Asbestos register | Chalkline

An asbestos register is the document recording the asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) identified at a workplace: where it is, its type and condition, and the signs or labels marking it. Where asbestos is identified at a workplace, the person with management or control must prepare and keep an asbestos register (and an asbestos management plan) (verified 2026-05-25, Safe Work Australia).

What it contains: each identified or assumed asbestos/ACM, its location, type, and condition; where signs and labels are placed; and the dates of identification and review.

Who must keep one: a workplace (commercial or industrial premises) where asbestos is identified, kept by the PCBU with management or control, paired with an asbestos management plan. It does not apply to residential premises: homeowners are not required to keep an asbestos register (but see demolition below).

Before demolition or refurbishment: the register must be reviewed and revised for the proposed work, and asbestos likely to be disturbed must be safely removed (so far as reasonably practicable) before work starts. For residential demolition or renovation, even without a register, the business must identify and safely remove asbestos likely to be disturbed before starting.

For a builder:

On a commercial workplace, ask for the asbestos register before you start, and review it before any demolition or refurbishment.
On a pre-1990 residential job, assume ACM is present and get a competent person to identify it before disturbing anything, register or not.
Do not confuse the register (the maintained document) with a hazmat survey (the identification inspection that feeds it).

Also known as: ACM register, asbestos materials register.

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