If you work in building, construction, demolition or maintenance, you’re among those most at risk of asbestos exposure.
The golden rule
If a building was built or renovated before 1990, assume asbestos is present until proven otherwise. Don’t start work until you know what you’re dealing with.
At a domestic residence
A home isn’t a workplace under occupational health and safety (OHS) law, so the homeowner won’t have an asbestos register.
But when you’re engaged to do the work, the home becomes your workplace and OHS duties apply.
You must identify asbestos that’s likely to be disturbed. Asbestos must be removed before refurbishment or demolition.
At a commercial workplace
The person with management or control must:
- provide you with a copy of the asbestos register
- inform you if the work involves a risk of exposure to asbestos fibres.
If there’s no register, you must not start demolition or refurbishment until you’ve determined whether asbestos is present. If in doubt, assume it is or arrange for testing.
If you find asbestos, inform the person with management or control.
Asbestos removal
Use a licensed removalist. If you hold an asbestos removal licence, you must notify WorkSafe before removal starts and comply with all safety, decontamination and disposal requirements.
Safety tips
- Don’t use power tools (e.g. angle grinders, circular saws, electric sanders) on asbestos-containing materials.
- Don’t sweep asbestos dust or debris.
- Don’t use a household vacuum cleaner, even with a HEPA filter.
- Don’t use high-pressure water or compressed air.
- Don’t start demolition or refurbishment without first checking for asbestos.
- Don’t put asbestos waste in skips or household bins.
Training and awareness
Learn about asbestos risks through the ACV | GARDS awareness sessions for tradies, apprentices and workplaces and ASSEA’s safety guides for trades and construction workers