Removing asbestos and notifying WorkSafe ACT

WorkSafe ACT was recently notified of a worker who had illegally removed asbestos from a residence. The persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) responsible for the work failed to identify asbestos before starting the project.

Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act), it is the responsibility of a PCBU to manage all risks to work health and safety posed by asbestos.

Removing and disposing asbestos safely

WorkSafe ACT wants to remind all PCBUs that asbestos can be found in many places across the ACT. Residential buildings constructed or refurbished between 1950 and 1985 and commercial buildings built before 2004 are likely to contain asbestos containing material (ACM). If you or your workers are doing renovations or working on older buildings, you have a duty to:

Identify or assume ACM and confirm this with a licensed asbestos assessor
Complete a risk assessment
Indicate the presence and location of asbestos
Maintain an asbestos register, and
Have and make accessible at the workplace, an asbestos management plan.

ACMs can only be removed by licensed removalists and assessed by licensed assessors and all waste must be disposed of properly.

Notify WorkSafe ACT

Licensed asbestos removalists must contact WorkSafe ACT with a notification for removal at least five days before work begins. WorkSafe ACT can be notified on 13 22 81, after hours on 0419 120 028 or using the online form.

Where asbestos needs to be removed immediately, please call WorkSafe ACT and submit a written notification within 24 hours. You must not commence work unless WorkSafe ACT gives approval to proceed with immediate removal.

Further information

For more information on managing potential risks at your workplace, please visit the following sites: