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What This Checklist Is
This checklist is a practical self-review tool that helps businesses reflect on how asbestos removal risks are identified and managed at work. It is commonly used during internal reviews, planning activities, or improvement discussions before asbestos removal tasks begin. The checklist is intended for owners, managers, and supervisors who want a clear way to sense-check everyday Work Health and Safety practices related to asbestos removal work.
It is a practical review tool, not a compliance test and not legal advice.
How This Checklist Relates to the Code of Practice
A WHS Code of Practice describes accepted ways of managing Work Health and Safety risks in Australia. This checklist reflects the key themes of the Code by focusing on hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control for asbestos removal activities. Answering “Yes” and “No” helps highlight where current practices reduce exposure risks and where gaps or weaknesses may exist.
The checklist supports understanding of good practice without claiming legal alignment.
Why Use a Code of Practice Checklist?
Asbestos removal work carries serious health risks if controls are missing or poorly applied. A checklist like this helps clarify what “good practice” looks like when preparing for and carrying out removal work. It supports early identification of weak or missing controls and helps set clearer priorities for WHS improvement.
It also supports more informed discussions with workers, advisors, or inspectors about workplace safety.
Key Features
Simple Yes / No checklist format
Written in plain English
Designed for Australian WHS Codes of Practice
Suitable for small and medium businesses
How to Use This Checklist
Work through the questions honestly, based on how asbestos removal work is actually planned and carried out rather than how it is assumed to occur. The checklist is most useful when answers reflect real sites, materials, and work methods.
Treat “No” answers as areas needing further attention. Use the results to prioritise practical actions and revisit the checklist when work activities, conditions, or risks change.
What Inspectors Commonly Expect to See
Inspectors generally focus on how asbestos removal risks are identified and managed in practice, not just on written documents. They look for evidence that asbestos is correctly identified, risks are assessed, and controls are applied to prevent exposure. Tools like this checklist support informed decision-making by showing that asbestos removal risks are actively reviewed.
Action and understanding usually matter more than paperwork alone. Inspectors often want to see that issues identified lead to practical steps being taken.
Notes or action lists from checklist reviews
Changes made to risk controls or work practices
Records showing issues were identified and addressed
FAQs
Who should use this asbestos removal checklist?
It is intended for businesses involved in asbestos removal activities, including supervisors and managers overseeing the work. It helps review how risks are managed before and during removal tasks.
Does this checklist replace licensed asbestos removal requirements?
No. The checklist supports review and planning but does not replace licensing, training, or specialist controls required for asbestos removal work.
Does completing the checklist make asbestos removal safe?
No. The checklist helps identify strengths and gaps but does not control risks on its own. It supports review and improvement.
When should asbestos removal risks be reviewed?
Reviews are useful before work starts, when conditions change, or when unexpected materials are found. Many businesses also review regularly.
Articles and Further Reading
Regulation s458–s474 – Asbestos Removal – Establishes duties relating to licensed asbestos removal work, control measures, air monitoring, and clearance requirements.
Regulation s425–s427 – Asbestos Management and Registers – Sets requirements for identifying asbestos, maintaining asbestos registers, and preparing asbestos management plans before removal work occurs.
About the Author
About the Author
Nathan Owen
Nathan has worked in construction for 15 years, primarily in health and safety and site management. He has frontline experience including operating plant and machinery and post-graduate qualifications in health and safety.