Compliance Framework

Independent Schools Victoria Compliance Framework

Issues such as buildings and grounds, and essential services maintenance.

Asbestos

Please scroll to the bottom of the page for contacts and links

Do you need to comply?

Yes, if your school consists of any materials containing asbestos

Conditions of compliance

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 (Vic.) aim to prevent asbestos related disease among employees likely to be exposed to airborne asbestos in the workplace.

If you have to comply, what do you have to do?

The Regulations require employers and occupiers with fixed asbestos in buildings or plant undertake a process of:

Identifying whether asbestos is present in the workplace (eg building, structure, plant)
Assessing the risk of exposure of employees to the asbestos
Controlling any risk of exposure.

Any maintenance, refurbishment, demolition or capital works involving the removal or disturbance of asbestos must be carried out by contractors approved by the Victorian WorkCover Authority. Schools should check that these contractors have the required level of public liability and current asbestos insurance, and that the asbestos-removal activities comply with the Regulations.

Under the Regulations, occupiers and employers have a number of duties including, but not restricted to:

Provision of information, instruction and training to employees
Consultation, if practicable, with the health and safety representative
Maintenance and retention of records related to asbestos issues.

What are the consequences if you don't comply?

You may be in breach of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic.).

Who will help you?

Independent Schools Victoria contact:

Peter Roberts
Director, School Services
Ph. 03 9825 7211
peter.roberts@independentschools.vic.edu.au

Independent Schools Victoria documents:

Click here to download an Asbestos Management Checklist (PDF 94KB)