Asbestos contamination is a significant issue for Western Australian development projects, not just because of its health risks, but also its strict regulation.
To combat contamination and safety concerns, the government has legislated clear requirements around the removal, classification and transport of asbestos in soil and building material. Understanding these regulations and how they affect your project is key to development success.
Below, we outline 4 key regulations surrounding asbestos removal and how West Soil & Water can create a plan of action tailored to your site. To learn more or enquire about our services, click here.
When asbestos containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed, they can release tiny fibres into the air. Inhaling those fibres is linked to serious diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Because asbestos was such a widely used building material in Western Australia, the government has introduced strict regulations designed to:
Prevent the aforementioned diseases
Protect workers and communities
Ensure safe handling and containment of asbestos materials
Prevent illegal dumping or environmental contamination
Most rules are found in either the Work Health and Safety Act 2020 or the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, both administered by WorkSafe WA.
This is perhaps the most important regulatory control in WA. Almost all types of asbestos removal work require a license. There are three types:
The Class A license allows contractors to remove all forms of asbestos. That includes friable ACMs, which can crumble easily, release fibres into air and create a significant health risk.
A Class B license allows contractors to remove non-friable asbestos. This includes bonded asbestos cement sheeting, which was commonly used in roofing, fencing and wall panels. Non-friable asbestos is less hazardous but can still release fibres if poorly handled,
The third category of license is asbestos assessors. These figures are responsible for air monitoring, clearance inspections and certification. They are not permitted to complete removal works.
Importantly, a licensed asbestos assessor must be independent of the remediation contractor.
WorkSafe must be formally notified of asbestos removal work before it begins. The thresholds for notification are:
Friable asbestos: Any amount
Non-friable: More than 10m²
Communication must be submitted at least five days prior to work starting or, in cases of emergency, immediately by phone.
These regulations ensure all high risk works are subject to the appropriate level of oversight and are well documented should complications arise.
Once removal works are complete, a clearance inspection must be conducted before normal operations can commence. These inspections confirm:
The removal area is free from visible asbestos residue
Containment materials have been safely removed
The site can be safely occupied
This step is particularly important where demolition or soil remediation has occurred. Both are notorious for holding residual asbestos fragments.
Disposal is tightly regulated, with asbestos waste needing to be:
Wetted (to suppress dust)
Double wrapped in heavy duty (200 microns) plastic
Clearly labelled
Disposed of at an approved facility
Site managers must also abide by specialised procedures for particular materials or soils. Improper disposal is an offence an will result in significant fines for developers.
Complex contamination requires remediation expertise. At West Soil and Water, our consultants have over 13 years of experience investigating WA sites and developing asbestos management plans.
We can assist with risk assessments and remediation planning, facilitating removal and containment and safe and proper transport of contaminated material. Our team has an unparalleled understanding of asbestos regulations and will craft all communications and reporting to support your compliance.
Working with WSW, you benefit from experienced professionals who’ll minimise risks to your workers, the environment and your regulatory standing.
If you are concerned about asbestos contamination in soils or building materials, taking proactive action is the best way to protect your safety and compliance. Having a clear understanding of asbestos regulations helps site managers and developers protect their budgets, timelines and reputations.
For more information about the cost and options available for asbestos remediation, get in touch.