476Action if respirable asbestos fibre level too high

476 Action if respirable asbestos fibre level too high

(1)  The licensed removalist carrying out asbestos removal work requiring a Class A asbestos removal licence at a workplace must –

(a) if respirable asbestos fibre levels are recorded at the asbestos removal area at 0.01 fibres/ml or more, but not more than 0.02 fibres/ml, immediately –

(i) investigate the cause of the respirable asbestos fibre level; and

(ii) implement controls to prevent exposure of anyone to asbestos; and

(iii) prevent the further release of respirable asbestos fibres; and

(b) if respirable asbestos fibre levels are recorded at the asbestos removal area at more than 0.02 fibres/ml, immediately –

(i) order the asbestos removal work to stop; and

(ii) notify the regulator; and

(iii) investigate the cause of the respirable asbestos fibre level; and

(iv) implement controls to prevent exposure of anyone to asbestos; and

(v) prevent the further release of respirable asbestos fibres.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.

(2)  If the licensed removalist stops asbestos removal work requiring a Class A asbestos removal licence because the recorded respirable asbestos fibre level exceeds 0.02 fibres/ml, the removalist must ensure that the asbestos removal work does not resume until air monitoring shows that the recorded respirable asbestos fibre level is below 0.01 fibres/ml.

Penalty:  In the case of –

(a) an individual, a fine not exceeding $6 000; or

(b) a body corporate, a fine not exceeding $30 000.