Why an asbestos inventory is essential for your organisation

All employers are required to draw up an inventory of asbestos locations and asbestos-containing materials in the workplace. In practice, this means identifying the presence of asbestos in company buildings (including common areas), work equipment and personal protective equipment.

An asbestos inventory offers two main advantages:

1. It reduces the exposure risk for employees and external parties. An asbestos inventory will help you safely manage asbestos in the workplace. You are also required to inform external parties of the presence and location(s) of asbestos within your organisation.   
2. Some asbestos-based materials can only be removed, demolished or repaired by a licensed asbestos removal company. Prior to carrying out any such work, they will need to receive a copy of your asbestos inventory. Remember this applies to any renovation or maintenance works!

Drawing up an asbestos inventory is no small task. The process can take a long time and the inventory must meet many legal requirements. Get assistance from a prevention advisor if needed. Follow these steps when drawing up the asbestos inventory:

• conduct a preliminary study of the specifications sheet and check the previous history of the premises (e.g. renovation work carried out in the past);  
• conduct a full visual inspection of all rooms;
• have a licensed lab analyse samples of suspicious materials (make sure to capture the exact location in photos);  
• set priorities in your asbestos management plan (based on the type of asbestos, the condition and structure of the surface, external elements that may disturb asbestos-containing materials, the exact location of asbestos within a room, and the intensity of use of the room);
• define a set of control measures and proposals to adequately manage asbestos-containing materials;
• draw up an official inventory of applications and control measures.

Read also:

• Safe practices when dealing with asbestos in the workplace