Product Overview

Summary: This SOP provides a clear, practical framework for managing asbestos-related risks in cladding projects, from initial design and tendering through to installation and refurbishment. It helps construction businesses meet their WHS obligations, protect workers from asbestos exposure, and avoid costly project disruptions and regulatory action.

Asbestos-containing materials are still commonly encountered in Australian building stock, particularly in older facades, soffits, eaves linings and backing boards associated with cladding systems. Cladding projects that involve removal, replacement or penetration of existing building elements can inadvertently disturb asbestos if risks are not identified and controlled from the outset. This Safe Operating Procedure sets out a clear, step-by-step approach to asbestos awareness in cladding works, ensuring that everyone from designers and estimators through to installers and supervisors understands their responsibilities and the correct process to follow.

The document guides businesses through pre‑construction investigations, review of existing asbestos registers, engagement of licensed asbestos assessors, and the integration of asbestos risk information into work sequencing and method selection. It also details on-site controls such as exclusion zones, communication with building occupants, interaction with licensed asbestos removalists, and what to do if suspected asbestos is unexpectedly discovered behind cladding. By implementing this SOP, organisations can reduce the likelihood of accidental disturbance, protect workers and the public from exposure, and demonstrate due diligence under Australian WHS and asbestos regulations, while keeping cladding projects on schedule and compliant.

Key Benefits

• Ensure cladding projects are planned and executed in alignment with Australian asbestos legislation and WHS requirements.
• Reduce the risk of accidental asbestos disturbance during cladding removal, replacement, or penetrations.
• Protect workers, occupants and the public from exposure to airborne asbestos fibres through consistent, documented controls.
• Standardise communication and coordination between builders, subcontractors, asbestos assessors and licensed removalists.
• Minimise project delays, stop-work orders, and reputational damage arising from unmanaged asbestos issues.

Who is this for?

• Construction Project Managers
• Site Supervisors
• Principal Contractors
• Cladding Installers
• Facade Contractors
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Building Surveyors and Certifiers
• Facilities and Asset Managers
• Estimators and Procurement Managers
• Architects and Design Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres during cladding removal or modification
• Uncontrolled disturbance of hidden asbestos-containing materials behind cladding systems
• Cross-contamination of adjacent work areas, public spaces or occupied tenancies with asbestos debris or dust
• Exposure of untrained workers, subcontractors and building occupants to asbestos risks
• Improper handling, temporary storage or transfer of asbestos-contaminated cladding waste
• Non-compliance with asbestos licensing, notification and clearance requirements

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Application to cladding, recladding, façade upgrades and remedial works
• 2.0 Definitions – Asbestos-containing material (ACM), friable vs non-friable, asbestos register, competent person
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities – PCBU, project manager, site supervisor, workers, asbestos assessor, licensed removalist
• 4.0 Pre‑Project Planning – Desktop reviews, existing building information, and risk assessment for cladding works
• 5.0 Asbestos Registers and Surveys – Accessing, verifying and commissioning additional asbestos surveys where required
• 6.0 Design and Procurement Considerations – Integrating asbestos information into design, specifications and contracts
• 7.0 Site Induction and Training – Asbestos awareness requirements for cladding crews and subcontractors
• 8.0 Work Area Preparation – Isolation, signage, barricading and protection of occupants and adjacent areas
• 9.0 Interaction with Licensed Asbestos Removal – Coordination, sequencing and permit-to-work interfaces
• 10.0 Safe Work Practices for Cladding Activities Near Suspected ACM – Drilling, fixing, cutting and removal controls
• 11.0 Unexpected Asbestos Finds Procedure – Stop-work, notification, assessment and re-commencement criteria
• 12.0 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protection – Selection, use and maintenance for asbestos-risk tasks
• 13.0 Decontamination and Housekeeping – Tools, equipment, workers and work area cleaning requirements
• 14.0 Waste Management – Segregation, packaging, labelling, transport and disposal of asbestos-contaminated cladding materials
• 15.0 Communication with Clients and Occupants – Notifications, access restrictions and incident reporting
• 16.0 Monitoring, Air Testing and Clearance – When required and how results inform re-occupancy and work continuation
• 17.0 Emergency and Incident Response – Fibre release incidents, exposure concerns and medical follow-up
• 18.0 Documentation and Record Keeping – Permits, registers, training records, clearance certificates and review processes
• 19.0 Review and Continuous Improvement – Periodic SOP review in line with legislative or project learnings

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Asbestos (and corresponding state/territory WHS/OHS regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos
• AS 2601: The demolition of structures
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• State and territory asbestos management and removal codes of practice (e.g. SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe QLD)