Asbestos, a hazardous material commonly found in older buildings, poses significant health risks when disturbed. To ensure the safety of occupants and workers, regulations and guidelines have been established to manage and control asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Two crucial components of asbestos management are Division 6 asbestos audits and intrusive asbestos surveys.
Explore further what a division six asbestos audit entails and its connection to intrusive asbestos survey as we delve deeper below.
Division 6 Asbestos Audit
A Division 6 asbestos audit is a comprehensive assessment conducted in commercial, industrial, and public buildings to identify and manage ACMs effectively. It refers to the Australian legislation under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017. The audit involves inspecting the premises and collecting samples for analysis to determine the presence, location, condition, and risk level of ACMs.
Purpose of Division 6 Asbestos Audit
The primary objective of a division 6 asbestos audit is to create an asbestos register and management plan, which outlines the location of ACMs and the necessary control measures. This information is vital for building owners, property managers, and contractors to ensure occupants’ safety and comply with legal obligations.
Intrusive Asbestos Survey
An intrusive asbestos survey is a more in-depth investigation that may be required as a follow-up to the Division 6 asbestos audit. It involves physically accessing concealed or hard-to-reach areas to identify hidden or inaccessible ACMs. This type of survey often requires the removal of building materials or opening up structures for a thorough inspection.
Division 6 Asbestos Audit and Intrusive Asbestos Survey
The Division 6 asbestos audit provides a baseline assessment of the known ACMs within a building. However, there may be instances where additional investigation is necessary to uncover hidden ACMs that were not readily identifiable during the initial audit. In such cases, an intrusive asbestos survey is conducted to ensure a more comprehensive understanding of the asbestos presence and associated risks.
A Division 6 asbestos audit is essential in managing asbestos in buildings, providing crucial information for creating effective management plans. However, an intrusive asbestos survey may be necessary in certain situations to ensure a thorough evaluation and minimise risks.
Protect the health and safety of your building’s occupants while complying with relevant regulations and guidelines; explore more about the importance of asbestos management as you check out Global Asbestos Audits today!
