Why Every Restoration and Cleaning Professional Needs This Knowledge
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world — a direct consequence of widespread asbestos use in construction from the 1940s through to the mid-1980s. If you work in residential or commercial buildings built before 1990, you are statistically likely to encounter asbestos-containing materials. The purpose of this awareness course is not to make you a licensed asbestos removalist — it is to ensure you can recognise ACMs, protect yourself and your clients, and respond correctly before anyone is exposed.
The Scope of the Problem
Asbestos was used in over 3,000 building products in Australia. It appears in roofing, walls, floors, ceilings, insulation, electrical fittings, and many other locations in ordinary-looking buildings. An estimated one-third of all residential properties in Australia still contain asbestos materials. Many of these materials are in good condition and present low risk if left undisturbed — the risk arises when materials are disturbed, damaged, deteriorated, or mistakenly cut or drilled.
Awareness vs Removal — The Critical Distinction
Asbestos awareness training teaches you to identify and avoid, not remove. In Australia, the removal of more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos requires a licensed asbestos removalist. Friable asbestos (any quantity) requires a Class A licence. Under no circumstances should a restoration or cleaning technician without asbestos removal licensing disturb, cut, sand, drill, or remove suspected ACMs. Your role on discovery is to stop work, isolate the area, and report.
Key Point: If in doubt, treat it as asbestos. The cost of stopping work and calling a licensed assessor is trivial compared to the health consequences of accidental asbestos exposure.
Standard / Reference: Safe Work Australia — How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice | Model WHS Regulations Part 8.3