Asbestos Surveys & Air Monitoring in Construction

Australian Standard AS2601 requires all buildings to be surveyed for hazardous materials before demolition. The survey identifies and documents all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in the building, their condition, and the recommended removal approach. Bulk samples are collected and analysed by NATA-accredited laboratories using polarised light microscopy (PLM).

Before any renovation or refurbishment of a building likely to contain asbestos (generally pre-2003 construction), a refurbishment survey identifies ACMs in the specific area to be disturbed. This survey is intrusive — it involves accessing concealed spaces, lifting floor coverings, and sampling behind walls.

After licenced asbestos removal, independent clearance monitoring must confirm that airborne fibre concentrations are below the control level of 0.01 f/mL before the area can be re-occupied. Monitoring uses membrane filter method with phase contrast microscopy (PCM) fibre counting by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Minimum sample volume 480L.

Personal air monitoring on asbestos removalists during removal work confirms that control measures (enclosures, negative pressure, decontamination units) are effective. Results compared against the WES of 0.1 f/mL TWA (all forms of asbestos).

Typical Worker Groups

Common similar exposure groups (SEGs) assessed for this sub-category.

Regulatory Context

The WHS Regulation requires all buildings constructed before 31 December 2003 and operating as a workplace to have an Asbestos Register and Asbestos Management Plan. Asbestos removal above 10m² non-friable or any quantity of friable ACM requires a licenced asbestos removalist (Class A for friable, Class B for non-friable). Clearance monitoring must be conducted by an independent competent person. SafeWork NSW is the regulator for workplace asbestos in NSW.