Both the Bill as well as the Amendment Regulation are to commence on January 1, 2015.
This reformatory package adopts Chapter 8 of the national model Work Health and Safety Regulations as adapted for the ACT regulatory environment. These model laws were prepared by Safe Work Australia and developed together with consultation form representatives of every jurisdiction, including the ACT and the national representatives from employer and worker organisations across the country.
The national model asbestos regulations established a framework for the proper management of asbestos materials in workplaces including the following areas:
The following variations were made by the Government to establish the foundation of national model regulations:
The Government has likewise made the decision to regulate the removal of asbestos in non-workplaces through new additions to the Dangerous Substances (General) Regulation 2004. Starting January 1, 2015, a person must not remove asbestos or asbestos containing material from any premises (including residential areas) except when the person is an appropriately licensed and certified asbestos removalist.
The only exception to this rule will be for instances when the removal is asbestos containing dust incidental to minor or non-friable asbestos or routine maintenance work or other minor work at the premises. To ensure that this change is implemented clearly, guidance and tutorial for employers, workers, and homeowners will be eventually developed and distributed.
To date asbestos safety has focused on the employer-employee relationship, requiring employers to ensure the safety of their workers. These new reforms bring a new focus on community safety and stronger protections for homer renovators, neighbours, residents, and others in the Canberra region.