As a commercial property owner, understanding the risks associated with asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and the proper procedures for their removal and management is critically important for ensuring the safety of your tenants and employees. Additionally, compliance with local regulations and industry standards can protect your business from potential liabilities.

To help you navigate the complexities of asbestos removal in Sydney’s commercial properties, we have compiled a collection of frequently asked questions, addressing common concerns and providing expert guidance on best practices, regulations, and safety standards. This unique resource offers valuable insights to empower commercial property owners in making well-informed decisions when dealing with asbestos removal and management in their buildings.

Stay informed and safeguard your business and property investments with expert advice from Sydney City Asbestos, your dedicated partner in asbestos services.

1. What Are the Dangers of Asbestos in Commercial Properties?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in construction until the early 2000s due to their outstanding durability and fire resistance. However, when these materials are damaged or disturbed during renovations, maintenance or demolition, microscopic asbestos fibres can become airborne and pose significant health risks. Inhaled asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses, such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. For commercial property owners, managing ACMs properly is crucial to protecting the health of staff, tenants, and contractors, as well as ensuring compliance with local regulations.

2. How Can I Identify Asbestos-Containing Materials in My Commercial Property?

ACMs may be found in various applications throughout commercial buildings, including insulation, fireproofing materials, ceiling tiles, floor tiles, roofing, and pipe insulation. Visual inspection is often insufficient for accurate asbestos identification, as ACMs can look similar to non-asbestos alternatives. Therefore, if your commercial property was built or renovated before 2003, or you suspect the presence of asbestos materials, it is essential to engage a licenced asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist to conduct an asbestos inspection and testing.

3. What Regulations Apply to Commercial Property Owners Regarding Asbestos Removal?

Asbestos removal and management in Australia are regulated at both the federal and state levels. At the federal level, Safe Work Australia provides the Model Work Health and Safety Regulations to act as a foundation for states and territories to apply their own specific regulations. In New South Wales (NSW), for example, these regulations are found in the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017.

Commercial property owners must comply with various requirements, including:

– Identifying the presence of ACMs and maintaining an up-to-date asbestos register

– Developing and implementing an asbestos management plan (AMP)

– Engaging licenced asbestos removalists for higher-risk removal tasks

– Complying with licencing, notification, and disposal regulations

Further details specific to NSW can be found in SafeWork NSW’s guideline.

4. When Should I Engage a Licensed Asbestos Removalist?

For commercial property owners, it is advised to always engage a licensed asbestos removalist when managing or removing asbestos-containing materials. In states like NSW, engaging a licensed asbestos removalist is a legal requirement for higher-risk removal works, such as non-friable asbestos removal over 10 square meters or any amount of friable asbestos.

Using a licensed professional ensures that the removal process is carried out effectively, safely, and in compliance with regulations. This can mitigate potential risks to your employees, tenants, and business reputation.

5. How Can I Ensure the Chosen Asbestos Removalist Is Reliable and Meets Industry Standards?

Before engaging an asbestos removalist, consider the following aspects to ensure they are trustworthy, professional, and compliant:

– Licencing and accreditation: Confirm that the removalist holds a valid asbestos removal licence in your state or territory.

– Experience and qualifications: Check the removalist’s portfolio and expertise in handling similar projects within commercial properties.

– Insurance coverage: Ensure that the removalist carries adequate insurance, such as public liability and workers’ compensation, to protect your business from potential liabilities.

– References and reviews: Seek testimonials or case studies from previous clients to gain insights into the removalist’s performance and customer satisfaction.

– Compliance with regulations: Verify that the removalist strictly adheres to state-specific asbestos removal regulations and industry guidelines.

6. What Precautions Should Be Taken During Asbestos Removal in a Commercial Property?

To ensure the safety of occupants and surrounding areas during asbestos removal, proper precautions must be taken:

– Isolation: Establish a secure work area with signage and barriers to prevent unauthorised access.

– Containment: Implement containment measures such as using negative air pressure and plastic sheeting to minimise fibre release.

– Protective gear: Ensure that all asbestos removal workers are wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including masks, suits, and gloves.

– Dust suppression: Employ wet methods to minimise dust generation during removal.

– Waste handling: Properly bag, label, and securely seal asbestos waste for transportation.

– Disposal: Dispose of asbestos waste at an approved facility following state-specific guidelines.

– Clearance inspection: Conduct an independent clearance inspection and air monitoring upon removal completion to confirm the area is safe for reoccupation.

Following these precautions and engaging a reputable licensed asbestos removalist will help maintain a safe and compliant work environment during asbestos removal in commercial properties.

Prioritise Asbestos Compliance in Your Commercial Property

Managing asbestos-containing materials in your commercial property is essential for protecting the health and safety of employees, tenants, and contractors, while also maintaining compliance with relevant local regulations. By understanding the necessary precautions, regulations, and processes, commercial property owners can take informed steps to identify and deal with asbestos-related risks effectively, ensuring a safe and professional environment for everyone involved.

When it comes to maintaining a safe and compliant commercial property, trust the experts at Sydney City Asbestos to provide reliable and professional asbestos assessment and removal services, tailored to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an asbestos inspection for your property, or to discuss any concerns about the potential presence of asbestos-containing materials in your commercial building. Let us help you protect your investment, reputation, and the future success of your business.