How Safe Asbestos Removal in NSW Protects Your Property and Health

A safer, healthier home or workplace can be yours. This article explains how professional, safe asbestos removal projects in NSW help to protect both buildings and people.

Find out why asbestos is so dangerous and the laws that govern safe asbestos removal NSW.

Discover the tasks involved in an asbestos removal job, and understand why following the right steps matters for your health, your property value, and your peace of mind.

The Importance of Safe Asbestos Removal NSW

Local authorities have regulations in place to ensure the safe removal of asbestos in each project to help reduce the risk of exposure and prevent contamination.

Why Is Asbestos a Concern?

Asbestos materials were often used in the construction or renovation of buildings in NSW before it was banned in 2003. The concern is the release of tiny fibres, which can be easily and unknowingly inhaled.

• Friable asbestos is the most dangerous form because it crumbles easily, releasing airborne asbestos fibres.
• Bonded (non-friable) asbestos can also release dangerous fibres if damaged
• Inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to potentially fatal diseases, such as asbestosis and lung cancer, which can take decades to develop
• There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure. Anybody repairing, renovating or demolishing an older building in NSW may be exposed to asbestos and the risks of later illness or death.

Legal Obligations in NSW

Asbestos removalists in NSW must comply with strict regulations and guidelines to prevent health risks for workers and the local community.

• State requirements include the creation of an Asbestos Removal Control Plan before work starts.
• SafeWork NSW’s code of practice for the removal of asbestos states that removal of all friable asbestos or non-friable asbestos greater than 10m² may only be carried out by licenced professionals.
• Asbestos removal and disposal by unlicenced personnel, unsafe handling, and illegally dumping asbestos all pose risks to public health and are subject to heavy fines and penalties.
• Compliance with site-safety regulations includes the use of warning signs and barriers, where relevant, plus notifications to SafeWork NSW.

Key Elements of an Asbestos Removal Control Plan

SafeWork NSW mandates the creation of an asbestos removal control plan detailing how safe asbestos removal will be carried out. The plan helps ensure legal obligations are met and that risks have been reviewed.

Methodology and Processes

The control plan should list the tasks planned for asbestos removal work, including specific methods for each step. It includes the selection of the correct equipment for the project and personal protective gear for workers.

Safety Measures

The plan lists required risk measures, such as site access protocols, including the use of barriers and signs to isolate work areas.

Waste Disposal Procedures

The plan will detail the steps planned for the removal, transport and disposal of asbestos, to ensure compliance with local regulations.

Air Monitoring and Health Protection

Arrangements for monitoring the air and the health of workers, to include proposed emergency procedures in the event of unexpected exposure.

Documentation and Notification

The plan, including notification of the commencement of removal work, must be submitted to SafeWork NSW at least five days before the project commences. The plan is shared with all stakeholders and is available for inspection.

Asbestos Site Preparation Steps

This stage is intended to help ensure all legal and environmental requirements are complied with. The main steps are site inspection, hazard spotting, placing barriers and warning signage, plus planning safety and removal equipment.

Site Assessment and Hazard Identification

• An inspection reveals the location, condition and types of asbestos on-site.
• At-risk areas, including those with buried or naturally occurring asbestos, are mapped.
• This information helps in the development of the Asbestos Removal Control Plan.

Preparing The Site for Safe Work

• Remove loose items plus any non-asbestos contaminants.
• Disconnect utilities. Cover electrical and gas outlets with protective sheeting.
• Isolate the area. Ensure only essential workers have access with the use of barriers and warning signs.
• Switch off air conditioning systems and cover vents to help limit the spread of airborne fibres.
• Cover ground surfaces with heavy-duty sheeting for easy cleaning up.
• Collect personal protective equipment and removal tools.

Safe Asbestos Removal Steps in NSW

An asbestos removal project in NSW generally follows the following steps:

Initial Site Preparation

• As detailed above:
  • Clear the area
  • Isolate empower sources
  • Install signs and barriers
  • Cover the floors and surfaces

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Setup

• All workers on site or at risk from asbestos contamination should wear PPE, such as disposable gloves and overalls, plus hard hats and respiratory masks and equipment.
• Create clearly defined decontamination zones for site entry and exit.
• Turn off the air-conditioning and fans and block vents to reduce the risk from airborne asbestos fibres.

Removal Techniques

• Before starting, suppress dust by dampening work areas with a spray of water or other approved solution.
• Don’t use potentially destructive tools, such as grinders or other power tools.
• Carefully loosen screws and nails to avoid breaking asbestos-containing material.

Safe Asbestos Disposal NSW

• Ready for transportation, place any contaminated waste, plus used PPE, into approved containers.
• Asbestos waste should only ever be taken to licenced disposal facilities.
• Continue to restrict access to the worksite until a final inspection has taken place.

Why You Should Choose Rapid Demolition for Safe Asbestos Removal NSW

At Rapid Demolition, our years of experience mean we know and comply with the regulations regarding asbestos removal. We always put the safety of our workers and the local community first, and we are aware of our environmental responsibilities.

If you are concerned about the risk of asbestos in or near your property, get in touch with our team for expert advice and a free, no-obligation quote.

Contact us today