Trades, contractors and recyclers

What you need to know about working with asbestos if you are a tradesperson, contractor or recycler in Western Australia.
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Asbestos is still present in many older buildings, structures and in demolition waste. When asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are cut, drilled, or disturbed, they can release fibres that pose serious health risks. There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos.

ACM may be found in:

  • roofing, wall sheeting, and eaves built before 2004
  • vinyl floor tiles and adhesives used to fix them
  • cement pipes and flues
  • insulation around hot water systems or electrical wiring.

For photos and descriptions of ACM and products, visit the Asbestos and Silica Safety Eradication Agency’s website.

If you are paid to work on a property or handle demolition waste, you must comply with Western Australia’s work health and safety laws. This includes:

The How to safely remove asbestos: Code of practice provides guidance on how to manage work health and safety risks associated with removing asbestos or ACM from workplaces.

There are limits on how much asbestos you can remove without a licence:

  • a tradesperson can remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos on behalf of a homeowner.
  • more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos or any friable asbestos must be removed only by a licensed asbestos removalist.

For more information on safe removal, see Asbestos safety for trades and construction webpage.

Working at demolition and recycling sites

Construction and demolition waste often contains asbestos. Recycling facilities must follow strict guidelines to manage asbestos risks. This includes:

  • screening and sorting waste to identify asbestos
  • isolating and safely disposing of ACM
  • maintaining an asbestos management plan and training staff.

The Managing asbestos at construction and demolition waste recycling facilities: Guideline explains measures construction and demolition waste recycling facilities can use to manage the risk of asbestos contamination of feedstocks and products, and to reduce risks to site workers and the wider community.

Disposal of asbestos waste

Asbestos waste must be double-bagged, labelled and taken to a licensed facility for disposal. It is illegal to reuse or recycle asbestos or ACM.

For information on removing, transporting and disposing, visit the Department of Water and Environment Regulation’s website.

Many facilities accept asbestos waste only at set times to maximise landfill efficiency and minimise health risks. Most facilities also have specific procedures, such as requirements for wrapping asbestos waste. Always contact your local asbestos disposal facility before transporting any asbestos waste to confirm:

  • opening times
  • acceptance requirements
  • wrapping and handling procedures.

Managing asbestos exposure

Always assume older building materials may contain asbestos. Stop work immediately if you are unsure and get the material tested at a NATA accredited lab.

For national guidance and resources, visit the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency website.

Resources and guidance

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