Important: This SWMS template is provided as a starting point only. It must be reviewed and customised to reflect the specific conditions, hazards, and controls for your workplace and task. The PCBU remains responsible for ensuring the SWMS is suitable for the specific work. This template does not constitute legal advice. Refer to your state or territory WHS regulator for compliance requirements.

Asbestos & Hazardous Materials

Friable Asbestos Removal — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the removal of friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist, in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulations and the Safe Work Australia Code of Practice.

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Personal Protective Equipment

Full-face powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) with P3 filter, or full-face supplied air respirator (AS/NZS 1716)Class A disposable coverall (Tyvek or equivalent) with hood and bootiesTwo pairs of disposable gloves (inner nitrile, outer heavy-duty)Safety footwear — decontaminable rubber boots or disposable boot coversSafety glasses (under PAPR facepiece)

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work with or near asbestos
•Demolition of load-bearing elements

Risk Assessment

1.Notification, licensing, and pre-removal planning

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Unlicensed or inadequately trained workers performing friable asbestos removal	Catastrophic	Friable asbestos removal may only be performed by a business holding a current Class A asbestos removal licence issued by the relevant state/territory WHS regulator. All individual workers must hold a current asbestos removal training certificate. Verify all licences before work commences and retain copies on site. Notify the relevant WHS regulator at least 5 business days before commencing removal. Notify Safe Work Australia via the national notification system where required. Post a copy of the Class A licence at the site entry.	Moderate	Removalist Licence Holder / Site Manager
Inadequate removal plan leading to uncontrolled fibre release	Catastrophic	Prepare a written asbestos removal control plan (ARCP) before commencing, covering: scope of work, identified ACM, removal method, containment strategy, decontamination procedures, air monitoring plan, and clearance inspection arrangements. The ARCP must be prepared by a competent person and reviewed by the licensed asbestos assessor. Provide a copy to the PCBU, the air monitoring hygienist, and the clearance assessor before work commences.	Moderate	Class A Removalist / Licensed Assessor

2.Establishing asbestos work area and decontamination unit

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos fibres escaping containment to adjacent occupied areas	Catastrophic	Establish a negative pressure enclosure using 200 micron polyethylene sheeting on all surfaces (walls, floor, ceiling) with minimum two layers. Run negative pressure units (NPUs) with HEPA filtration to maintain minimum -5 Pa differential pressure relative to adjacent areas — monitor and record pressure continuously. Seal all penetrations, ducts, and gaps with tape before commencing. Conduct a smoke test to verify enclosure integrity before starting removal. Do not commence removal until negative pressure is confirmed and recorded.	Moderate	Class A Removalist Supervisor
Workers contaminating clean areas through inadequate decontamination	High	Install a three-stage decontamination unit (dirty change room — shower — clean change room) at the sole entry/exit point of the asbestos work area. All workers to follow the decontamination procedure strictly: remove outer PPE in dirty room, HEPA vacuum coverall before removal, shower, put on clean clothing in clean room. No personal items to be taken into the asbestos work area. Decontamination procedure to be posted visually inside the dirty change room.	Low	All Removal Workers

3.Wetting and removal of friable ACM

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fibre release during removal causing worker and bystander exposure	Catastrophic	Thoroughly wet all friable ACM immediately before and during removal using a low-pressure fine mist spray with an amended water solution (wetting agent). Keep ACM wet throughout the removal process — do not allow it to dry. Remove ACM by hand where possible — avoid cutting or breaking. Place all removed ACM directly into double-bagged asbestos waste bags (200-micron inner, 200-micron outer). Do not overfill bags — seal each bag when two-thirds full. Conduct real-time air fibre monitoring throughout removal.	Moderate	Removal Workers / Supervisor

4.Decontamination and waste packaging

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos waste bag rupture during handling or transport	High	Double-bag all asbestos waste in labelled 200-micron polythene bags — inner bag sealed, placed in outer bag, outer bag sealed and labelled per WHS regulations. Do not drag bags across rough surfaces. Place filled bags in a rigid waste container or additional 200-micron bag for transport within the site. HEPA vacuum all bags before removing from the work area. Store waste in a dedicated, labelled, locked waste container until collected by a licensed waste transporter.	Low	Removal Workers / Supervisor

5.Clearance inspection and air monitoring

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Area reoccupied before clearance inspection confirms safety	Catastrophic	After removal and cleaning is complete, a licensed asbestos assessor (independent of the removal contractor) must conduct a clearance inspection and issue a clearance certificate before the enclosure is dismantled and the area reoccupied. The clearance inspection must include a visual inspection and air monitoring (phase contrast microscopy — PCM) meeting the clearance criteria in the relevant WHS regulations. The area must remain isolated until the written clearance certificate is received. Post the clearance certificate at the site entry upon completion.	Low	Licensed Asbestos Assessor / Site Manager

Relevant Codes of Practice

Worker Acknowledgement

By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.

Name: ___________________Date: ___________________