Overview
Purpose of the consultation
Safe Work Australia is seeking to understand the nature and extent of issues surrounding the term “competent person” for asbestos-related tasks in the model WHS Regulations.
The 2018 review of the model WHS laws noted that some stakeholders found the definition of a competent person for asbestos-related tasks too broad, making it unclear as to who should or must perform certain asbestos-related tasks, and exactly what type of training, qualification or experience a competent person should hold.
Asbestos arrangements in the model WHS Regulations
Chapter 8 of the model WHS Regulations details the requirements for dealing with asbestos and asbestos-containing materials in the workplace and stipulates who must perform certain asbestos-related tasks. A summary of which asbestos-related tasks require a competent person or licensed asbestos assessor is provided in the table within the supporting document Asbestos Competent Persons – Information Paper (DOCX | PDF).
How we will use your submission
Your submission will assist in providing Safe Work Australia with a more detailed understanding of the extent of the issues surrounding the term “competent person” for asbestos-related tasks, to understand if further action is needed.