Australian Government Asbestos-Cement Water and Sewer Pipe Management Guidelines

About this manual

These guidelines help water agencies manage asbestos-cement pipes to reduce exposure risks. They cover hazard identification, risk assessment, control measures, and compliance with WHS and environmental laws. The document includes practical steps for handling deteriorating pipes and managing asbestos waste.

The guidelines are not a substitute for legal requirements and must be used alongside relevant state and territory regulations. They provide a framework for implementing effective asbestos management practices in water and sewer infrastructure.

What's inside

• Introduction
• General Risk Management Principles
• Risk Identification
• Risk Assessment
• Risk Control
• Common Methods for Managing Deteriorating AC Pipe
• Glossary
• Regulations, Codes of Practice and Guidance Materials
• Jurisdictional Contacts and Information
• Checklist

Frequently asked questions

What is the purpose of these guidelines?

These guidelines aim to assist organisations providing water and/or sewerage services to eliminate or minimise the risk of exposure to asbestos fibres being released from asbestos-cement (AC) pipes.

What is the exposure standard for asbestos according to WHS laws?

The exposure standard for asbestos is a respirable fibre level of 0.1 fibres/ml of air measured in a person’s breathing zone and expressed as a time weighted average fibre concentration calculated over an eight-hour working day.

What are the steps to manage asbestos risk from AC pipes?

Identify hazards, assess risks, control risks, and review control measures.