AU hazard library

Asbestos disturbance

Work likely to disturb asbestos-containing materials. HRCW under WHS Reg 291(1)(d).

Disturbance of asbestos-containing material

Demolition, drilling, cutting, or removal of bonded or friable asbestos-containing materials releasing airborne fibres causing mesothelioma, lung cancer or asbestosis. HRCW under WHS Reg 291(1)(d).

Initial risk

EXTREME

L3 × C5

Best residual

LOW

With full hierarchy of controls

HRCW reference

disturbance of asbestos

Controls (hierarchy of controls order)

Eliminate
Residual LOW
Class A / B licensed asbestos removalist
All friable asbestos removal performed by a Class A licensed removalist; non-friable (>10 m²) by a Class B licensed removalist; removal notified to the WHS regulator at least 5 days prior; clearance certificate issued by an independent licensed asbestos assessor before re-occupation.
Cited: WHS Reg 458-475 · How to Safely Remove Asbestos CoP
Engineering controls
Residual MEDIUM
Enclosure, negative-pressure ventilation, wet methods
Work area enclosed with 200 µm polyethylene sheeting; negative pressure unit with HEPA filtration; wet methods (saturate ACM before disturbance); decontamination unit (3-stage shower) at exit.
Cited: How to Safely Remove Asbestos CoP s 5
Administrative controls
Residual MEDIUM
Asbestos Register consulted and updated
Workplace Asbestos Register reviewed before any disturbance; presumed-ACM treated as asbestos until disproved by sampling (NATA-accredited laboratory); identification labelling at disturbance point.
Cited: WHS Reg 425-429
Personal protective equipment
Residual MEDIUM
P3 respirator + disposable coveralls + decon procedure
P3 full-face respirator (PAPR for friable work) fit-tested annually; disposable Type-5 coveralls with hood and overshoes; gloves taped to coverall; full decontamination at end of every entry; coveralls disposed as asbestos waste.
Cited: AS/NZS 1716 · How to Safely Remove Asbestos CoP s 6

PPE

P3 full-face / half-face respirator — Reusable P3 respirator with annual fit-test record; required for friable asbestos or high-energy crystalline silica tasks where Class P2 is insufficient.Standard: AS/NZS 1716
Industrial safety helmet — Type 1 industrial safety helmet with chin strap where required by site rules or wind exposure. Replace at expiry date or after impact.Standard: AS/NZS 1801
Steel-cap safety boots — Type 1 safety footwear with steel toecap, slip-resistant sole, ankle support; electrical hazard rating where exposed to live electrical work.Standard: AS/NZS 2210.3

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Other hazard categories

Falls from height Electrical & energised work Confined space Hot work & ignition sources Crystalline silica dust Manual handling

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