How Councils and Government Agencies Should Manage Asbestos Risk in Public Assets
Government organisations manage large, ageing property portfolios where asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are still commonly present. These assets, often including schools, hospitals, government buildings and infrastructure, carry long-term asbestos risks that must be actively controlled, not just recorded.
Effective asbestos risk management relies on a structured system built around two core requirements in the Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace.
The asbestos register is a live record of known or assumed ACM, including their location, type, and condition. In public sector environments, this document is critical for maintenance, refurbishment, and emergency works - but only if it is kept accurate and up to date as buildings change over time.
The asbestos management plan translates that information into action. It sets out how asbestos risks will be controlled, communicated, and monitored, including procedures for maintenance work, contractor engagement, and incident response. It is not a static document - it must be reviewed whenever conditions change or asbestos is removed.
In practice, consistency is often the biggest challenge. Multiple stakeholders, ageing records, and fragmented maintenance histories can lead to gaps between what is documented and what is actually on site. These gaps increase the risk of inadvertent disturbance during works.
That’s why contractor control is essential. Anyone undertaking maintenance, construction, or demolition work must be provided with clear asbestos information before starting. For higher-risk activities, this is supported by pre-refurbishment or pre-demolition surveys, licensed removal, and independent verification such as air monitoring and clearance processes guided by the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.
Ultimately, strong asbestos management in the public sector is about alignment - accurate registers, practical management plans, and disciplined contractor controls working together. When maintained properly, these systems reduce risk, support compliance with WorkSafe WA expectations, and protect both workers and the wider community.