WorkSafe

There are specific requirements for how asbestos should be managed during removal, minor works or maintenance procedures. It is also important to know about prohibited activities, notifications, licences as well as advice about clean ups after floods, storms or fires.

Health and safety duties when removing asbestos

There are several duty holders who have a role in managing risks associated with removal of asbestos and asbestos containing material (ACM) at the workplace. These include: 

What is naturally occurring asbestos (NOA)?

In most workplaces, the asbestos that is encountered and poses a risk to health and safety will be found in manufactured products. However, some workplaces may have to deal with asbestos in its natural state.

The health risks associated with the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres are well established. Asbestos minerals encountered in exploration and mining operations must be managed carefully.

Australia has one of the highest rates for asbestos-related disease in the world, and as a tradie you're at risk of exposure. This page gives builders and tradespersons practical information about their responsibilities and legal duties when dealing with asbestos.

Asbestos register

You must make an asbestos register document if you have asbestos and/or asbestos containing material (ACM) in your workplace, assumed to be in your workplace, or likely to be in your workplace from time to time. 

The asbestos register is a document that lists all identified (or assumed) asbestos in a workplace. The asbestos register is intended to ensure workers and others in the workplace do not accidently disturb asbestos.

If you think there’s asbestos in your workplace, talk to your employer first. If you’re a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with asbestos, you must:

If you are an employer or person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU), you must protect anyone that works with or could be exposed to asbestos. This includes managing the risks, keeping an asbestos register, and having an asbestos management plan.

Businesses who work with asbestos

If you are the person with management or control of the workplace, you must ensure that an asbestos register is prepared and kept at the workplace.

Under the work health and safety legislation, you must:

When asbestos is found in soil, it is usually because of:

• inadequate asbestos removal work or demolition
• degradation of a building or structure on site
• legacy or recent illegal dumping
• waste burial
• past use of contaminated fill or top soil.

Asbestos in soil poses a risk to the health of workers if the fibres become airborne and are then inhaled. The likelihood of exposure depends on the:

What is asbestos? 

Asbestos is a mineral found in nature that is made up of millions of fibres. Despite being banned in 2003, thousands of buildings and machinery parts still contain asbestos. Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. 

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and can typically be found in rock, sediment, or soil. It has strong fibres that are heat-resistant and have good insulating properties. Because of these properties, asbestos was widely used in building products.

For dangerous goods emergencies or accidents requiring the attendance of emergency services, telephone 000.

Importance of reporting

Reporting dangerous goods incidents is important as it assists in the prevention of incidents through raising awareness of accident trends and publicising the learnings from investigations. Reporting can also help prevent the escalation of unsafe conditions if hazards and risks involved in the incident are recognised and addressed.