An asbestos register is a table that sets out the details of where asbestos is located throughout buildings to clearly identify which materials contain asbestos. The register is provided so that all occupants in the building understand where asbestos is located, and a risk rating is applied to ensure the reasonable safety of people within the building. The assessment also serves to prioritise any removal or remediation work that may be required to provide evidence of due diligence in the safe management of asbestos.

The asbestos register within the building should be updated whenever building work is conducted and be integrated within an asbestos management plan. It also serves as a historical document of how asbestos was controlled within the building.

The Model Work Health and Safety laws have been adopted by some states (including NSW) and outline what the requirements are with the ‘Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking’ (PCBU). The asbestos register is required to be developed by a competent person, which is not defined clearly and open to interpretation. Look for the orange NATA symbol to ensure that your asbestos register is compliant.