Asbestos Abatement for Commercial Properties: A Detailed Guide

Asbestos. It’s a word that can send property managers and business owners into a bit of a panic—and for good reason. While this once-popular material was used in many buildings, it’s now known for its health risks. If your commercial property was built before 1990, there’s a good chance asbestos could be hiding somewhere. Proper asbestos abatement is crucial for the health and safety of your occupants, not to mention staying on the right side of Aussie regulations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about asbestos abatement for commercial properties—from understanding the risks, to the process of safe removal, and why it’s critical to bring in the professionals.

Understanding Asbestos in Commercial Properties

What is asbestos, and why is it dangerous?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is widely used in construction materials across Australia. Its fire-resistant and insulating properties made it the perfect choice for roofing, flooring, insulation, and more. But, when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) become damaged or deteriorate, they release microscopic fibres into the air, which can be extremely harmful if inhaled.

These tiny fibres lodge themselves in the lungs and can cause a variety of serious health issues, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. The real danger? The symptoms can take decades to appear, which means by the time you realise something’s wrong, it may be too late. This is why asbestos abatement is not only a legal requirement for many older commercial buildings but also a health priority.

Common areas where asbestos may be found in commercial buildings

Asbestos could be anywhere in commercial buildings, especially those constructed before the 1990s. Some of the most common places to find asbestos include:

• Roofing materials – Many commercial buildings used asbestos in corrugated roofing sheets.
• Insulation – It was commonly used as insulation around pipes, boilers, and ducts.
• Flooring – Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to lay them often contain asbestos.
• Ceiling panels and textures – Those classic popcorn ceilings and acoustic tiles were often made with asbestos.
• Fireproofing materials – Asbestos was heavily relied on for its heat-resistant properties in fireproofing applications.

While these are some of the usual suspects, asbestos can also be found in unexpected places like window putty, wall panels, and even electrical fuse boxes. If your property has any age on it, it’s worth getting a professional inspection to identify any asbestos-containing materials.

Legal regulations for asbestos removal in Australia

In Australia, asbestos management is tightly regulated by law. Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, building owners have a duty to identify, manage, and, if necessary, remove asbestos from their properties. Commercial properties built before 2004 are required by law to maintain an asbestos register, which documents the location and condition of all known ACMs in the building.

You’ll also need an asbestos management plan. This plan outlines how any remaining asbestos will be managed over time, particularly if it doesn’t require immediate removal. It’s a legal safeguard to ensure ongoing monitoring and safety of the building’s occupants.

Licensed asbestos removal is mandatory in Australia. There are two types of asbestos removal licences:

• Class A licence – Required for friable asbestos, which is easily crumbled and more likely to release fibres.
• Class B licence – Required for the removal of non-friable asbestos, such as bonded asbestos cement sheeting.

Commercial property owners who fail to manage or remove asbestos in line with these regulations can face hefty fines and serious legal consequences, not to mention putting people’s health at risk.

The Asbestos Abatement Process

How asbestos is identified

Before you can deal with asbestos, you need to know where it is and what type you’re dealing with. This is where a professional asbestos inspection comes into play. Here’s how the process typically works:

1. Visual inspection – A trained asbestos inspector will walk through your building, paying special attention to common problem areas.
2. Sampling – If asbestos is suspected, small samples of the material are taken and sent to a lab for analysis.
3. Reviewing the asbestos register – If your property already has an asbestos register, it will be reviewed to check for any changes or new hazards.

It’s important to understand that not all asbestos requires immediate removal. If the material is intact and undisturbed, it may pose little risk and can simply be managed. However, if the material is friable or in poor condition, removal is the safest option.

Steps in safe removal and disposal

Once asbestos has been identified and removal is necessary, the abatement process begins. Here’s a step-by-step look at how professionals handle asbestos removal safely:

1. Site preparation – The removal area is sealed off to prevent asbestos fibres from contaminating the air. Proper signage is displayed, and air filtration systems may be set up.
2. Safety protocols – Workers wear protective clothing, including respirators, to ensure no one is exposed to harmful asbestos fibres.
3. Controlled removal – The asbestos material is carefully removed, often kept damp during the process to prevent fibres from becoming airborne.
4. Air monitoring – During the removal process, air quality is continuously monitored to make sure there’s no spread of asbestos fibres.
5. Disposal – The removed asbestos is securely sealed in heavy-duty bags, clearly labelled, and transported to a licensed disposal facility. Asbestos can’t be dumped in general waste.
6. Final clearance – After removal, the site is thoroughly inspected to confirm all asbestos has been removed and the area is safe for reoccupation.

Licensed professionals follow this methodical process to ensure the job is done correctly and safely. Attempting to remove asbestos without proper training can expose you and others to serious health risks and is illegal in Australia.

Importance of hiring licensed professionals

Asbestos removal isn’t something you want to take lightly—or on your own. It’s not just about ticking a box on your compliance checklist but about protecting lives. When it comes to asbestos abatement, hiring a licensed professional is non-negotiable. Here’s why:

• Compliance with regulations – Professionals are trained in the latest asbestos laws and safety regulations, ensuring your property meets all legal requirements.
• Health and safety – Licensed asbestos removalists have the right tools, training, and protective equipment to carry out the job safely.
• Proper disposal – Professionals will ensure asbestos is disposed of at licensed facilities so it doesn’t come back to haunt you (or the environment).
• Minimal disruption – A skilled asbestos removal team knows how to minimise disruption to your business operations, working quickly and efficiently to get the job done.

Attempting DIY asbestos removal is not only illegal but could also lead to costly mistakes and health hazards. By engaging licensed experts, you’ll have peace of mind that your property is safe, compliant, and asbestos-free.

How Coastal Demolitions Can Help

At Coastal Demolitions, we’re not just experts in knocking things down—we’re also highly trained asbestos removalists with years of experience under our belts. Our team understands the risks associated with asbestos and how to safely manage its removal to ensure the ongoing safety of your building.

If you suspect asbestos in your commercial property, don’t take any risks. Contact Coastal Demolitions today for professional and safe asbestos abatement services. Let us help you protect your property and your people.

For reliable and safe asbestos removal, get in touch with Coastal Demolitions—the experts in asbestos abatement for commercial properties.