News & Views
16th March 2021
Changes to the way you can handle Low Density Asbestos Boards
NECA would like to inform members that the Queensland Government is changing its guidance on low-density asbestos fibreboard (LDB), so that it will be classified as friable asbestos-containing material (ACM) in all circumstances. This change will take effect on 1 May 2021. This means that LDB can only legally be removed by a class A asbestos removal licence holder.
These changes may affect your business and tradespeople, who carry out maintenance and service work involving LDB. Carrying out work that involves disturbing or handling LDB will be prohibited unless it is one of the following types of maintenance or service work:
- repairing damaged LDB
- painting LDB
- drilling a hole in LDB
- moving LDB ceiling tiles
- installing or removing fixtures or fittings.
The Office of Industrial Relations (OIR) has developed approved methods for carrying out these tasks, and businesses that carry out maintenance and service work that involves friable LDB must do the work in the way specified by the approved methods.
Work done under the approved methods will not need to be performed by a licensed asbestos removalist, but workers doing the work must be trained in:
- identifying LDB
- donning and removing personal protective equipment
- decontaminating equipment and the work environment and personal decontamination
- transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
Some maintenance and service work on LDB (e.g. drilling holes) also requires training in:
- use and maintenance of a H-Class vacuum cleaner
- shadow vacuuming.
If your workers are likely to carry out any of the maintenance or service tasks covered by the approved methods on LDB, they are encouraged to complete the required training and make sure they have access to the safety equipment required by the approved methods before the changes commence on 1 May 2021.
Information about the change in classification of asbestos LDB, the approved methods and the required training has been published on the Queensland Government asbestos website – please see the links below.
