What Commercial Property Owners Need to Know About Asbestos in Western Australia
Asbestos is still a common hazard in many commercial buildings across Western Australia, particularly those built before 1990. It is often found in roofing, ceilings, wall linings, flooring, insulation, and plant rooms. While it can remain stable if left undisturbed, the risk increases significantly when buildings are altered, maintained, or demolished.
Under Western Australian work health and safety legislation, enforced by WorkSafe WA, property owners and those in control of a workplace must ensure asbestos risks are identified and managed so far as is reasonably practicable. This is not optional - it is a core duty of care that applies across the life of the building.
In practice, this starts with identifying whether asbestos is present. For most older commercial buildings, this requires a professional asbestos survey rather than assumption. The results feed into an asbestos register, which records where asbestos is located, what condition it is in, and how it should be managed.
From there, an asbestos management plan is required. This document sets out how asbestos risks are controlled over time, including inspection routines, maintenance procedures, and how information is communicated to anyone working in the building. It is a living document and must be updated as conditions change.
A critical requirement under WHS law is communication. Anyone who may disturb building materials - contractors, maintenance teams, or tenants - must be given access to asbestos information before work begins. Many asbestos incidents occur when this step is missed or outdated information is used.
For higher-risk works such as refurbishment or demolition, additional controls are required, including detailed asbestos surveys, licensed removal, and clearance verification before areas can be reoccupied.
Failure to manage asbestos properly can lead to stop-work notices, regulatory action, project delays, and increased liability for property owners. It can also create unnecessary exposure risks for workers and occupants.
Ultimately, effective asbestos management is about control and visibility - knowing where asbestos is, making sure that information is current, and ensuring it is used before any work takes place.