important replacement for asbestos in a
variety of product where thermal insulation, acoustic insulation, or electrical or fire protection is
required.
Other health effect risks such as upper respiratory tract irritation and skin and eye irritation (from the
mechanical action of large diameter non-respirable fibres) may arise where materials containing old
or the new forms of SMF are disturbed such as during manufacture of SMF products,
refurbishment/demolition activities, and installation of insulation.
6.1.4 Lead Paint
Paints used in buildings constructed before 1970 are likely to contain high lead concentrations
(typically above 1% lead concentration). Before 1950, certain paints contained as much as 50%
lead. Lead-containing paints are one of the major sources of lead in the environment.
Lead-based paint is most likely to be found on window frames, doors, skirting boards, kitchen and
bathroom cupboards, exterior walls, gutters and fascia and metal surfaces. Lead becomes a
problem only if it is damaged or disturbed.
Lead can be inhaled or swallowed when a process generates lead dust, fumes or mists, and longterm exposure can cause a range of health problems, including gastrointestinal problems, kidney
disease and nerve damage. Lead paints that are flaking could create risks to young children who
suffer from pica (a serious eating disorder that can sometimes result in serious health problems
such as lead poisoning). Paint in good condition that is not flaking or chalking, or is covered by wellmaintained lead-free paint is not a hazard in itself.
6.2
Communication of Hazardous Building Materials
The hazardous building material report and Asbestos Management Plan must be made available to
all visitors and contractors who may come into contact with hazardous building materials. The
report contains a risk assessment and details of control measures for all identified hazardous
building materials.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee are to communicate the information
contained within the hazardous building material report as per the Consultation and Communication
Procedure. As a minimum communication is to occur with:
 The Health and Safety Committee (if applicable)
 HSRs
 Employees
 Contractors.
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee should ensure that as a minimum
the communication takes into account:
 the location and condition of hazardous building materials;
 the risk of adverse health impacts associated with coming in contact with hazardous building
materials;
 the controls that are to applied to eliminate and/or reduce the risk of adverse health impacts;
 information relating to the type of potential health impacts for each of the hazardous building
materials.
6.3
Controlling Risks Posed by Hazardous Building Materials
6.3.1
Control Measures
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 4 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
Where specific hazardous building materials has been identified, controls are to be established and
implemented by the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS nominee in consultation with
the HSR, employees and a person competent with the hazardous building material. These controls
will be defined within the hazardous building material report.
When determining controls to manage hazardous building material risks, the Workplace Manager
and/or Management OHS Nominee must follow the hierarchy of control outlined in OHS Risk
Management Procedure. Examples of effective hazardous building material controls (from most to
least effective) may include:
 elimination of asbestos by a contractor who holds an asbestos licence; (See Asbestos
Management Plan);
 painting over lead based paint;
 conducting monitoring checks to determine actual exposure (see Hygiene Management
Procedure);
 developing a Safe Work Procedure Template for performing tasks on or adjacent to hazardous
building materials;
 if reasonably practicable indicate hazardous building materials by labelling;
 providing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) e.g. neoprene or nitrile gloves.
The Workplace Manager and/or Asbestos Coordinator are to schedule hazardous building
materials inspections in the OHS Activities Calendar. The condition of hazardous building materials
is to be periodically inspected and assessed. Appropriate controls are to be implemented to reduce
potential risks associated with identified hazardous buildings materials.
A Safe Work Method Statement and Permit to Work- Destructive or Asbestos Based Work is to be
completed and signed by the Workplace Manager and contractor prior to works being carried out.
Note: External competent persons are to be engaged and managed as per the requirements of
Contractor Management Procedure.
Note: Asbestos can only be removed by an asbestos-licensed holder. DEECD workplaces must follow
their Asbestos Management Plan which ensures employees in immediate and adjacent areas prior to
removal of asbestos products and those employed by an asbestos licence holder are informed of
the health risks and medical checks that are conducted in relation to asbestos exposure.
6.3.2
Location of Hazardous Building Materials
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee must ensure that all employees,
contractors and visitors are aware of the location of hazardous building materials. Where relevant
the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee should ensure that the location of
hazardous building materials is included in the OHS Induction Checklist and Contractor Induction
Checklist.
6.3.3
Training on Hazardous Building Materials
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee should ensure the training needs of
employees are identified and implemented in accordance with the requirements of the Induction
and Training Procedure. The information and training needs for contractors who are required to
work on or adjacent to hazardous building materials are to be managed as per Contractor
Management Procedure.
6.4
Reviewing Controls
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 5 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee are responsible for reviewing the
effectiveness of hazard controls in consultation with the HSR and employees each year. This
review process may involve a visual reinspection of the hazards identified in the hazardous building
materials report, by a competent person, to ensure their on-going safe condition.
For asbestos refer to Asbestos Management Plan.
6.5
OHS Risk Register
The Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee are to ensure that the OHS Risk
Register is kept up to date and is reviewed when hazardous building materials are identified,
assessed, controlled and reviewed. If the OHS Risk Register refers to the hazardous building
material report for further detail, then the Workplace Manager and/or Management OHS Nominee
are to ensure that the hazardous building material report is kept up to date.
DEECD Infrastructure and Sustainability Division conduct a program of regular asbestos auditing in
DEECD workplaces. Each school (other than Greenfield sites) will have a copy of the division 5
audit
report
Schools
can
access
their
report
by
going
to
https://www.eduweb.vic.gov.au/PRMSaudit/Search.asp
7.
Related Documentation:
OHS Risk Register
Contractor Management Procedure
Consultation and Communication Procedure
OHS Risk Management Procedure
Hygiene Management Procedure
OHS Induction Checklist
Contractor Induction Checklist
Induction and Training Procedure
Safe Work Procedure Template
8.
Version Control
Version
Section
Amended
Amendment
Date
Created
2
6.3.2
Changed to include the requirement to April 2011
inform employees and contractors the
location
of
Hazardous
Building
Materials where relevant.
EHU
2
All
2 yearly review as
requirements.
EHU
3
All
2 yearly review as per OHSMS April 2013
requirements
Change to heading to reflect AS/NZS
4801:2001 requirements
ESWB
4
All
Change to identifying and assess
hazardous building materials to
including Asbestos, PCB, SMFs and
lead based paint.
ESWB
per
OHSMS April 2011
February
2014
Author
Minor wording changes with an update
to references, dates and version
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 6 of 7
Hazardous Building Materials Procedure
number.
Central Office Use Only
Issue Date: April 2013
No: DEE ESWB-16-2-4
Last Reviewed: February 2014
Next Review Date: February 2016
Authorised by: Manager ESWB
THIS DOCUMENT IS UNCONTROLLED WHEN PRINTED
Page 7 of 7