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Strata committees and managers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and compliance of properties they oversee. One essential responsibility is managing the risk posed by asbestos in building constructed before 1st January 2004, a critical component of maintaining a healthy living environment. In this article, we'll explore the requirements for asbestos registers and asbestos management plans in strata properties.
Regulation of workplace health and safety (WHS), and guidelines for managing asbestos compel the inspection of older buildings to identify and monitor asbestos containing materials. There are limited carveouts for residential premises but these don’t necessarily apply to the common property of a strata residential block, and many strata committees and strata management firms take the view that common property of a strata is indeed a workplace for contractors (cleaners, maintenance, trades) and as a consequence WHS management is required. A commercial strata scheme is certainly a workplace in its entirety.
An asbestos management plan documents the identification, management, and eventual removal of asbestos. An asbestos register is part of that plan, though usually a physically separate document, that lists all known or presumed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) within a property.
Ensuring compliance with these legal obligations is not just about adhering to the law; it's about safeguarding the health and well-being of everyone in the strata property. Asbestos exposure can lead to severe health issues, including lung cancer and mesothelioma. Failing to manage asbestos properly can result in legal consequences, putting both strata managers and property owners at risk.
In the realm of property management, strata committees and managers shoulder a pivotal role in ensuring safety and compliance, particularly concerning asbestos in older buildings. While residential premises enjoy limited exemptions, common areas within strata residential blocks are often classified as workplaces. Consequently, asbestos management, including the creation of an Asbestos Management Plan and Register, is imperative.
Strata managers should conduct initial asbestos audits, maintain up-to-date registers, ensure transparency and safety measures, and plan for asbestos removal. This is all vital for safeguarding occupants' health and mitigating legal risks associated with asbestos exposure.
Learn more about how QED can help your strata company manage the risks associated with asbestos and the appropriate registers, or contact us.
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