Complete Guide to Asbestos Removal Standards in Australia

Australia’s long-standing battle with asbestos contamination is far from over. Despite banning the use of asbestos in 2003, the legacy of its widespread application in construction and manufacturing lingers in homes, workplaces, and public infrastructure across the country. Because of this, stringent standards and regulations have been put in place to govern the safe identification, handling, and removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).

In this comprehensive blog, we’ll explore the Australian standards for asbestos removal—from regulatory frameworks and licensing to safety protocols, removal techniques, and health monitoring. Whether you’re a homeowner, a building manager, or an industry professional, understanding these standards is crucial for protecting health and ensuring compliance.

What is Asbestos and Why is it Dangerous?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic fibers. These fibers are incredibly durable, fire-resistant, and excellent at insulating, which led to their use in thousands of products—especially in construction materials like roofing, insulation, pipes, and cement sheeting.

The danger arises when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorated, releasing fibers into the air. When inhaled, these fibers can lodge deep into the lungs and cause severe health issues such as:

• Asbestosis – a chronic lung disease caused by inhaled asbestos fibers.
• Mesothelioma – a rare and aggressive form of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
• Lung cancer – associated with high levels of asbestos exposure.
• Pleural disease – thickening or fluid build-up around the lungs.

The latency period for asbestos-related diseases can span decades, which means many Australians are still at risk from materials installed in buildings well before the ban.

Legal Framework: Who Sets the Standards?

In Australia, asbestos management and removal are governed by a combination of national and state/territory-specific laws. The overarching framework falls under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, which provide a unified national approach to managing asbestos risks in the workplace. The actual implementation and enforcement of these regulations are handled by individual states and territories.

Each state maintains its own regulators, licensing systems, and guidance documents, but all are guided by a central set of standards aimed at minimising the risk of exposure during asbestos-related work.

Licensing for Asbestos Removal

Not all asbestos work is created equal—and not everyone is legally allowed to carry it out. Depending on the type and quantity of asbestos involved, different licensing classes apply:

1. Class A Licence

This is the highest level of asbestos removal licence and allows a contractor to remove any amount of friable asbestos. Friable asbestos is the most dangerous form because it crumbles easily and releases airborne fibers. Only licensed professionals with extensive training and safety systems can carry out this work.

2. Class B Licence

A Class B licence allows the removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable (or bonded) asbestos. Non-friable asbestos is mixed with other materials like cement and is more stable, but still poses a risk when cut, drilled, or disturbed.

3. Unlicensed Work

Removal of less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may be performed by individuals who do not hold a licence, but they still must follow strict safety guidelines, including using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring safe waste disposal.

Safe Work Practices and PPE

The cornerstone of asbestos safety is prevention. Whether you’re a licensed professional or a homeowner tackling minor removal, the following protective measures are essential:

• Respiratory Protection: P2-rated respirators or air-supplied respirators must be worn to avoid inhaling airborne fibers.
• Disposable Coveralls and Gloves: Clothing must be non-reusable and properly disposed of after use.
• Decontamination Procedures: A decontamination zone or unit should be used to clean tools, boots, and clothing before leaving the work area.
• Signage and Barriers: The work area should be sealed off and clearly marked as an asbestos removal site to prevent unauthorised access.
• No Power Tools: Cutting or sanding asbestos materials with power tools increases airborne particles. Only manual or low-speed equipment should be used.

Methods of Asbestos Removal

Depending on the condition and location of asbestos materials, different removal techniques are used. Here are the most common:

1. Wet Removal Method

Spraying asbestos-containing materials with a wetting agent reduces the release of airborne fibers. This is one of the most commonly used methods for bonded materials like asbestos cement sheets.

2. Glove Bag Method

This involves enclosing a small section of asbestos-containing material (such as pipe insulation) within a sealed glove bag, allowing the worker to safely manipulate and remove the material without exposure.

3. Enclosure & Negative Pressure Units

For large-scale or friable asbestos removal, a fully enclosed work zone with negative air pressure is used to prevent fibers from escaping. Air is filtered through high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters before being exhausted.

4. Manual Handling &Encapsulation

In some cases, asbestos materials can be encapsulated (sealed) rather than removed. This involves applying a protective coating that binds the fibers and prevents release. However, this is typically a temporary solution.

Air Monitoring and Clearance

During and after asbestos removal, air monitoring plays a vital role in ensuring that the environment remains safe. This is especially important in workplaces, schools, or public buildings.

• Control Monitoring: Conducted during removal to verify control measures are working.
• Clearance Inspections: After removal, a licensed assessor must perform a final inspection and air test to ensure no visible residue remains and airborne fiber levels are below legal limits.

Health Surveillance and Worker Safety

Anyone involved in the removal of asbestos must be part of a health surveillance program if they are at risk of exposure. This includes:

• Baseline Medical Assessments: Prior to starting asbestos work, to document respiratory function and health status.
• Regular Monitoring: Annual check-ups to detect early signs of asbestos-related illness.
• Record Keeping: Medical records must be securely stored for at least 40 years.

Employers are legally responsible for ensuring these programs are in place for all workers who handle or are exposed to asbestos.

Training and Competency

Training is mandatory for anyone involved in asbestos removal. This ensures workers understand:

• How to identify asbestos-containing materials.
• The correct use of PPE and containment tools.
• Emergency procedures and first-aid response.
• Environmental and waste disposal requirements.

Workers must complete a recognised asbestos removal course, and supervisors are required to undergo additional training in leading and managing safe removal operations.

Emergency Procedures

If asbestos is disturbed unexpectedly, an emergency response must be triggered immediately:

1. Evacuate the area.
2. Isolate the contaminated zone.
3. Engage a licensed asbestos professional to assess and remediate.
4. Inform relevant workplace safety authorities if required.

Prompt and appropriate action can significantly reduce the risk of widespread exposure.

Disposal of Asbestos Waste

Asbestos waste must never be disposed of with general rubbish. It must be:

• Double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic.
• Clearly labelled as asbestos waste.
• Transported by licensed carriers.
• Disposed of at licensed asbestos waste facilities.

Illegal dumping of asbestos is a serious offence and carries heavy fines.

Conclusion: Safety Is Everyone’s Responsibility

The risks associated with asbestos are real, long-lasting, and potentially fatal. But with proper awareness, strict adherence to the Australian standards, and engagement of licensed professionals, these risks can be effectively managed and minimised.

Whether you’re overseeing a renovation, working on a job site, or managing a facility, the key takeaway is clear: asbestos safety is not just a box to check—it’s a critical commitment to protecting yourself, your workers, and your community.

If you’d like help understanding whether your home or building might contain asbestos, or need guidance on finding licensed professionals asbestos removalist, feel free to Contact Impact Site Services.