If you own a commercial property in Victoria, there’s one thing you can’t ignore — asbestos. Whether you’re running a small shop, managing a warehouse, or leasing out office spaces, asbestos rules are serious business. At Asbestos Victoria, we help make commercial asbestos compliance VIC easy and stress-free. Let’s go over the important things every owner should know — in clear, simple words.
What is Asbestos and Why Is It Problematic?
Asbestos is a substance that was previously incorporated into buildings for roofing, insulating, and walling. It was strong and fireproof. But here’s the scary part — when asbestos breaks or gets old, it can release tiny fibres. If someone breathes these in, it can lead to very bad health problems like lung cancer or a disease called asbestosis. That’s why the government has very strict asbestos regulations for businesses.
Where Is Asbestos Found in Commercial Properties?
If your building was built before the 1990s, there’s a good chance it might still have asbestos. It can be hidden in:
- Roof sheeting and tiles
- Old wall panels or ceilings
- Insulation around pipes or wires
- Vinyl floor tiles
- Fences or external walls
Sometimes it’s hard to tell just by looking. That’s why asbestos inspections are so important.
What Does the Law Say?
In Victoria, the rules around asbestos are set by WorkSafe. These WorkSafe rules for commercial asbestos must be followed by all business owners and commercial landlords. These laws say:
- You must know if your building has asbestos.
- If there is asbestos, you must keep a record of it – called an asbestos register.
- You must create a plan to manage it – this is known as an asbestos management plan.
- You are required to inform the workers, contractors, and visitors in case they may be exposed to asbestos.
Failure to observe these rules may cost you huge fines or even a court.
Who Is Responsible?
You, as the building owner, should ensure that all commercial building asbestos laws are adhered to by your property. Even when you rent/lease a building to another party, you have responsibility. That means:
- Checking for asbestos
- Maintaining all documents in order
- Carrying out routine check-ups
- Fixing or removing asbestos safely when needed
What Is an Asbestos Register?
An asbestos register is a simple document that lists:
- Where the asbestos is
- What condition is it in
- When it was last checked
In case your building does not have asbestos, you will still require a written statement that an inspection has been carried out and no asbestos was found.
What Is an Asbestos Management Plan?
This plan shows how you will keep people safe from the asbestos in your building. It includes:
- Your asbestos register
- Safety steps for workers or visitors
- Emergency actions if asbestos is damaged
- Names of people in charge of managing asbestos
At Asbestos Victoria, we help you write this plan the right way so you follow all asbestos regulations for businesses.
When Does One Need to Remove Asbestos?
Not every asbestos should be removed immediately. Well, assuming that it is in decent shape and is not being used, it may be safer to leave it alone. However, when the asbestos becomes damaged, aged, or in a spot that will be renovated or disturbed, then this should be removed by licensed experts. You should never attempt to remove asbestos yourself. It is both risky and unlawful.
How Frequently Do I Have to Check?
You must inspect your building, in case it contains asbestos:
- At least every 5 years, or
- Whenever the asbestos might have been moved or damaged
These checks must be done by trained professionals. Another thing you must do is update the asbestos register and management plan after every inspection.
What Are the Consequences of Failing to Comply with the Law?
Asbestos rule violations can be highly dangerous. You may be threatened by:
- Massive fines (even more than 30,000 dollars)
- Legal action
- Harm to your staff, tenants, or visitors
- Damage to your reputation
No business wants that. That’s why commercial asbestos compliance VIC is so important.
How Asbestos Victoria Can Help You
We know that all these rules can feel confusing and stressful. That’s why we’re here. At Asbestos Victoria, we make asbestos compliance simple. We help with:
- Asbestos inspections
- Asbestos registers
- Asbestos management plans
- Safe asbestos removal
- Advice and support for commercial property owners
We follow all WorkSafe rules for commercial asbestos and make sure your property meets all commercial building asbestos laws.
Final Words: Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
Asbestos is not something you can afford to ignore. If you own a commercial building in Victoria, you must follow all asbestos regulations for businesses. It keeps your staff, tenants, and contractors safe — and it protects you from heavy fines or legal trouble.
Let Asbestos Victoria help you stay on top of your legal duties with full commercial asbestos compliance in VIC. Whether you’re unsure if your property has asbestos or need help managing what’s already there, we’re just one call away.