Asbestos health monitoring

Asbestos is the asbestiform varieties of mineral silicates belonging to the serpentine or amphibole groups of rock forming minerals including the following:

• actinolite asbestos (CAS 77536-66-4)
• grunerite (or amosite) asbestos (brown or grey asbestos; CAS 12172-73-5)
• anthophyllite asbestos (CAS 77536-67-5)
• chrysotile asbestos (white asbestos; CAS 12001-29-5)
• crocidolite asbestos (blue asbestos; CAS 12001-28-4)
• tremolite asbestos (CAS 77536-68-6)

It is a naturally occurring mineral and can typically be found in rock, sediment or soil.

Examples of work activities involving asbestos that require special attention when assessing exposure include:

• asbestos removal and demolition work in buildings, power stations, boilers and ships
• maintenance workers like electricians, and computer cabling installers and air-conditioning installers working in ceiling spaces of buildings where sprayed asbestos has not been removed, sealed or encapsulated

This guide provides information for those registered medical practitioners engaged by a PCBU to carry out or supervise health monitoring for workers. This guidance should be read in conjunction with the following:

• Health monitoring guide for registered medical practitioners
• Health monitoring guides for hazardous chemicals
• Health monitoring guide for workers
• Health monitoring guide for persons conducting business or undertakings (PCBUs)