Asbestos register requirements in Queensland
If you manage or control a workplace in Queensland, you may be legally required to keep an asbestos register and a written management plan. Here's a plain-English summary of what's involved.
What an asbestos register is
An asbestos register is a single, central document that records all known or assumed asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in a workplace — their location, type and condition. It helps everyone on site understand where asbestos is, supports hazard assessment, and guides decisions about monitoring, removal or remediation. It must be kept up to date as building work happens, and it feeds into the management plan.
Who needs one
Under Queensland’s Work Health and Safety Regulation, the duty sits with the person with management or control of a workplace. If asbestos is, or is likely to be, present, you’re required to prepare and maintain a register — and a written management plan setting out how the asbestos will be monitored and controlled.
This covers commercial and industrial properties, and commonly body corporates and building managers for the common property of strata buildings used as workplaces. Failing to have a register where one is required is an offence and can lead to action by WorkSafe Queensland.
The post-1989 exemption
As a general rule, you’ll only be exempt from needing a register if the building was constructed after 31 December 1989 and no asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present. For anything older, assume the obligation applies until an assessment confirms otherwise.
A register is also required before demolition or refurbishment — you need to know where the asbestos is before anyone starts disturbing the building.
Keeping it current
A register and plan aren’t “set and forget”. They should be reviewed regularly and whenever the workplace changes, asbestos is disturbed or removed, or the plan is no longer adequate. Periodic audits keep the document accurate so your compliance doesn’t quietly lapse between reviews.
How we help
We inspect the site, identify (or presume, per the guidance) asbestos-containing materials — sampling and testing where certainty is needed — and prepare a compliant register and management plan. We can also run the ongoing audits that keep them current, and if material needs removing, the licensed field team handles it.
Still not sure? Just ask.
Call 1300 019 657, 7 days a week, or book an inspection and we'll give you a clear answer.