Slide 1 – Title Slide
NBN Co Asbestos Management
Greg Rotheram
This document sets out NBN Co’s proposals in respect of certain aspects of the National Broadband Network. The contents of this document represent NBN Co’s current position on
the subject matter of this document. The contents of this document should not be relied upon by our stakeholders (or any other persons) as representing NBN Co’s final position on
the subject matter of this document, except where stated otherwise. NBN Co’s position on the subject matter of this document may also be impacted by legislative and regulatory
developments in respect of the National Broadband Network. All prices shown in this document are exclusive of GST.
UNCLASSIFIED | © NBN Co 2013
Slide 2 - What is NBN
The National Broadband Network (NBN) is an Australia wide project to upgrade the existing fixed line phone and internet
network infrastructure. It is essential for Australia’s transition to a digital future. Fast broadband has the potential to fuel
growth and drive improvements to local economies, businesses and homes, bringing new opportunities to the whole
country.
Slide 3 – Asbestos Found on the Project

The most common type of asbestos found on the project is non-friable ACM that can be found in:
o Telstra Pits
o Duct / Pipe
o Premises i.e. walls, eves, roofs, fences
o Floor tiles
o Buried
Slide 4 – The Challenge
The Challenge's Experienced by NBN with Ensuring Quality Asbestos Related Training
Slide 5 – Asbestos Related Training - Learnings

For most parts of the NBN project we engage Delivery Partners (Principal Contractors) to construct the network on
our behalf.

The delivery partner’s asbestos processes and training material are reviewed as part of our engagement and on
boarding process.
Slide 6 – Asbestos Related Training – Learnings
The reviews identified the following:
Licenced Asbestos Activities
 Training material for licenced asbestos activities were very consistent across delivery partners. We believe this is
due to the nationally recognised training modules:
o Remove Non-Friable Asbestos (CPCCE3014A)
o Supervise Asbestos Removal (CPCCBC4051A)
Slide 7 – Asbestos Related Training – Learnings
Non-Licenced Asbestos Activity’s

Training material for non-licenced asbestos activities (Non-Friable ACM <10m2) varied considerably across the
delivery partners.

We believe one of the causal factors contributing to the inconsistencies is due to there being no nationally
recognised asbestos awareness training module.

The current Code of Practice – ‘How to Safely Remove Asbestos’ does provide baseline guidance on what the
asbestos awareness training may include i.e. health risk of asbestos, types of asbestos, PPE.
Slide 8 – Asbestos Related Training – Learnings
In a number of cases the asbestos awareness training material was not entirely compliant with the following WHS
Regulations:
Slide 9 – Transport and Disposal
There was a level of confusion and areas for improvement with regards to the State and Territory EPA requirements for the
transportation and disposal of ACM waste.
Key challenges:
 Different types of licences required
o Transport
o Temporary bin storage
 Minimum asbestos waste drop off charges
 Applying for exemption's
Slide 10 – Competency

Regardless of the quality of the training material, it was identified that most of the training being delivered didn’t
include a practical competency assessment for the different types of asbestos activity’s being undertaken.
Slide 11 – Our Approach to Improving Asbestos
Related Training
Our Approach to Improve Asbestos Related Training.
Slide 12 - Delivery Partners Asbestos Awareness
Training
 As part of NBN continual improvement program we are continuingly working with those delivery partners where it’s
been identified there are areas for improvement with their current asbestos training modules.
o Associated risks
o Removal methodology
o Contaminated Soils
o Transportation, storage and disposal requirements
Slide 13 - NBN Co Asbestos Guide for Delivery
Partners
 NBN Co has released an Asbestos Management Guide for Delivery Partners to ensure not only compliance with
legislative requirements but to drive industry best practice.
 The guide provides clarity around Licencing, training and competency requirements for the different types of
asbestos activities undertaken on the project. In many cases a risk based approach has been taken and in some
cases have been set above current legislative obligation.
Slide 14 – Compliance

NBN Co believes there are three key areas requiring continued focus to ensure the health and wellbeing of those
working or potentially impacted by the asbestos activities undertaken on the project.
o Information provided – relevant to the type of asbestos being handled & asbestos activity being
undertaken.
o Training & Competency – the quality and consistency of the training & practical competency assessments
relevant to asbestos activity being undertaken.
o Site Supervision – competent asbestos supervisors providing continual mentoring and monitoring.
Slide 15 – NBN Working to Strengthen Asbestos
Related Training Materials in the Utilities Sector
NBN Working to Strengthen Asbestos Related Training Materials in the Utilities Sector.
Slide 16 – Utilities Sector
 NBN Co along with other key utility stakeholders is currently working with the Asbestos Safety and Eradication
Agency to undertake a project to strengthen asbestos-related training materials and methods of verification of
competency in the utilities sector.
 The intent is to reduce the likelihood of exposure to asbestos fibres, which will ultimately reduce the instances of
asbestos- related disease.
Slide 17 – Questions