Asbestos Safety Checklist

Quick answer: Before any work that may disturb asbestos or asbestos-containing material (ACM), you must confirm whether ACM is present, review the asbestos register and management plan, engage a licensed removalist for licensed quantities, and ensure a compliant SWMS, correct PPE/RPE, air monitoring, and waste disposal are all in place.

Last reviewed: June 2026 by the BlueSafe Technical Team. Reflects the Model WHS Regulations (as adopted by most Australian states and territories) and the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace.

Asbestos is still present in a large proportion of Australian buildings constructed before 1 January 2004. Disturbing it without proper controls is one of the most serious WHS risks on any construction, renovation, or demolition site. This checklist is designed for persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), site supervisors, and safety officers who need a practical tool to verify asbestos management obligations are met before and during work.

How to Use This Checklist

Work through each section before commencing any task that may disturb building materials in a pre-2004 structure, or at any time when managing ongoing asbestos obligations at a workplace. Tick each item only when you have verified compliance — not when you intend to comply.

1. Asbestos Register

• An asbestos register has been prepared for the workplace (required for all workplaces built before 1 January 2004, unless a competent person has confirmed no ACM is present).
• The register identifies the location, condition, and type of all known or assumed ACM at the workplace.
• The register has been updated following any disturbance, removal, or newly identified ACM.
• The register is accessible to workers, contractors, and health and safety representatives at the workplace.
• The register is reviewed whenever new information about the presence of ACM becomes available.

2. Asbestos Management Plan

• An asbestos management plan has been prepared where the asbestos register identifies ACM at the workplace.
• The plan details how identified ACM will be managed (in situ, encapsulation, removal, or a combination).
• The plan specifies the decisions made about managing each identified ACM item and the reasons for those decisions.
• The plan includes procedures for incidents, emergencies, and accidental disturbance of ACM.
• The plan is reviewed at least every five years, or immediately following any disturbance, incident, or change to the workplace.
• The plan is provided to all persons who carry out work at the workplace that may be affected by ACM.

3. Identification Before Work Commences

• The asbestos register has been reviewed before any work commences that may disturb building fabric in a structure built before 1 January 2004.
• Where the presence or absence of ACM is uncertain, sampling and analysis by a competent person (NATA-accredited laboratory) has been completed before work begins.
• Workers and contractors have been informed of the location and condition of all ACM in the area where they will be working.
• The scope of work has been assessed against the asbestos register to determine whether removal is required before the task can be performed safely.

4. Licensed Asbestos Removal

• The quantity and type of ACM to be disturbed has been assessed against licensing thresholds.
• For friable asbestos (any quantity): a licensed Class A asbestos removalist has been engaged.
• For non-friable ACM greater than 10 m²: a licensed Class A or Class B asbestos removalist has been engaged.
• The removalist's licence has been sighted and verified (check your state regulator's register).
• The licensed removalist has been provided with the asbestos register and management plan before commencing work.
• The licensed removalist has confirmed they will comply with all regulatory requirements, including SWMS, air monitoring, and waste disposal.

5. Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

• A SWMS has been prepared specifically for the asbestos removal or disturbance work.
• The SWMS identifies all foreseeable asbestos-related hazards and the controls to be implemented.
• The SWMS has been reviewed and signed by the workers who will carry out the work before the work commences.
• The SWMS is kept on site and available for inspection.
• The SWMS is reviewed and updated whenever conditions change or a new hazard is identified.

For guidance on preparing a compliant SWMS for asbestos work, refer to our Asbestos SWMS Guide.

6. Air Monitoring and Clearance

• A risk assessment has determined whether air monitoring is required for the specific removal or disturbance work.
• Air monitoring is being conducted by a licensed asbestos assessor during all Class A removal work.
• Clearance monitoring has been completed after removal work is finished and before the area is re-occupied.
• A clearance certificate has been issued by a licensed asbestos assessor confirming the area is safe for re-occupation.
• Air monitoring results are recorded and retained as part of the project WHS records.

7. Decontamination Procedures

• A decontamination unit or area has been established at the removal work area.
• Workers decontaminate themselves (including showering where required) before leaving the work area.
• All tools, equipment, and PPE used in the removal area are decontaminated or disposed of appropriately.
• Re-entry to the decontamination area by unauthorised persons is prevented during removal work.
• Decontamination procedures are included in the SWMS and communicated to all workers.

8. Waste Disposal

• All ACM waste is double-bagged in heavy-duty plastic (minimum 0.2 mm) and labelled with the asbestos warning label.
• ACM waste is not compacted, broken, or otherwise disturbed during bagging or transport.
• Asbestos waste is transported to an approved waste facility by a licensed contractor (where required by your jurisdiction).
• Waste consignment records (waste tracking dockets) are obtained from the waste facility and retained.
• The asbestos register has been updated to reflect the removal of ACM.

9. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)

• Appropriate disposable coveralls (Type 5 minimum) have been provided to all workers in the removal area.
• Half-face or full-face respirators with P2 (or higher) filters have been provided and fit-tested for each worker.
• Workers have been trained in the donning, doffing, and maintenance of RPE before commencing work.
• RPE is inspected before each use to confirm it is in good condition and seals correctly.
• Disposable PPE is disposed of as asbestos waste; reusable items are thoroughly decontaminated.

10. Notification to the Regulator

• The relevant WHS regulator has been notified in writing at least five business days before Class A removal work commences (check current requirements in your jurisdiction).
• Notification has been confirmed in writing and a copy retained with project records.
• Any changes to the notified removal plan (scope, timing, licensed removalist) have been re-notified to the regulator as required.

11. Worker Training and Induction

• All workers who may be required to disturb ACM hold the relevant asbestos awareness training.
• Workers carrying out licensed removal work hold the relevant nationally recognised competency unit.
• Training records are kept and can be produced for inspection on request.
• Workers have been informed of the health risks of asbestos exposure and the controls in place on this project.
• Workers know how to report a suspected asbestos find or an accidental disturbance.

State and Territory Variations

The information on this page is based on the Model WHS Regulations published by Safe Work Australia. Most states and territories have adopted these regulations, but there are local variations — particularly around licensing thresholds, notification requirements, and waste disposal rules.

Always verify current notification thresholds, licensing requirements, and waste disposal rules with your state or territory regulator before commencing asbestos removal work.

Related guides

• Asbestos SWMS Guide
• WHS Documents for Demolition Contractors
• Notifiable Incidents: What Must Be Reported to SafeWork
• How to Write a Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS)

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an asbestos register for every building?

Under the Model WHS Regulations, a PCBU must ensure an asbestos register is prepared and kept for any workplace built before 1 January 2004, unless a competent person has confirmed that no asbestos or ACM is present. The register must be kept up to date and must be accessible to workers.

What is the difference between Class A and Class B asbestos removal work?

Class A removal involves friable asbestos — material that can be easily crumbled by hand. It must only be performed by a licensed Class A removalist. Class B covers non-friable ACM and must be performed by a licensed Class A or Class B removalist. Unlicensed removal of licensed quantities is a serious WHS offence.

When is air monitoring required during asbestos removal?

Air monitoring is required during all Class A removal work. It may also be required for Class B removal and other disturbance work depending on a risk assessment. A licensed asbestos assessor must carry out clearance inspections and issue a clearance certificate before the area is re-occupied.

What training do workers need before working near asbestos?

Any worker likely to disturb asbestos or ACM must receive asbestos awareness training. Workers carrying out removal work must hold the relevant nationally recognised competency. Training records must be kept and be available to the regulator on request.

Be prepared before work starts

The best way to manage asbestos risk is to have your WHS documentation — asbestos register, management plan, SWMS, and training records — in order before any work commences. A gap discovered after a disturbance is far more costly than one identified and closed before work begins.

Need compliant WHS documents for your team? Explore the BlueSafe Online document library.

This checklist is provided for general information purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. WHS obligations vary by jurisdiction and by the specific circumstances of each workplace and task. Always consult the applicable legislation, codes of practice, and your state or territory WHS regulator for guidance specific to your situation.