University of New South Wales - Human Resources - OHS Hazards

Facilities Management

Facilities Management is responsible for the operation and maintenance of the physical facilities of the University. This unit has responsibility for coordinating new building work and refurbishment of facilities, as well as maintenance, inspection, security and emergency services.

Reporting of Building and Facilities Hazards

Persons experiencing problems with building and facilities infrastructure such as lifts, exit lights, or air conditioning should contact Facilities Management Client Services on ext 55111.

The specific Client Facility Manager (CFM) for the Faculty or Division will be notified. CFMs are responsible for liaising with their client area regarding the identified hazard/concern and ensuring that corrective action is completed.

Construction and Contractor Safety Management

The UNSW Space Management Policy and Procedures states that:

"Any changes to buildings or to engineering services (water, sewerage, electricity, gas, etc) for any purpose, including maintenance or refurbishment, are to be made by qualified personnel from Facilities Management or by licensed contractors working under its supervision."

Facilities Management has developed and implemented Guidelines for the Management of OHS (Construction) to ensure that risks relating to the design and construction of buildings and facilities are eliminated or controlled as far as reasonably practicable. Facilities Management personnel must ensure that all work complies with code, regulatory or statutory requirements and established policies. Implemented procedures include Site Specific OHS induction of all building contractors working at UNSW.

Faculties and Divisions must not arrange any construction, refurbishment or maintenance of buildings or engineering services using their own staff or contractors unless approved in writing by Facilities Management.

CFMs have primary responsibility for managing building contractors for their specific client area. Hazards arising from contractor activities should be reported to the relevant CFM or Facilities Management Client Services on ext 55111.

Asbestos Notification and Management
Asbestos is a commercial name given to six naturally occurring minerals. Asbestos fibres pose a hazard if they are inhaled and then transported to the lungs, and the risk increases with the number of fibres inhaled. Asbestos which is in good condition (ie intact and bonded and is not cut by tools or machinery) poses negligible health risk to building occupants.

Due to the age and nature of the buildings and structures at UNSW, asbestos is present. Facilities Management is responsible for developing and implementing procedures to manage asbestos risks at UNSW. Faculties and Divisions must not arrange any construction, refurbishment or maintenance work due to the risk of disturbing asbestos that may be present.

Any person who discovers or suspects the presence of asbestos must notify Facilities Management Client Services on ext 55111. The hazard must also be reported utilising the UNSW Hazard and Incident Reporting Procedure and forms OHS001 (Hazards), OHS002 (Incidents).

Following notification, the relevant CFM must coordinate risk assessment of suspected asbestos on a case by case basis in order to determine appropriate risk controls. This activity must comply with the requirements of the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces [NOHSC:2018(2005)]. The CFM must consult with their client area and keep them informed regarding asbestos identification, risk assessment and the selection of risk controls to be implemented.

Facilities Management is responsible for maintaining the UNSW Asbestos Register. CFMs must ensure that the register is updated with all necessary information on asbestos including location, risk assessment, results of inspection and analysis, any work done on the asbestos (such as encapsulation or removal), details of the contractor engaged to do the work, permit for asbestos removal, and air monitoring results.

^ Back to top ^