WorkSafe QLD inspectors will soon begin an asbestos audit of old buildings.

The inspections aim to ensure compliance with asbestos regulations and will continue until 31 October 2024. 

Starting 1 August 2024, the primary focus of the audit will be on verifying the presence of asbestos registers and management plans in these older structures.

The authority says that businesses operating from premises built before 1990 must ensure they have an asbestos register and an asbestos management plan in place. 

The workplace code of practice, available on the WorkSafe website (PDF), offers detailed guidance to help businesses meet the required legal standards. 

Inspectors will address non-compliance with strict enforcement actions, including issuing statutory notices and on-the-spot fines.

The statewide audit is part of the National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Awareness and Management 2019-2023 (NSP) and the Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland 2022-2025. 

These initiatives aim to eliminate asbestos-related diseases in Australia by preventing exposure to asbestos fibres. 

The NSP's goals include the effective targeting of asbestos use and disposal and addressing the harmful legacy of asbestos in homes, workplaces, and the environment.

Last year's compliance campaign, which ran from September to November 2023, assessed 139 businesses and resulted in the issuance of 103 improvement notices and 10 infringement notices.