Asbestos

UNE is committed to maintaining the health and safety of its workers, students, contractors and visitors.  As Australia’s oldest regional University, UNE has several buildings dating from the 1880’s onwards. Given this historic context, it is reasonable to expect there are buildings and equipment under the university's control that contain asbestos or Asbestos Containing Material (ACM).

The risk of exposure during their activities to most people on UNE premises is low (i.e. people do not normally disturb surfaces, penetrate walls, floors, enter ceiling spaces or plant rooms).

Therefore, under no circumstances are persons on UNE premises authorised to disturb/ penetrate wall surfaces, ceilings or floors, enter ceiling cavities/ utility cupboards or plant rooms unless employed/ engaged by Estate and Built Environment (EBE). Prior to any actions that involve/ may involve disturbing/ penetrating wall surfaces, ceilings or floors, entering ceiling cavities/ utility cupboards or plant rooms, engagement with EBE and their express permission must be sought.

UNE aims to eliminate exposure to asbestos where reasonably practicable through the identification and removal of asbestos where safe to do so. Where elimination is not possible, exposure is to be minimised so far as is reasonably practicable.

Risk Management

Asbestos can pose a risk to health and safety when asbestos fibres become airborne. When asbestos or ACM (e.g. fibro) is in good condition and left undisturbed the health risk of asbestos exposure is significantly reduced.

When asbestos or ACM is identified in the workplace, its location is noted in UNE's Asbestos Register. The register is used to ensure that ACM can be located so that any work that could potentially disturb asbestos can be avoided or managed as per requirements.

The UNE Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) (PDF, 963.83 KB) sets out how UNE identifies and manages ACM in the workplace.