Australian Capital Territory
Work Safety (National Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces) Code of Practice 2010
Disallowable instrument DI 2010-244
made under the  
Work Safety Act 2008, section 18 (Codes of Practice)

Explanatory Statement

Section 18 (1)) of the Work Safety Act 2008 provides that the Minister may approve a code of practice to provide practical guidance about the Act.  Section 18(2) provides that, before approving a proposed code of practice, the Minister must consult the ACT Work Safety Council.  At its 3rd meeting on 18 June 2010, the Council noted that approval would be sought to notify the National Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces as a Code of Practice in the ACT.

The object of the Code is to protect persons from the hazards associated with exposure to asbestos by ensuring the strong management and control of all in-situ asbestos containing materials (ACM).  The Code provides guidance on the identification of ACM in the workplace, the assessment of risks associated with ACM, and the introduction of control measures to prevent, as far as practicable, the generation of airborne asbestos fibres and any exposure to airborne asbestos fibres. 

	This Code applies to persons in control of premises (including government departments and statutory authorities), and workers at those premises; 

The benefits of following the Code could include-

•	improved business performance, efficiency and productivity;
•	fewer workers’ compensation claims, which may lead to lower premiums;
•	fewer absences from work, and less disruption;
•	retention of skilled workers;  and
•	a safe workplace with a positive safety culture.

This instrument takes effect on 1 October 2010.
 
An approval under section 18 is a disallowable instrument.