216Use of certain tools or instruments

216  Use of certain tools or instruments

(1) An employer or self-employed person must not use the following or cause the following to be used on asbestos unless the use is controlled—

(a) a broom;

(b) a brush (except where the brush is used for sealing);

(c) a high pressure water jet, power tool or other similar tool or instrument.

(2) Subregulation (1) does not apply if airborne asbestos fibre levels are not in excess of 0·01 f/ml while the tool or instrument is in use.

(3) For the purposes of subregulation (1), the use of the tool or instrument is controlled, if, while the tool or instrument is in use—

(a) the tool or instrument is enclosed; or

(b) engineering controls are used; or

(c) a combination of the methods in paragraphs (a) and (b) is used—

so that the employer or self-employed person ensures that a person is not likely to be exposed to more than one half of the asbestos exposure standard.

(4) An employer or self-employed person must not rely on respiratory protective equipment to ensure that one half of the asbestos exposure standard is not exceeded.

(5) An employer or self-employed person must not use or cause to be used compressed air or other compressed gases—

(a) on asbestos, except in areas enclosed to prevent the release of airborne asbestos fibres from the enclosed area; or

(b) within 6 metres of an activity involving asbestos unless the use of that air or gas does not result in airborne asbestos fibres that exceed one half of the asbestos exposure standard.

(6) An employer or self-employed person must not rely on respiratory protective equipment to control a risk under subregulation (5)(b).

Division 4—Prohibitions under the
Dangerous Goods Act 1985

The Australian Government restricts the import and export of asbestos and goods containing asbestos under the Commonwealth's Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958.