National Asbestos Week 21-27 November 2022

National Asbestos Week, held 21-27 November 2022, is an annual event that aims to raise awareness of asbestos exposure dangers and promote safe work practices. The week falls in November each year, coinciding with World Asbestos Day on November 25.

This year's National Asbestos Awareness Week campaign asks Australians to Think Twice About Asbestos. Organisers remind home renovators and tradespeople that asbestos danger remains far from over. Even though asbestos use in Australia has been banned for over 20 years, this material still lurks in many homes and commercial buildings.

Why Asbestos Still Poses a Health Risk

Asbestos fibres can release into surrounding air when material containing asbestos gets disturbed, and inhaling these fibres can cause serious health problems, including lung cancer. While no safe level of asbestos exposure exists, developing health complications becomes more likely if you face high asbestos levels over a long period.

This year's campaign reminds Australians again that vigilance around asbestos dangers matters, and taking steps to protect ourselves and our families remains essential.

Top Five Documents You Need for Managing Asbestos

As part of National Asbestos Week, we've compiled a list of five essential documents for safe management of asbestos risk across your workplace.

1. Asbestos Risk Assessment

An Asbestos Risk Assessment helps identify potential sources of asbestos exposure in your workplace or home so you can take steps to reduce risk. The assessment involves identifying material types that may contain asbestos and evaluating their condition. If exposure risk exists, the assessment will also identify steps needed to reduce that risk.

2. Asbestos-Related SWMS

This document should outline specific procedures followed when working with asbestos. It should also identify potential hazards and detail steps taken to mitigate those risks. Workers involved in the job should review and sign the Asbestos SWMS before work begins.

3. Asbestos-Related SOPs

An SOP outlines steps that should be taken when working with asbestos, such as using personal protective equipment, wetting down materials before disturbing them, and disposing of waste properly. By following an Asbestos-related SOP, workers can minimise exposure and reduce risk of developing health problems.

4. Asbestos Management Plan

An Asbestos Management Plan should include two key components: inspection and removal. A qualified professional should conduct the inspection, identifying where asbestos sits and what condition it's in. For example, an Automotive Asbestos Management Plan includes ensuring compliance with applicable legislation, providing clear direction for workers on how to safely remove asbestos, and creating records that demonstrate compliance.

5. Asbestos Register

An Asbestos Register lists all asbestos-containing materials in a building alongside their location and condition. If you're responsible for a commercial building, maintaining an up-to-date register matters greatly. Doing so helps protect employee and customer health while ensuring you stay compliant with legislation.

Spreading Awareness Through News and Video

Throughout National Asbestos Week, news outlets and industry bodies share video content and community resources highlighting asbestos risks in older homes built before the 1990s ban. Staying informed through credible news coverage and official resources helps workers and homeowners recognise warning signs early. For further reading, the Safe Work Australia website offers additional guidance on asbestos management and workplace health obligations.

Let SafetyDocs Help

Asbestos remains a serious concern for many businesses and organisations, and SafetyDocs can help you manage this risk with confidence. We offer a wide range of templates and tools to support safety and care across every job site. View our Asbestos-related documents.

You might also find our coverage of National Asbestos Awareness Week safety issues useful, along with our Farm Safety Week 2022 resources for broader workplace care practices.

For more information on these products and how they can help improve safety in your workplace, please get in touch with us today.

Author - Craig Cruickshank is the HSEQ Manager and Senior Technical Advisor at SafetyDocs by SafetyCulture. Craig comes from a construction and environmental background, with experience in both private and public sectors, and remains passionate about making health and safety information easy to find and understand for everyone. Learn more about Craig's work on LinkedIn.

Available for instant download and supplied in fully editable MS Word format for use in your business. Please note that the above information is provided as a comment only and should not be relied on as professional, legal or financial advice.