Asbestos Management

Asbestos is a hazardous material that poses a risk to health if the fibres become airborne and are subsequently inhaled by people. The risk of this type of exposure to asbestos fibres is Mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. These diseases generally have a long latency period and it can be decades between exposure and any effect.

Asbestos containing materials (ACM) were widely used in the construction industry from the 1950s into the 1980s. Although asbestos was not completely banned until 2003, it is generally accepted that buildings completed after 1989 are probably asbestos free and after 2004 a building can be considered asbestos free.

Asbestos Register

The Shire has an obligation to identify and manage ACM in all buildings to meet the Occupational Health and Safety requirements (OSH Regulations 5.43). The Shire of Broome has created an Asbestos Register to meet this requirement and is included below.

Asset Management Capital Works Renewal Program

The Shire will work towards the removal of all known or suspected ACM from Shire-owned buildings in the long term, through our Asset Management Capital Works Renewal Program. This objective is in line with State government policy, which also aims to have all “buildings occupied or controlled by government agencies to be free of asbestos containing materials (ACM)” (Asbestos Management - Information Guide for Agencies);

Whilst working towards this target, the Shire has a duty of care to identify and manage existing ACM in all buildings to meet the Occupational Health and Safety requirements and the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018 (2005)]. As the highest priority is for all staff, occupiers, contractors and visitors to Shire buildings are safe from the hazardous effects of airborne ACM fibres.

ACM in sound condition, left undisturbed, presents negligible risk to building occupants and the general community. Therefore removal of asbestos may not be immediately required. However, if demolition, partial demolition, renovation or refurbishment work is planned or for any other reason the ACM is likely to be disturbed the immediate health risks shall require the prior removal of the ACM. Any remaining ACM shall be regularly inspected as part of Building condition or Building Maintenance inspections by a qualified officer or consultant and will remain on the asbestos register.

This plan is developed to assist the Shire of Broome to comply with legislative requirements and implement effective risk management principles and practices in the management of ACM which is contained in buildings on Shire owned or Shire managed land. These include operational buildings, community buildings and commercial property.

Disposal of asbestos

The Shire of Broome waste department requires people to contact the landfill on 9191 8777 to book in disposal of asbestos.

  • For less than a cubic metre, the Shire requires two hours' notice.
  • For 1 - 5 cubic metres, the Shire requires 48 hours' notice.
  • For larger loads, greater than 5 cubic metres and including house demolitions, the Shire requires seven days' notice.