Managing multiple buildings? You need an asbestos inventory and priority plan.
When you manage a portfolio of buildings, hospitals, schools, offices, public facilities, you cannot address asbestos one building at a time. You need a systematic inventory across all properties, a condition assessment for each identified material, and a prioritised management plan.
The inventory documents what materials are present, where they are, and what condition they are in. The management plan then determines: what needs immediate removal, what can be safely managed in place, and what schedule of monitoring and re-inspection is required.
This approach is both the legally required standard and the most cost-effective strategy. It avoids unnecessary removal of materials in good condition while ensuring that deteriorating materials are addressed before they become a health risk.
The Problem
Hospital complexes and healthcare campuses typically comprise multiple buildings constructed over different decades, each with different asbestos-containing materials. A systematic inventory across all buildings is essential to prioritise remediation by risk level and protect patients, staff, and visitors.
Healthcare facilities operate continuously, making ad-hoc asbestos management impractical. A centralised inventory with condition assessments allows facility managers to plan removal work during scheduled closures and ensure that maintenance teams always know what materials to avoid.
What You Need
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an asbestos register be reviewed?
An asbestos register should be reviewed at least annually, or whenever building changes occur, materials are disturbed, or condition deterioration is observed. Regular re-inspections ensure the register reflects the current state of all identified ACMs.
What is an O&M plan for asbestos?
An Operations and Maintenance (O&M) plan sets out how asbestos-containing materials will be managed in situ. It covers inspection schedules, maintenance procedures, labelling, staff training, and protocols for accidental damage or deterioration.
What should medical surveillance exams include for asbestos?
Medical surveillance for asbestos workers should include a clinical examination, respiratory function tests, and a chest X-ray every two years. Records must be kept for 40 years under CAR 2012.
What must be included in an asbestos register?
An asbestos register must record the location, type, condition, and extent of all known or presumed ACMs in the premises. It should also include the risk assessment score and any recommendations for management or removal.
How does an asbestos register protect building occupants?
An asbestos register documents the location, type, condition, and risk level of all known ACMs. It enables informed decisions about maintenance activities, prevents accidental disturbance, and provides essential information to contractors working in the building. Regular reviews ensure the information stays current.
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