Helping you stay safe and legal with asbestos rules in Australia
One of the most important tasks as an owner of the business is to make your workplace safe. You must comply with the rules when your building contains Asbestos, or may contain Asbestos. In Australia, we have something called the asbestos code of practice that helps businesses know what to do.
We are familiar with these regulations in our company. We track them daily so that other businesses can be safe, escape fines and save their people. We will explain the asbestos code of practice summary in the simplest terms possible, so that you can comprehend, even when you are not a professional.
What is the Asbestos Code of Practice?
Code of Practice for Asbestos Australia is a set of regulations and suggestions that companies have to adhere to when handling Asbestos.
These rules are aimed at:
- Keep workers safe
- Prevent health problems
- Make sure Asbestos is handled the right way
- Avoid spreading asbestos dust
In Victoria, this is called the Asbestos Compliance Code Victoria. It is based on national laws but has local rules that match WorkSafe Victoria’s expectations.
What Buildings Need to Follow the Code?
If your business operates from a building built before 1990, there’s a good chance it may have Asbestos somewhere. This includes:
- Offices
- Factories
- Shops
- Warehouses
- Schools
- Restaurants
- Commercial units
If your building falls into any of these, the business asbestos legal code applies to you.
What Should a Business Do Under the Code?
The asbestos code of practice summary includes the steps you must take:
1. Identify Asbestos
You must check if Asbestos is present in the building. This is normally done by an asbestos assessor. We assist companies in organising these checks in a fast and secure manner.
2. Create an Asbestos Register
If Asbestos is found, you must keep a record of:
- Where it is
- What type is it
- What condition is it in
This is called an asbestos register, and it must be kept up to date.
3. Make an Asbestos Management Plan
If Asbestos is present, you need a plan. This plan shows:
- How you’ll keep workers safe
- Who is responsible
- What happens in case of an emergency
This is not optional—it is a must.
4. Control the Risk
If the Asbestos is damaged or might become unsafe, you must take action. This could include:
- Sealing it
- Enclosing it
- Removing it
We always help our clients decide what is best—based on safety and cost.
5. Train Your Staff
Anyone who may come across Asbestos (like maintenance workers or cleaners) must be trained. They should know:
- What Asbestos looks like
- What not to do
- Who to report to
We offer simple, easy-to-understand asbestos training for business teams.
What Happens If You Don’t Follow the Code?
If your business doesn’t follow the asbestos compliance code in Victoria, you could face:
- Big fines (thousands of dollars)
- Workplace shutdowns
- Legal action
- Risk to workers’ health
- Damage to your business name
And it is not really about doing the right thing, but rather taking care of your people and taking care of your business.
What Makes This Code Crucial?
Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed. The tiny fibres can go into the lungs and cause diseases like:
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma (a deadly cancer)
These can take years to appear. By following the code of practice for asbestos Australia, you stop this from happening.
How We Can Help You Stay Compliant
At our company, we work with businesses across Victoria to make sure they follow every part of the business asbestos legal code. Here’s what we do:
- Asbestos inspections
- Create asbestos registers
- Develop safe management plans
- Provide training
- Remove Asbestos legally and safely
- Guide you step-by-step
We make it simple, fast, and stress-free.
Common Mistakes Businesses Make
Many businesses break the rules without knowing. Here are some mistakes we’ve seen:
- Not checking for Asbestos before doing renovations
- Skipping the asbestos register
- Thinking “it’s just a small job”
- Letting untrained workers handle Asbestos
- Not updating the management plan
If you’re not sure, don’t guess. Let us help. We make sure everything is done right.
Final Words – Don’t Wait for Trouble
If you own or manage a business property, don’t wait until there’s a problem. The asbestos compliance code in Victoria is clear—if Asbestos is there, you have legal duties. Ignoring them can cost your business a lot more than just money.
We are here to simplify the entire process. Whether it is taking the initial check to the final clean-up, our team does it all with care and full compliance. Contact us now. Let’s make your business safe, legal, and asbestos-free.