Asbestos toolbox talk
Read it out at the pre-start or a toolbox meeting, talk through the questions, and have everyone sign on. It's built from our asbestos page and the 208 SafetyDocs templates that cover it.
- Site
- Date
- Presented by
What it is
Asbestos-containing material in roofs, eaves, linings or other parts of a building that can release fibres when drilled, cut or otherwise disturbed.
Controls to check, most effective first
- Check the asbestos register and any asbestos survey before work, and treat unidentified suspect material as asbestos until tested.
- Redesign the job to avoid disturbing asbestos-containing material, or have it removed by a licensed asbestos removalist before work starts.
- Do not use high-pressure water, compressed air, power tools or brooms in ways that release asbestos fibres into the air.
- Stop work immediately if suspected asbestos is uncovered, isolate the area and notify the person in control of the workplace.
- Wear disposable coveralls and a properly fitted P2 or higher respirator, and decontaminate before leaving the work area.
- Wrap and label asbestos waste in heavy-duty plastic and dispose of it only at a facility approved to accept it.
Where it comes up on the job
Work steps from SafetyDocs templates that deal with asbestos:
- Collection & disposing of asbestos wasteClean up, bag and dispose of asbestos wasteFrom Asbestos Licensed Removal
- Working with asbestos (Examples only)Competent person, site information, the Asbestos Register and notes for future reference.From Asbestos Risk Assessment Form
- Working with powered & non-powered tools on asbestosChoose and use tools that limit fibre releaseFrom Asbestos Licensed Removal
- Applying paint to asbestos surfacesApply encapsulating paint by brush or roller, never by sprayFrom Painting Asbestos Roofs
- AsbestosRemove asbestos cement products with low dust methods and respiratory protectionFrom Skylight-Whirlybird Installation
Questions for the crew
- Where could asbestos come up on this job today?
- Is any of this work on today's job: Collection & disposing of asbestos waste; Working with asbestos (Examples only); Working with powered & non-powered tools on asbestos?
- The most effective control is: “Check the asbestos register and any asbestos survey before work, and treat unidentified suspect material as asbestos until tested”. Can we do that here? If not, why not?
- Which controls for asbestos are missing or not working on this site?
- When would you stop work because of asbestos, and who would you tell?
- How do we report a hazard, a near miss or an incident on this job?
Sign-on record
Everyone who attended signs below. Keep it with your toolbox talk records.
| Name | Company | Signature |
|---|---|---|
A starting point for a talk, not a SWMS or a risk assessment. Add what's particular to your site and crew.