Impact Site Services June 21, 2025

How to Remove Industrial Asbestos in Newcastle: Complete Guide

Asbestos, once hailed for its fire resistance and durability, has become one of the most hazardous materials found in industrial buildings across Australia. In Newcastle, NSW, where many commercial and industrial sites date back to the mid-20th century, asbestos remains a serious concern. Removing it—especially at an industrial scale—is not just a matter of safety; it’s also a matter of strict legal compliance.

This comprehensive guide will walk you through the process of industrial asbestos removal in Newcastle, from regulations and planning to removal, disposal, and clearance.

1. Legal Framework in NSW

In New South Wales, industrial asbestos removal is tightly governed by the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. There are two primary classes of asbestos licenses:

Class A License: Required for removing friable asbestos (crumbly or dust-producing). This is typically found in pipe lagging, insulation, and sprayed coatings.
Class B License: Required for non-friable (bonded) asbestos, commonly used in fibro sheets, roof tiles, and floor coverings.

To perform any asbestos removal on an industrial scale, you must:

Use licensed removalists
Notify SafeWork NSW before starting work
Follow strict PPE and containment rules
Obtain air monitoring and clearance certification after removal
Dispose of asbestos waste only at approved facilities

Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, including fines up to tens of thousands of dollars.

2. Preparing for Asbestos Removal

a. Identify and Assess Risk

Start with a detailed asbestos survey to determine where and what type of asbestos is present. The survey should identify whether the material is friable or non-friable and document it in the asbestos register.

b. Licensing and Notifications

Before removal can begin:

Engage a Class A licensed contractor for friable asbestos.
Appoint a licensed supervisor and independent assessor.
Submit a removal notification to SafeWork NSW at least five days before work commences.

c. Site Safety Plan

You’ll need to prepare a Site-Specific Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) that outlines:

The scope of work
Control measures
Emergency procedures
Decontamination protocols

All workers must be trained and certified in asbestos awareness and proper handling techniques.

3. Safe Asbestos Removal Process

Step 1: Site Containment

Before removal, the work area must be fully sealed. This often includes:

Installing negative pressure enclosures
Setting up decontamination units
Posting warning signs and access barriers

Step 2: PPE and Worker Safety

All workers must wear:

P2 or P3 respirators
Disposable coveralls
Safety gloves and boots

Eating, drinking, and smoking are prohibited in contaminated areas.

Step 3: Material Removal

All asbestos should be wetted continuously to prevent fibers from becoming airborne.
Removal should be careful and controlled—never break or sand asbestos products.
Materials are double-wrapped in plastic or placed in sealed, labeled containers.

Step 4: Air Monitoring and Clearance

Independent air monitoring must be conducted:

Before, during, and after removal
To ensure fiber levels are within safe limits
To issue a clearance certificate before the site can be reoccupied

4. Disposal of Asbestos Waste

Once removed, asbestos must be:

Sealed in approved containers or double-wrapped
Clearly labeled as hazardous
Transported to a licensed disposal site, such as Summerhill Waste Management Centre
Documented and tracked using the EPA’s WasteLocate system

Improper disposal is illegal and contributes to environmental contamination, which is increasingly a concern in NSW, particularly with recycled building materials.

5. Best Practices and Common Pitfalls

Do:

Hire a licensed asbestos removalist
Maintain all documentation (licenses, certificates, monitoring reports)
Use proper signage and safety procedures
Conduct health monitoring for workers exposed to asbestos

Don’t:

Attempt DIY asbestos removal, especially in industrial settings
Skip air monitoring or re-entry clearance
Dispose of asbestos with general waste
Ignore soil contamination risks (e.g., from buried debris or fire-damaged structures)

6. Choosing the Right Contractor

Look for a asbestos removal contractor in Newcastle who:

Holds a valid Class A asbestos removal license
Has ISO-certified safety systems
Offers full services, including air monitoring, reporting, and disposal
Can provide references from similar industrial projects
Understands Newcastle’s local regulations and waste facilities

Contractors experienced with large commercial and industrial buildings can help avoid delays and ensure legal compliance throughout the project.

7. After the Removal

Once asbestos has been safely removed and the clearance certificate is issued:

Update your asbestos register
Keep all removal and disposal records for future audits
Review site conditions if any further work is planned (especially excavation or construction)
Re-test air quality if re-occupation occurs in phases

Why Proper Removal Is Critical

Industrial asbestos removal is not just about ticking regulatory boxes. It’s about safeguarding lives. Asbestos-related diseases like mesothelioma and asbestosis have no cure—and exposure, even decades ago, still results in diagnoses today.

With increasing concern over contaminated soil and recycled waste products, Newcastle authorities and the EPA are becoming more vigilant. That makes compliance, transparency, and expert handling more important than ever.

Final Thoughts

Removing industrial asbestos in Newcastle requires more than just manpower—it requires a legally compliant, scientifically sound, and safely executed plan. Always rely on licensed professionals, plan every step of the process, and never cut corners.

By following the guidelines outlined here, you’ll not only ensure the safety of workers and the public, but also meet all legal requirements for industrial asbestos removal in NSW.