Asbestos and Workplace Exposure

Asbestos remains one of Australia’s most significant workplace hazards, even decades after its national ban. Despite strict regulations, many buildings, industrial sites, and infrastructure systems still contain asbestos-containing materials, meaning workers across multiple sectors continue to face exposure risks. Understanding where asbestos is found, how exposure occurs, and the steps required for safe management in the workplace is necessary for employers and workers alike.

Information provided is general only and should not be construed as legal or medical advice. We recommend that readers seek advice for their specific circumstances.

What Is Asbestos and Why Was It Used?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring silicate minerals known for their durability, heat resistance, and insulating properties. Because asbestos fibres are strong, non-combustible and resistant to chemical breakdown, asbestos was extensively used in Australian construction, manufacturing and mining throughout the twentieth century.

Common applications included cement sheeting, insulation, roofing materials, sprayed coatings, fireproofing, gaskets, floor tiles and friction products such as brake pads. Its versatility and low cost meant asbestos was widely adopted before the long-term health impacts were fully understood.

Australia began restricting asbestos use in the 1980s, culminating in a complete ban on manufacture, import and new use from 31 December 2003. However, large amounts remain in the built environment, especially in structures built before 1990. Because asbestos-containing materials degrade over time or may be disturbed during renovation, maintenance or demolition, the risks persist long after its use ceases.

Where Can Asbestos Still Be Found?

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present across many Australian workplaces, especially those involving older buildings, plants and equipment. Common examples include:

corrugated cement roofing

wall sheeting and eaves

vinyl floor tiles and backing

pipe insulation and lagging

switchboards and electrical components

sprayed fireproofing around structural beams

brake and clutch linings

gaskets, ropes and seals

Industries at ongoing risk include construction, maintenance, electrical work, plumbing, demolition, tunnelling, shipping, and mining. Asbestos can also be found in soil as a result of historical waste disposal, illegal dumping or degradation of old structures.

Recent events have also highlighted asbestos risks in public spaces. Several reports have involved asbestos-contaminated mulch in playgrounds and, more recently, traces of asbestos in play sand used in educational facilities. These incidents demonstrate the ongoing importance of vigilance, accurate testing and clear communication with workers and the community. Phoenix Occupational Medicine provides medical advisory support to organisations facing such concerns to help interpret exposure risks and address workforce anxiety.

Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos

Understanding the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos is necessary for assessing workplace risk.

Friable asbestos is material that can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure. Because fibres can be released into the air easily, friable products pose a significantly higher risk. Examples include pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, loose-fill asbestos and some forms of thermal insulation.

Non-friable asbestos is bonded into a solid matrix, such as cement sheeting or floor tiles. While less likely to release fibres when undisturbed, non-friable asbestos can become friable over time through weathering, drilling, sanding, sawing or breakage.Safe Work Australia distinguishes these categories clearly and identifies that both types present health risks when damaged, deteriorated or disturbed during routine workplace activities, emergency events or natural disasters.

Health Effects of Asbestos Exposure

Asbestos exposure occurs when fibres become airborne and are inhaled into the lungs. These fibres can become lodged deep within lung tissue, leading to progressive and often serious disease. Major asbestos-related conditions include:

asbestosis, a chronic scarring of the lungs

lung cancer associated with prolonged exposure

mesothelioma, a rare but aggressive cancer of the lung or abdominal lining

These diseases typically have long latency periods, often developing 20 to 40 years after exposure. Early symptoms can include breathlessness, chest tightness, persistent cough and chest pain.

It is widely stated that there is no safe level of asbestos exposure. However, asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral, and small amounts can be detected in outdoor air and soil. Research indicates that everyone inhales low levels of asbestos daily without harmful effects, because risk is closely related to dose.

According to NSW Health, people are exposed to background asbestos in everyday life without getting sick, and intact, undisturbed asbestos is generally low risk when left in good condition. Higher risks occur when asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in during activities such as cutting, drilling, removing or disturbing ACMs.

This combination of dose-related risk and the principle that no level can be considered completely safe is understandably confusing. In practice, it means that risk escalates significantly when materials are damaged or aerosolised, and that workplaces must prioritise prevention of exposure above all else.

Workplace Exposure Risks and Control Measures

Asbestos becomes hazardous when fibres are released and become airborne. This can occur during:

demolition or refurbishment

drilling, sanding or cutting ACMs

maintenance of older plant, machinery or electrical equipment

natural disasters such as storms, fires and floods

excavation of contaminated soil

deterioration of old structures

Control measures follow the hierarchy of control required under WHS legislation. Effective strategies include:

elimination of asbestos where reasonably practicable

isolation of contaminated areas

engineering controls such as local exhaust ventilation

restricted access and signage

wet methods to reduce fibre release

appropriate respiratory protective equipment

air monitoring during removal and high-risk activities

clearance inspections after licensed removal

Air monitoring is particularly important when assessing the effectiveness of controls. Occupational hygienists employ methods such as static and personal sampling, visual inspections, monitoring after breakages or storm damage, and clearance testing after removal. Monitoring assists employers in evaluating whether controls remain effective and whether additional measures are required.

Managing Asbestos in the Workplace

Under Australian WHS laws, employers must identify and manage asbestos in workplaces built before 2004. Requirements typically include:

maintaining an asbestos register

keeping an up-to-date asbestos management plan

ensuring only licensed removalists perform asbestos removal

providing workers with training in asbestos awareness and safe practices

conducting air monitoring where required

keeping records of asbestos assessments

communicating risks clearly to workers, contractors and visitors

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) provides national guidance, while state and territory regulators outline specific requirements for registers, removal, disposal, labelling and emergency procedures. Employers must ensure ACMs are reviewed regularly and that workers understand when and how exposure may occur.

Role of Occupational and Environmental Physicians

Occupational and Environmental Physicians (OEPs) play a central role in protecting workers who may be exposed to asbestos, particularly those involved in asbestos research, removal, demolition, contaminated-soil work or building maintenance. While general asbestos exposure risks apply across many industries, asbestos removal workers face a higher potential for fibre disturbance and therefore require structured health monitoring as outlined under WHS legislation.

Health monitoring for asbestos should be provided when workers are carrying out licensed asbestos removal, or when there is a reasonable likelihood that they may be exposed to asbestos fibres at hazardous levels. This requirement is set out by Safe Work Australia and includes workers directly handling asbestos-containing materials as well as those supervising or assisting removal work.

Health monitoring typically involves:

a detailed work and exposure history

symptom review (including breathlessness, persistent cough and chest tightness)

a physical examination with respiratory focus

spirometry to assess lung function

chest imaging where clinically indicated

The purpose of asbestos health monitoring is not to identify early disease, because asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, but to detect any changes in respiratory function that may indicate overexposure, ensure workers are fit to continue safely in their role, and verify that workplace controls remain effective.

OEPs provide a level of medical expertise that is essential in managing these assessments. They interpret individual test results in the context of exposure history, underlying health status and regulatory requirements. They can identify why one worker may show early respiratory impairment while another may not, and they are the most qualified and recognized specialists to provide evidence-based, individualised advice on fitness for work, ongoing suitability for asbestos removal tasks and safer return-to-work planning.

At Phoenix Occupational Medicine, OEPs work closely with occupational hygienists and removal companies to ensure workers are medically supported, that exposure controls remain adequate, and that employers meet their obligations for asbestos health monitoring and worker protection.

Support From Phoenix Occupational Medicine

Phoenix Occupational Medicine assists Australian workplaces in managing asbestos risks through:

expert medical advisory services

worker health assessments where clinically indicated

interpretation of air monitoring and exposure data

education and communication to help reassure workers during incidents

collaboration with occupational hygienists and safety consultants

guidance on compliance with WHS requirements

For organisations facing asbestos concerns, planning asbestos-related work, or responding to unexpected findings, Phoenix Occupational Medicine provides specialist support to help maintain worker safety and regulatory compliance. To discuss asbestos risk management or obtain medical advisory support, contact Phoenix Occupational Medicine.

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Key Takeaways

Asbestos remains a significant workplace hazardous substance in Australia, particularly in older buildings and infrastructure.

Exposure risks arise when fibres become airborne, especially during disturbance or deterioration.

Effective asbestos management relies on identification, risk assessment, safe work practices and ongoing monitoring.

Occupational and Environmental Physicians provide essential guidance in understanding individual health risks and supporting worker safety.

Phoenix Occupational Medicine supports employers with expert medical advice, training and compliance assistance.