Product Overview

This Asbestos Containing Materials Removal Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) is developed to help PCBUs, supervisors, and workers plan and carry out asbestos-related tasks safely while maintaining robust WHS compliance. It is a comprehensive document covering licensed and non-licensed asbestos removal, handling, transport, air monitoring, and associated activities involved in asbestos containing materials removal.

Activities & Specific Tasks Covered

This document includes specific risk controls for:

• Planning and managing work when working around asbestos to prevent accidental disturbance of asbestos containing materials (ACMs)
• Implementation of asbestos air monitoring, sampling, and clearance procedures to verify airborne fibre levels remain within safe limits
• Providing asbestos awareness information and instruction so workers can recognise ACMs and apply correct control measures
• Managing potential asbestos exposure during excavation, trenching, or ground penetration where buried ACMs may be present
• Safe handling of asbestos in old parts, repair, and restoration work, including gaskets, brake components, and plant items
• Conducting licensed asbestos removal activities in accordance with regulatory requirements and licence conditions
• Removal of asbestos-containing tile adhesive and associated residues using low‑dust methods and appropriate PPE/RPE
• General asbestos removal from building elements, roofing, cladding, eaves, fencing, and internal linings
• Packaging, labelling, transport, and disposal of asbestos waste to authorised facilities in line with environmental and WHS requirements
• Dealing with asbestos in outbuildings, barns, sheds, and rural structures, including deteriorated or weathered ACMs
• Preventing and managing direct contact with asbestos, including decontamination procedures for workers, tools, and equipment
• Handling and removal of asbestos insulation around machinery, pipework, boilers, and plant enclosures
• Handling asbestos contaminated material and mixed debris, including sorting, bagging, and on-site containment
• Surface preparation and painting of asbestos roofs to encapsulate ACMs while controlling fall, dust, and exposure risks
• Managing potential asbestos contact during debris removal, demolition clean-ups, and post-incident site remediation
• Selection and correct use of PPE and respiratory protective equipment (RPE), including fit checking and maintenance
• Establishing exclusion zones, signage, barricading, and negative pressure enclosures to protect other workers and the public

Who is this for?

This SWMS is designed for licensed asbestos removalists, demolition contractors, maintenance and facilities teams, painters, builders, civil contractors, and site supervisors involved in any work where asbestos containing materials may be present or disturbed.

Specific Job Steps & Hazards Covered

Legislation & References

This document was researched and developed to align with:

• How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice: Guidance on planning, performing, and supervising asbestos removal work
• How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace Code of Practice: Requirements for identifying, managing, and monitoring ACMs
• Demolition Work Code of Practice: Controls for demolition activities where asbestos containing materials may be present
• Managing the Risk of Falls at Workplaces Code of Practice: Fall prevention and protection measures for work on asbestos roofs and elevated areas
• Safe Work Australia – Guidance on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres: Technical guidance for asbestos air monitoring
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment: Requirements for choosing and maintaining RPE for asbestos work
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices: Performance standards for respiratory protective devices used during asbestos removal
• Work Health and Safety Act 2011
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017