Product Overview

Summary: This Asbestos Removal Safe Operating Procedure provides a clear, legally defensible framework for planning, executing, and documenting asbestos removal work in Australian workplaces. It helps PCBUs, licensed asbestos removalists, and site supervisors control exposure risks, meet stringent WHS obligations, and protect workers, building occupants, and the public from airborne asbestos fibres.

Asbestos removal is one of the highest-risk activities in the Australian construction, maintenance, and demolition sectors. Failure to manage asbestos safely can lead to serious long‑term health impacts, project shutdowns, and significant regulatory penalties. This Asbestos Removal Safe Operating Procedure sets out a structured, step‑by‑step process for safely removing asbestos‑containing materials (ACM), from initial identification and planning through to clearance inspections and waste disposal. It is designed to support both friable and non‑friable removal work, aligning with Australian WHS legislation and recognised industry best practice.

The SOP helps businesses translate complex legal requirements into practical on‑site actions. It clarifies roles and responsibilities, details required controls such as negative pressure enclosures, decontamination units, PPE and RPE, and outlines how to communicate with workers, building occupants, and regulators. By implementing this procedure, organisations can standardise their asbestos removal practices across multiple sites, reduce the risk of fibre release, and demonstrate due diligence during audits, regulator inspections, and incident investigations.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with WHS asbestos regulations, licensing conditions, and Codes of Practice across all asbestos removal activities.
• Reduce worker and public exposure to airborne asbestos fibres through clearly defined engineering, administrative, and PPE controls.
• Standardise asbestos removal planning, site setup, removal techniques, and decontamination processes across projects and teams.
• Minimise the risk of project delays, stop‑work orders, and costly enforcement action from WHS regulators.
• Provide clear documentation and evidence of due diligence for audits, client requirements, and incident investigations.

Who is this for?

• Licensed Asbestos Removal Supervisors
• Licensed Asbestos Removalists (Class A and Class B)
• Construction Project Managers
• Principal Contractors
• WHS Managers and WHS Advisors
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Demolition Contractors
• Civil and Infrastructure Contractors
• Local Government Asset and Building Managers
• Maintenance and Services Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres during removal, handling, and clean‑up
• Disturbance of friable asbestos and uncontrolled fibre release
• Cross‑contamination of adjacent work areas, plant, tools, and clothing
• Improper use or failure of respiratory protective equipment (RPE) and PPE
• Inadequate decontamination of workers, equipment, and waste containers
• Exposure of building occupants, neighbours, and the public to asbestos fibres
• Manual handling risks associated with lifting and bagging asbestos‑containing materials
• Cuts, abrasions, and other injuries from damaged building materials during removal
• Environmental contamination from incorrect packaging, transport, or disposal of asbestos waste

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope
• 2.0 Definitions and Regulatory Context
• 3.0 Roles, Responsibilities and Licensing Requirements
• 4.0 Pre‑Removal Planning and Asbestos Register Review
• 5.0 Risk Assessment and Selection of Control Measures
• 6.0 Notification Requirements to Regulators and Stakeholders
• 7.0 Required Plant, Equipment, PPE and RPE
• 8.0 Site Preparation, Isolation and Signage
• 9.0 Enclosure, Negative Pressure and Air Monitoring Requirements
• 10.0 Safe Asbestos Removal Methods (Friable and Non‑Friable)
• 11.0 Decontamination Procedures for Workers, Tools and Equipment
• 12.0 Waste Packaging, Labelling, Transport and Disposal
• 13.0 Clearance Inspections, Air Monitoring and Reoccupation
• 14.0 Emergency Procedures for Accidental Disturbance or Fibre Release
• 15.0 Training, Competency and Health Monitoring Requirements
• 16.0 Documentation, Records and Review of Procedure

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth and corresponding state/territory legislation)
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 – Asbestos (and equivalent state/territory regulations)
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos
• Safe Work Australia – Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace
• AS/NZS 1715: Selection, use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment
• AS/NZS 1716: Respiratory protective devices
• AS/NZS 4501: Occupational protective clothing
• AS/NZS 4801 / ISO 45001: Occupational health and safety management systems
• Environment Protection (Waste Management) regulations and state/territory EPA guidelines for asbestos waste