Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in Australian building and construction materials until the 1980s. Its identification, assessment, and safe management are critical for any development, demolition, or renovation project.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos refers to six naturally occurring silicate minerals that form flexible, heat-resistant fibres. Three types were commonly used in Australia:
| Type | Common Name | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Chrysotile | White asbestos | Most common — cement sheeting, vinyl tiles, friction materials |
| Amosite | Brown asbestos | Insulation boards, ceiling tiles, thermal insulation |
| Crocidolite | Blue asbestos | High-temperature insulation, spray-on coatings |
Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products in Australia. Any building constructed or renovated before 1990 has a high likelihood of containing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Health Risks
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause:
- Asbestosis — scarring of lung tissue
- Lung cancer — increased risk, especially in smokers
- Mesothelioma — cancer of the lung and abdominal lining
- Pleural plaques — thickening of the lung lining
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure. All airborne asbestos fibre exposure carries some risk.
Asbestos in Soil
Asbestos in soil is a common issue on Australian construction sites, particularly in:
- Former building sites — demolition debris containing ACM fragments
- Industrial sites — former asbestos manufacturing, brake lining workshops
- Landfill sites — historic uncontrolled waste dumping
- Fill material — imported fill may contain ACM fragments
- Natural occurrences — crocidolite deposits in WA's Pilbara region, NSW's Great Serpentinite Belt
Asbestos in Soil Classification
| Classification | Description | Management |
|---|---|---|
| No asbestos detected | No visible ACM | None required |
| Asbestos fragments (AF) | > 7 mm in size | Selective removal or screening |
| Asbestos fines (AF) | < 7 mm in size | Requires remediation or disposal |
| Fibrous asbestos (FA) | Loose fibres in soil matrix | Specialist remediation required |
| Bonded ACM | Asbestos in intact cement/matrix | Managed removal |
Asbestos Assessment Services
Asbestos Identification (Soil and Bulk Materials)
- Sampling and analysis by NATA-accredited laboratory
- Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) or Dispersion Staining (DS)
- Soil asbestos quantification using AS 4964
Asbestos Building Surveys
| Survey Type | Purpose | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Presumptive survey | Identify likely ACM locations | Visual inspection, sampling of suspect materials |
| Comprehensive survey | Full identification and quantification | Systematic sampling of all suspect materials |
| Demolition survey | Full access to all building elements | Intrusive inspection, destructive sampling |
Airborne Asbestos Fibre Monitoring
Measuring airborne fibre concentrations during asbestos removal work:
- Personal monitoring — worker exposure assessment
- Static monitoring — area air quality verification
- Clearance monitoring — post-removal certification
Standards:
- NOHSC:2012 — Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method
- AS 4964 — Method for the qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk samples
Asbestos Clearances and Certification
After asbestos removal, a clearance inspection verifies:
- All visible ACM has been removed
- Airborne fibre levels are below clearance criteria (< 0.01 fibres/mL)
- The area is safe for reoccupation
Regulatory Framework
| State | Regulator | Key Legislation |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | SafeWork NSW | Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 |
| QLD | Workplace Health and Safety QLD | Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 |
| VIC | WorkSafe Victoria | OHS Regulations 2017 |
| WA | WorkSafe WA | WHS Regulations 2022 |
| SA | SafeWork SA | WHS Regulations 2012 |
| TAS | WorkSafe Tasmania | WHS Regulations 2022 |
| ACT | WorkSafe ACT | WHS Regulation 2011 |
| NT | NT WorkSafe | WHS Regulations 2022 |
National Code
- Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos [NOHSC:2002(2005)]
Licensed Asbestos Assessors
In NSW, asbestos assessors must be licensed by SafeWork NSW for:
- Class A licence — friable asbestos removal and associated assessment
- Class B licence — non-friable asbestos removal (bonded ACM)
Air monitoring and clearance inspections must be performed by a Licensed Asbestos Assessor (LAA).
Asbestos Management Process
Step 1: Identify
Conduct a building survey or soil assessment to identify ACM.
Step 2: Assess Risk
Determine the condition, friability, and potential for fibre release:
| ACM Condition | Risk Level | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Good condition, sealed, undisturbed | Low | Monitor, label, manage in place |
| Good condition but accessible | Moderate | Seal, label, register as ACM |
| Damaged, weathered, or disturbed | High | Remove or remediate |
| Friable, easily crumbled | Very high | Immediate removal by Class A licensed removalist |
Step 3: Develop Management Plan
An Asbestos Management Plan includes:
- Register of all identified ACM locations
- Condition assessment and risk rating
- Monitoring and re-inspection schedule
- Procedures for safe handling and removal
- Emergency procedures for accidental disturbance
Step 4: Control / Remove
- Engage licensed asbestos removalist (Class A or B as required)
- Implement containment, negative air pressure (friable removal)
- Air monitoring throughout removal process
- Waste transported to licensed landfill
Step 5: Clearance
- Post-removal visual inspection
- Clearance air monitoring
- Issue clearance certificate
Asbestos Waste Classification
| Waste Type | Disposal Requirement |
|---|---|
| Non-friable ACM | Double-wrapped, labelled, transported to licensed landfill |
| Friable ACM | Sealed in heavy-duty bags, labelled, transported to licensed landfill |
| Asbestos-contaminated soil | Classified as hazardous waste, requires special handling |
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an asbestos survey before demolition?
Yes. In all Australian states, an asbestos survey is required before any demolition or major renovation of a building constructed before 1990.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Homeowners in some states may remove small amounts of non-friable (bonded) asbestos themselves. However, friable asbestos removal and all commercial asbestos removal must be performed by a licensed removalist.
What does an asbestos clearance certificate cover?
It confirms that the area has been visually inspected and air monitoring shows fibre levels below 0.01 fibres/mL (clearance criterion).
Is asbestos still used in Australia?
No. Asbestos and asbestos-containing materials were banned in Australia from 31 December 2003.