Understanding an Asbestos Audit Report
An asbestos audit report is a vital document for commercial properties in Australia, ensuring compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations. Under Australian law, a Person in Control of a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must identify and manage asbestos risks in workplaces. A licensed asbestos assessor is responsible for evaluating asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and reporting their location, type, and condition.
At Global Asbestos Audits, our asbestos audit reports follow a Tier 1 Reporting System, providing industry-leading detail and clarity. These reports are designed to assist PCBUs in understanding their legal responsibilities while ensuring workplace safety.
Key Components of an Asbestos Audit Report
1. Summary Section
The summary section offers a high-level overview of asbestos risks within a property. This section:
- Lists all areas containing asbestos
- Assigns a health and safety compliance priority rating
- Uses a colour-coded system inspired by F1 race cars to simplify data interpretation and reduce cognitive load
- Enables quick decision-making for property managers, councils, and businesses managing multiple sites
2. Asbestos Register
A comprehensive asbestos register is essential for workplace safety and legal compliance. The register:
- Lists all identified ACMs, including five supporting photos per area, to improve in-field identification
- Details the condition and location of asbestos materials
- Provides accessible, on-page information instead of scattered references, reducing human error
- Ensures compliance with state-specific asbestos laws across QLD, NSW, VIC, ACT, NT, SA, WA, and TAS
3. Asbestos Survey
The asbestos survey provides a historical record of asbestos assessments and must be kept for 30 years. This section:
- Documents all inspected areas, including those with Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) and those confirmed as Non-Asbestos Detected (NAD)
- Serves as a legally dependable reference for future construction or legal inquiries
- Reduces delays in construction projects by answering critical questions before work begins
4. Management Plan
A site-specific Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) is legally required if asbestos is present. Unlike generic compliance plans, our tailored AMPs:
- Outline specific management strategies for each asbestos-containing area
- Provide a practical compliance roadmap rather than just referencing regulations
- Include tools for ongoing asbestos management, such as a document control platform to store clearance certificates and related documents
5. Action Plan
The action plan is a key part of asbestos risk management plans, enabling PCBUs to:
- Document how they intend to manage and mitigate asbestos risks
- Budget and plan for asbestos-related work
- Demonstrate compliance with workplace safety regulations
- Quickly formulate a response to asbestos risks without wading through excessive information
The Asbestos Audit Reporting Process
Step 1: Site Visit & Inspection
A licensed asbestos assessor conducts an on-site inspection, visually identifying ACMs, assessing their condition, and collecting material samples for laboratory testing.
Step 2: Laboratory Testing
Samples are sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory, where they are analysed using polarised light microscopy. The test results confirm the presence and type of asbestos and any other mineral fibres present.
Step 3: Report Generation
Using Global Asbestos Audits’ FMS1 reporting system, we compile an easy-to-navigate report that:
- Organises asbestos data into clearly formatted sections
- Includes legislative requirements, colour-coded priority ratings, and photographic evidence
- Provides recommendations for asbestos management and compliance
Step 4: Management Plan Development
A tailored asbestos management plan is created based on the asbestos register. This includes risk mitigation strategies and a compliance framework for the property.
Step 5: Quality Assurance & Compliance Checks
Before an asbestos audit report is finalised, it undergoes:
- A rigorous internal review by our licensed assessors
- A secondary review by a senior hygienist to ensure compliance and accuracy
- Automated quality control checks built into our reporting system
Why Choose Global Asbestos Audits?
At Global Asbestos Audits, we provide asbestos audit reports that offer unmatched clarity, accuracy, and usability. Our reports are designed to be practical tools for PCBUs, ensuring compliance with asbestos safety regulations and providing fast, actionable insights.
Ensure your workplace is compliant and asbestos risks are managed, Contact Global Asbestos Audits today for an expert asbestos audit report.