When is an Asbestos Management Plan mandatory in Queensland?

Under Section 429 of the Queensland WHS Regulation 2011, a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must ensure an Asbestos Management Plan is prepared if asbestos or ACM is identified, or likely or assumed to be present at a workplace.

How often must an AMP be reviewed?

The regulation mandates that an Asbestos Management Plan must be reviewed at least once every 5 years, or immediately if the register changes, or if control measures are found to be inadequate.

What is an Asbestos Management Plan? | QLD Statutory Guide (s429)

Statutory Action Framework

✓ The Operational Roadmap: While an Asbestos Register lists where hazards are located, the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) sets out the procedures to ensure nobody is exposed to airborne fibres during daily operations or maintenance.

✓ Mandatory Under Law: Required under Section 429 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD) for all pre-2004 workplaces and commercial strata schemes.

Mandatory Components of a Section 429 AMP

Under Queensland WHS legislation and the Code of Practice 2021, an Asbestos Management Plan must contain:

Identification of Asbestos: Reference to the current site Asbestos Register and location mapping.
Decisions & Reasons on Management: Written justification for decisions to leave materials in situ, encapsulate, label, or schedule for removal.
Procedures for Incidents & Emergencies: Step-by-step action plan if ACM is accidentally disturbed, drilled, or damaged during storms.
Roles & Responsibilities: Named duty holders, property managers, and appointed site controllers.
Contractor Induction & Permit-to-Work: Protocols ensuring all maintenance workers sign the register prior to commencing work.
Review Schedule: Formal timetable for regular visual condition reviews (at least once every 5 years).

Who Needs Access to the Plan?

The PCBU must ensure the Asbestos Management Plan is readily accessible to:

All workers and health and safety representatives (HSRs).
Any contractor or trade service provider engaged to carry out work at the property.
Prospective buyers or incoming commercial tenants.