The 2005 Australian Asbestos Codes of Practice: An Occupational Hygiene Perspective

Abstract

The new codes of practice on asbestos management and removal represent a change in emphasis from technical information to the site-specific responsibilities of organisations and removalists. There is little guidance for small business, home renovators or incidental asbestos exposures, despite there being no lower limit for applicability of the codes. Although asbestos-containing materials have been comprehensively covered, it appears that much of the huge cost of signage, record keeping and removal for low-risk operations (like floor tile removal) has not been adequately addressed. A national online asbestos register is recommended.