Product Overview

Summary: This specialised SOP sets out a clear, legally defensible process for identifying, handling and controlling asbestos risks during brick renovation works in Australia. It helps builders, renovators and property managers protect workers and occupants from asbestos exposure while keeping projects compliant, on schedule and fully aligned with WHS obligations.

Asbestos-containing materials are common in older brick structures across Australia, particularly in linings, mortar, backing boards, eaves, flues and adjacent building elements. When renovation works disturb these materials, fibres can be released, creating a significant health risk and exposing businesses to serious legal and financial consequences. This Safe Operating Procedure provides a practical, step-by-step framework for safely planning and carrying out brick renovation activities where asbestos is known or suspected to be present.

The SOP guides you through pre-renovation asbestos identification, engaging licensed assessors and removalists where required, isolating work areas, and sequencing brick demolition or alteration to minimise disturbance. It details controls for dust suppression, safe use of tools, decontamination, waste packaging and lawful disposal, as well as communication with clients, neighbours and building occupants. By implementing this procedure, your business can manage asbestos risks systematically, demonstrate compliance with Australian WHS and asbestos regulations, and give your teams clear instructions that reduce confusion, rework and project delays.

This document is tailored for the realities of Australian building and renovation work, including mixed-construction dwellings, tight urban sites and live tenancies. It provides not only technical safety controls but also practical guidance on documentation, permits and record-keeping so you can show regulators, insurers and clients that asbestos has been managed in a competent and controlled manner.

Key Benefits

• Ensure compliance with Australian asbestos legislation and Codes of Practice during brick renovation projects.
• Reduce the risk of asbestos fibre exposure for workers, occupants and neighbouring properties.
• Standardise how supervisors and trades manage suspected or confirmed asbestos in brick structures.
• Minimise costly project delays, stop-work orders and remediation arising from unmanaged asbestos risks.
• Strengthen documentation and evidence of due diligence for regulators, insurers and clients.

Who is this for?

• Site Supervisors
• Construction Project Managers
• Residential and Commercial Builders
• Renovation Contractors
• Bricklayers and Masonry Workers
• Demolition Workers
• WHS Managers and Advisors
• Asbestos Removal Supervisors (Class B, non‑friable)
• Facilities and Property Managers
• Strata and Body Corporate Managers

Hazards Addressed

• Inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres during brick cutting, chasing, demolition or drilling
• Disturbance of concealed asbestos-containing materials adjacent to brickwork (e.g. sheeting, backing boards, flues, eaves linings)
• Contamination of surrounding areas, tools, clothing and vehicles with asbestos dust and debris
• Environmental release of asbestos fibres due to poor waste handling, storage or transport practices
• Manual handling injuries associated with handling asbestos-contaminated bricks, rubble and waste bags
• Use of inappropriate power tools that generate excessive dust when working near asbestos-containing materials
• Cross-contamination from inadequate decontamination and housekeeping procedures

Included Sections

• 1.0 Purpose and Scope – Brick renovation works involving actual or suspected asbestos
• 2.0 Definitions and Regulatory Context – Asbestos types, ACM, friable vs non‑friable, relevant WHS laws
• 3.0 Roles and Responsibilities – PCBUs, site supervisors, workers, licensed asbestos assessors and removalists
• 4.0 Pre‑Renovation Planning and Assessment – Asbestos registers, surveys, sampling and risk assessment
• 5.0 Permits, Notifications and Consultation – Regulator notifications, client communication and neighbour liaison
• 6.0 Required Competencies, Training and Licensing – Worker training, supervision and when licensed removal is required
• 7.0 PPE and Equipment Requirements – Respiratory protection, protective clothing, tools and dust control equipment
• 8.0 Site Preparation and Isolation – Establishing exclusion zones, signage, barriers and negative exposure zones
• 9.0 Safe Work Methods for Brick Renovations Near Asbestos – Cutting, chasing, drilling and demolition controls
• 10.0 Engineering and Administrative Controls – Wet methods, tool selection, ventilation and work sequencing
• 11.0 Housekeeping, Decontamination and Personal Hygiene – On-site cleaning, decontamination procedures and change areas
• 12.0 Asbestos Waste Handling, Packaging and Disposal – Labelling, storage, transport and disposal at licensed facilities
• 13.0 Air Monitoring and Clearance (Where Applicable) – When to engage an independent licensed asbestos assessor
• 14.0 Emergency and Incident Response – Fibre release incidents, uncontrolled disturbance and medical follow‑up
• 15.0 Health Monitoring Requirements – Worker health surveillance obligations and record-keeping
• 16.0 Documentation, Records and Review – Checklists, permits, SWMS, training and SOP review process
• 17.0 References and Supporting Legislation – Relevant Acts, Regulations, Codes of Practice and Standards

Legislation & References

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth) and corresponding state and territory WHS Acts
• Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011 (Cth) – Asbestos-related provisions (and equivalent state/territory 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
• AS/NZS 4801: Occupational health and safety management systems (superseded but still commonly referenced)
• State and territory EPA guidelines for the transport and disposal of asbestos waste