Asbestos-containing building materials were used extensively throughout Queensland between the 1940's and the 1980's. These materials were used in floors, walls, roofs and many other building applications for houses, schools and other types of buildings both government and non-government.
The highest priority of the Department of Education and Training is the safety of students and staff at all times.
Asbestos containing materials that are in sound condition do not pose a health risk unless disturbed.
Asbestos will continue to be managed in accordance with the Queensland Government's Asbestos Management and Control Policy for Government Buildings which incorporates a number of control measures to manage in-situ asbestos-containing material.
Condition of materials containing asbestos in schools is managed through an extensive awareness program as well as QBuild Annual Maintenance Condition Assessments and three-yearly specific asbestos inspections.
Any asbestos-containing material classified as being in poor condition through these inspections is made safe and programmed for remedial action as required.
The Department has clear and concise procedures in place to manage asbestos in state schools and other Department of Education and Training centres of learning such as TAFE Institutes.
If asbestos-containing material, such as fibro wall sheeting is damaged or disturbed, students and staff are immediately isolated from the area. Independent asbestos-removal contractors are engaged to repair or remove asbestos-containing materials, undertake a professional clean and provision of a clearance for reuse of the area.
It is the Principal's responsibility to notify parents and carers of asbestos related matters.
These procedures are in line with the Queensland Workplace Health and Safety legislation and the Queensland Government's Asbestos Management and Control Policy for Government Buildings.
Condition of asbestos-containing material in schools is managed through:
All service providers are required to obtain an authorised Work Area Access Permit (WAAP) for all maintenance and construction works before commencing on-site. The WAAP also includes an asbestos register of known confirmed, presumed and removed asbestos-containing materials.
The priority when services providers are on site is to ensure that all maintenance and construction work is carried out in a safe manner. All work must be carried out on weekends or when staff and students are not present.
Records of the condition of asbestos-containing materials are maintained in the Department of Public Works electronic Built Environment Materials Information Register (BEMIR) database. BEMIR is updated by QBuild when works are completed at schools or when the condition of asbestos-containing materials, change. Where a service provider other than QBuild conducts work at a school, they must advise the principal if BEMIR requires updating.
Information collated from this register is available on the Schools Asbestos Register.
This page was last reviewed on 26 Aug 2010
John Gaskin
Building and Construction Advisor
John Gaskin is one of Queensland's leading construction and development experts. He has over 35 years experience in the industry and has worked on some of Queensland's most iconic landmarks.
In October 2009 Mr Gaskin was appointed to conduct an audit into the department's asbestos management procedures.
In April 2010 the scope of this audit was extended to include asbestos related incidents in the Mackay area.
For more information view the Independent Review of DET Asbestos Management Policies in Queensland State Schools
Associate Professor Keith Adam
Senior Occupational Physician
Health for Industry
Dr Keith Adam has been practising as a specialist in occupational medicine for over 20 years.
He has been a consultant to a number of organisations regarding asbestos related matters, including Queensland Electricity Commission, the Queensland Department of Public Works (QBuild) and organisations in the chemical industry. He has also advised the Department of Education and Training in relation to asbestos related matters in schools.
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© The State of Queensland (Department of Education and Training) 2005.