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

Non-Friable Asbestos Removal — Safe Work Method Statement

Safe Work Method Statement for the removal of non-friable (bonded) asbestos-containing materials (ACM) such as fibro sheeting, asbestos cement roofing, vinyl floor tiles and textured coatings. Applies to licensed or unlicensed removal work in accordance with WHS Regulations.

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Personal Protective Equipment

P2 Half-Face Respirator (or full face with P2 filters)Disposable Coveralls (Type 5/6)Safety Boots (Steel Capped, coverall-compatible)Nitrile Gloves (double-gloved)Safety Glasses

High Risk Construction Work Types

•Work that involves, or is likely to involve, disturbing asbestos

Risk Assessment

1.Notification, documentation and site preparation

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Removal of ACM without regulatory notification	High	Notify relevant regulator (SafeWork/WorkSafe) minimum 5 business days before removal of >10 m² of non-friable ACM. Retain notification acknowledgement on site.	Low	Site Supervisor / Contractor
Incorrect identification of ACM type	High	NATA-accredited bulk sample analysis prior to removal. Review asbestos register/survey report. Do not commence if material type is uncertain.	Low	Site Supervisor

2.Establishment of asbestos removal work area

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Asbestos fibres escaping work area and affecting bystanders	High	Erect physical barriers and signage (asbestos warning signs). Establish decontamination unit at exit. Air monitoring where required. Warn adjacent workers and property owners.	Low	Licensed Removalist / Site Supervisor

3.Removal of non-friable ACM (sheets, tiles, cladding)

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Fibre release during cutting or breaking of ACM	High	Wet methods mandatory — apply PVA solution or water misting before and during removal. Do not dry cut, sand, grind or use power tools on ACM without engineering controls. Remove sheets whole where possible.	Low	Removalist
Falls when removing ACM from roofs or at heights	Catastrophic	Working at heights controls in place (see working at heights SWMS). Safety harness and anchor points. No walking on ACM roof sheets — use crawl boards.	Moderate	Removalist

4.Packaging, labelling and disposal of ACM

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
ACM waste not appropriately contained	High	Double-wrap all ACM in 200-micron polyethylene. Seal with asbestos warning tape. Label each package. Transport to licensed asbestos waste facility only. Retain disposal receipts.	Low	Removalist / Site Supervisor

5.Decontamination and clearance inspection

Hazard / Risk	Initial Risk	Control Measures	Residual Risk	Responsibility
Workers carrying asbestos fibres off-site on clothing	High	All workers to decontaminate at decontamination unit before leaving work area. Remove and bag disposable PPE inside work area. Shower where available. Clothing to be laundered or bagged for disposal.	Low	All Workers
Area reoccupied without clearance certificate	High	Independent licensed asbestos assessor to conduct clearance inspection and issue clearance certificate before area reoccupied. Certificate retained on site.	Low	Site Supervisor

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.