Can You Remove Asbestos Yourself? - Global Asbestos Audits

Commercial Property Risks and Safety Measures

Asbestos is a hazardous material commonly found in older commercial properties, including office buildings, warehouses, and schools. While some property owners may consider DIY removal, removing asbestos yourself is extremely dangerous and strongly discouraged. For commercial properties, professional management and safety procedures, including asbestos air monitoring, are essential to protect workers, tenants, and the wider community.

Global Asbestos Audits, an award-winning provider of asbestos inspections, environmental compliance, and reporting, offers professional asbestos services for commercial properties across Canberra and Australia-wide.

Why You Should Never Remove Asbestos Yourself

Attempting to remove asbestos without proper training and equipment is illegal in commercial settings and extremely risky. Commercial properties often contain large quantities of asbestos in materials such as:

Ceiling tiles and wall linings
Roofing sheets and insulation
Floor tiles and adhesives
Ductwork and pipework

Improper handling can release asbestos fibres into the air, which are easily inhaled and can cause serious health conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

DIY removal exposes you and others on the property to these risks and can result in legal consequences, fines, and costly remediation.

The Role of Asbestos Air Monitoring

For commercial properties, asbestos air monitoring is a critical safety measure during the removal or disturbance of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It involves:

Measuring Airborne Asbestos Fibres – Professional assessors take air samples during and after removal to detect asbestos fibres in the workplace.
Ensuring Safe Levels – The samples are analysed in NATA-accredited laboratories to ensure airborne asbestos levels meet strict regulatory limits.
Providing Compliance Documentation – Results are recorded in detailed reports to demonstrate compliance with Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.

Asbestos air monitoring is often mandatory for commercial properties, particularly during renovations, demolition, or any maintenance that disturbs ACMs.

Legal Requirements for Commercial Properties

Under Australian WHS laws, businesses and property managers are responsible for:

Identifying and managing asbestos in the workplace
Ensuring removal is conducted only by licensed asbestos removalists
Implementing air monitoring and risk assessments
Maintaining compliance documentation for inspections and audits

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in hefty fines, legal action, and reputational damage. DIY removal is never compliant and puts both employees and the public at risk.

Safe Asbestos Removal Process for Commercial Properties

Professional asbestos removal in commercial properties typically follows these steps:

Initial Inspection – Licensed assessors identify asbestos-containing materials and assess risks.
Risk Assessment and Planning – A detailed plan is prepared, including safety measures and air monitoring requirements.
Containment and Removal – ACMs are safely removed by licensed professionals using specialised equipment.
Air Monitoring During Removal – Continuous air sampling ensures asbestos fibres do not escape into occupied areas.
Final Clearance Testing – Air monitoring and inspections confirm that the area is safe for reoccupation.

This process ensures legal compliance and the safety of everyone on site.

Why Choose Global Asbestos Audits

Commercial Property Expertise – Specialising in offices, warehouses, schools, and industrial facilities.
Award-Winning Compliance – Recognised for excellence in asbestos management, reporting, and environmental safety.
Asbestos Air Monitoring – Professional air monitoring ensures safe work environments and regulatory compliance.
Comprehensive Reporting – Detailed reports for WHS documentation and future property management.

So if you are thinking of removing asbestos yourself, think again! . DIY removal is dangerous, illegal, and can lead to serious health risks and legal consequences.

Professional asbestos removal and associated asbestos air monitoring are essential to ensure safety, compliance, and peace of mind. Engage licensed experts like Global Asbestos Audits to protect your workplace, employees, and tenants.