Asbestos Management and Control Policy

Intent

James Cook University (JCU) is committed to managing and controlling Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in university controlled assets to ensure staff, students, contractors and visitors are able to undertake their activities within a safe and compliant environment.

Scope

This Policy applies to all staff, adjuncts, contractors, students and visitors conducting work, study, research, and volunteer work on JCU owned assets, and when decided assets leased and managed by JCU staff, contractors, students and visitors.

The policy is applicable to physical assets owned or controlled by James Cook University within Australia and includes components within built assets and elements within owned land holdings.

Where reasonable the Policy applies to assets that fit within the definition of vehicles i.e. trucks, vessels, cars or any component within this type of asset.

Assets used for temporary purposes under short hire arrangement i.e. motels, camp sites and other temporary lodgings are excluded from this Policy.

This policy does not extend to the management or control of naturally occurring asbestiform minerals outside of building products.

For the purpose of this Policy, renewal of an existing lease is not considered to be a new lease.

Definitions

Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) - is a term used within the industry to describe physical material that contains asbestiform minerals.

Controlled Assets – Controlled Assets refers to assets that are both owned and otherwise used by the University in a formal lease arrangement.

Controlled Entity – Means an entity controlled by JCU as defined in the Controlled and Non-Controlled entities Policy.

Approved Program - a program approved by an authorised delegate.

Competent Person - is a person who has acquired through training, qualifications and experiences the knowledge and skills to carry out the task the person is required to perform in relation to asbestos.  This may include but is not limited to a licensed asbestos removalist, occupational hygienist, asbestos assessor, registered medical professional.

Policy

JCU adopts the following principles:

• James Cook University’s management and control of ACM is consistent with Queensland State Legislation and National Codes of Practice.
• James Cook University will maintain thorough and up to date records for its asset portfolio in terms of ACM within Controlled Assets used by the University.
• JCU will maintain records of assets (including real estate, plant and equipment) owned or used by a Controlled Entity.
• The management and control of ACM within controlled assets is to be based on a risk management framework that is focused on protecting the health and safety of staff, students, contractors and visitors.
• An asbestos strategy and management plan will be maintained.
• James Cook University will adopt an ongoing risk management based approach to managing ACM within controlled assets in terms of monitoring, working and removing material suspected or identified as having ACM.
• James Cook University has the general rule to not purchase or lease assets with ACM.  Where this is not possible, follow the process outlines in WHS-PRO-008 Asbestos Management Procedure.
• James Cook University prefers to remove asbestos containing materials as part of any refurbishment.
• The University will consult and communicate with the University community including representative bodies of students and staff on ACM management.
• If a significant exposure to asbestos has occurred, and a competent person has deemed that health surveillance is required, the JCU Work, Health and Safety Unit will coordinate the health surveillance.
• The Estate Directorate Director will report on the University’s management of asbestos at the end of each calendar year.
• JCU requires that Controlled Entities:
  • Adopt a policy on asbestos management and control in terms consistent with this policy.
  • Provide JCU all information & assistance to ensure that JCU meets its obligations under this policy and at law.

Related policy instruments

WHS-PRO-008 Asbestos Management Procedure

JCU Asbestos Management Plan

Related documents and legislation

Queensland WHS Regulations 2011

How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021

How to manage & control Asbestos in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021

Administration

NOTE: Printed copies of this policy are uncontrolled, and currency can only be assured at the time of printing.

Approval Details

Revision History