Asbestos Registers & Management Plans Queensland Summary

In Queensland, the requirements for asbestos registers and asbestos management plans for all commercial sites or workplaces are set out under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and supported by the How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021.

Requirement	Asbestos Register	Asbestos Management Plan
Purpose	Identifies and records the location, type & condition of asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM).	Explains how identified   asbestos will be safely managed to prevent exposure.
Who must have one?	A person with management or control of a workplace where asbestos is identified or is likely to be present.	Required whenever asbestos or ACM has been identified (or assumed to be present) at a workplace.
Exemption	Not required if the workplace building was constructed after 31 December 1989, no asbestos has been identified, and asbestos is not likely to be present.	Not required if there is no identified or assumed asbestos requiring management.

However, the Federal Code and Regulations say all commercial workplace buildings or sites up to Dec 31^st 2003. This is because importation wasn’t made illegal till then. Most financial institutions, companies based in Sydney & Melbourne and Government Tenants all go by the 2003 date time frame for refinancing, sale or lease. This also includes Halls, Churches, Sports and activities building (e.g. Scouts, Rugby, etc). If you do use the 1990 cut off date you have to be required to prove the site or building has no asbestos containing material present.

Review Requirements

Both the Asbestos Register and Asbestos Management Plan must be kept current and reviewed:

• At least every five years or earlier if the risk assessment recommends it.

• Whenever asbestos is removed, disturbed, sealed or enclosed.
• If additional asbestos is identified.
• When the management plan or risk controls are reviewed.
• Before demolition, refurbishment or maintenance work that may impact ACM.

Contractor Requirements

Before demolition, refurbishment, maintenance or service work:

• The person managing the workplace must provide the asbestos register to the contractor.
• Contractors must obtain and review the register before starting work.
• If no register exists where one is required, work must not commence until the building, structure or plant has been inspected for asbestos.

Key Differences

• Asbestos Register = What asbestos is present and where it is located.
• Asbestos Management Plan = How that asbestos will be managed safely throughout its lifecycle or at least for the next five years.
• Together, these documents ensure workers, contractors and visitors are informed of asbestos risks and that appropriate controls are in place to prevent exposure.