Asbestos Removal Control Plan
An Asbestos Removal Control Plan is a mandatory written document under the WHS Regulations that details how asbestos will be removed safely from a site. It must be prepared by a licensed remover before work starts.
A written document outlining the procedures for safely removing asbestos at a workplace to protect workers and the public.
20 free credits on signup — no card needed
About this Document
An Asbestos Removal Control Plan is a critical document required under Australian law for any business or tradesperson involved in the removal of asbestos containing materials. You cannot legally remove asbestos without one. This plan is not just a piece of paper. It is a working document that tells everyone on site how to do the job safely. It outlines the specific methods used to remove the asbestos. It details how you will manage the risks. It tells you what to do in an emergency. This guide explains everything you need to know about writing and using this plan. It focuses on the requirements for Australian businesses and tradespeople. We look at the Work Health and Safety Act 2011. We look at the Work Health and Safety Regulations 2017. We also look at the Code of Practice for How to Safely Remove Asbestos. Understanding these laws is vital. The laws exist to stop people from getting sick. Asbestos fibres can cause deadly diseases like asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. These diseases do not show up until years later. This is why prevention is the only cure. The Asbestos Removal Control Plan is your main tool for prevention. When do you need one? You need this plan for every asbestos removal job. This includes jobs larger than ten square metres. It includes jobs requiring a licensed removalist. Even for small non friable asbestos jobs under ten square metres, Safe Work Australia recommends a plan. It is best practice. If you are a licensed remover, the law says you must have it. You must prepare it before the removal work starts. You must keep it available at the workplace. Anyone doing the work must be able to read it. Inspectors will ask to see it. If you do not have one, you face heavy fines. You could even lose your license. The plan must be specific to the job. You cannot use a generic plan for every site. The plan must address the specific risks of that site. It must name the person in charge of the removal. It must list the asbestos register. It must show the results of any air monitoring. It must detail the decontamination procedures. It must explain how you will dispose of the waste. Completing the plan requires careful thought. First, you must identify the asbestos. You need to check the asbestos register. If there is no register, you must get a survey done. A competent person must do this survey. They will tell you what type of asbestos it is. They will tell you how much there is. They will tell you what condition it is in. Friable asbestos is the most dangerous. It crumbles easily. It releases fibres into the air. Removing friable asbestos requires a Class A licence. Non friable asbestos is bonded. It is usually in sheets like fibro. Removing this often requires a Class B licence. If it becomes friable during work, it is treated as friable. Your plan must reflect this. You must write down the control measures you will use. The hierarchy of controls guides this. You must aim to eliminate the risk first. If you cannot, you must minimise it. For asbestos, this usually means enclosure. It means using negative pressure units. It means wetting the material. It means using HEPA vacuums. You cannot dry cut asbestos. You must use hand tools or power tools with dust suppression. Personal Protective Equipment or PPE is the last line of defence. Your plan must list the required PPE. This usually includes disposable coveralls. It includes a P1 or P2 respirator. It includes gloves and boot covers. You must write down how workers will put the PPE on. This is the donning procedure. You must write down how they will take it off. This is the doffing procedure. You must explain how they will decontaminate themselves. You need a decontamination unit. This unit has a dirty area, a shower area and a clean area. Workers move from dirty to clean. They wash down in the shower. They leave the dirty suit there. They exit into the clean area in fresh clothes. The plan must detail this process. It must also cover emergency procedures. What happens if the enclosure breaks? What happens if a worker is exposed? What if there is a fire? You need a clear plan for these situations. You must list emergency contacts. You must have first aid available. You must isolate the area immediately. Air monitoring is often a legal requirement. A licensed hygienist usually does this. They check the air outside the enclosure. They check the clearance after the job is done. Your plan must state if monitoring is needed. It must name the hygienist. It must say where the results will be kept. Clearance is the final step. You cannot leave the site until you get clearance. A competent independent person must inspect the area. They check for visible dust and debris. They check the air. If the area is clean, they issue a Clearance Certificate. You must attach this certificate to your plan. Many people make mistakes with these plans. One common mistake is copying a plan from another job. This is dangerous because every site is different. Another mistake is not consulting workers. You must talk to the people doing the work. They know the risks on the ground. Their input helps make the plan better. You must also talk to the person conducting a business or undertaking or the PCBU. You must talk to the site owner. Failing to sign the plan is another mistake. The supervisor must sign it. The workers must sign it to say they have read and understood it. Not keeping the plan onsite is a breach of the law. It must be there while the work happens. You must keep the plan for five years after the work finishes. Safe Work Australia inspectors can ask for it at any time. Documentation is key. Good records protect you. They prove you did the right thing. The WHS Act 2011 places duties on PCBUs. A PCBU is a business owner. You must ensure the health and safety of workers. This duty is non transferable. You cannot contract out of it. Using a contractor does not remove your responsibility. You must check that the contractor has a licence. You must check their plan. You must monitor their work. The Code of Practice gives practical guidance. If you follow the code, you are complying with the law. If there is an incident, the court will look at the code. Not following the code can be used as evidence against you. Australian standards like AS/NZS 4801 provide frameworks for safety management. While specific asbestos standards vary, the principles of OHS management remain constant. You should integrate the asbestos plan into your overall safety system. Training is a big part of the plan. You must list the training of workers. They must have asbestos awareness training. Licensed workers need specific removal training. You must keep copies of their training certificates. This ensures everyone is competent. Communication is vital too. You must tell other people at the workplace. You must put up warning signs. The signs must say Danger Asbestos Removal Area. They must have the no smoking symbol. Smoking is banned in asbestos areas. You must put up barriers. This stops unauthorised people from entering. You must notify neighbours if the work might affect them. Waste disposal is strictly regulated. You must double bag the asbestos. You must label the bags. You must use a licensed waste facility. You cannot put asbestos in a regular bin. You cannot take it to the tip. You must fill out a waste consignment note. The plan must track the waste from site to disposal. This creates a chain of custody. It proves the waste was handled legally. The financial side is important too. You need to factor in the cost of all these controls. It costs money to set up an enclosure. It costs money for air monitoring. It costs money for disposal. If a quote is too cheap, they might be cutting corners. This puts lives at risk. Always ask to see the plan before hiring someone. If they cannot produce one, do not hire them. It is that simple. For small business owners and tradespeople, understanding this document is essential. It is the difference between a safe job and a dangerous one. It is the difference between a legal business and a hefty fine. Take the time to write a good plan. Use the template provided. Fill out every section. Be specific. Be honest. If you are unsure about something, ask an expert. Contact your local Safe Work agency. They provide free advice. They want to help you comply. Remember, safety is not an option. It is a legal requirement. The Asbestos Removal Control Plan is your roadmap to safety. It protects your workers. It protects your business. It protects you from legal action. It saves lives. Do not start work without it.
Key Facts
- An Asbestos Removal Control Plan must be prepared before the removal of asbestos-containing materials begins.— Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth)
- The control plan must be kept at the workplace and be readily accessible to any worker at the workplace.— Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos
- A person conducting a business or undertaking must ensure asbestos removal work is not carried out unless an asbestos removal control plan is prepared.— Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth)
- The plan must include details of the asbestos register, air monitoring, and the methods for decontamination and waste disposal.— Safe Work Australia
- Asbestos removal licences are required for removing friable asbestos (Class A) and more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos (Class B).— Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth)
- The plan must be signed and dated by the supervisor of the removal work and reviewed if there is a change to the control measures.— Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos
Sources
Required Sections
Asbestos Identification and Details
This section records the specific location, type, and condition of the asbestos material to be removed.
Asbestos Identification and Details
This section records the confirmed asbestos locations found during the site inspection. You must fill out these details before any removal work starts. This information is required by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations and helps ensure you follow the correct safety controls.
Location of Asbestos
Describe exactly where the asbestos is. Be specific so tradespeople can find it without confusion. Include the building name, level, room number, and the exact position.
- Example: Site shed, external wall, western side, below window frame.
- Example: Roof space, above ceiling grid, near air conditioning duct.
Type of Material
You must state if the material is friable or non-friable. This distinction is mandatory under the Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos.
- Friable (Class A): Material that is loose or can be crumbled, pulverised, or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This includes sprayed limpet, thermal insulation, and some lagging.
- Non-Friable (Class B): Material containing asbestos that is not friable. This includes bonded asbestos cement sheets, vinyl floor tiles, and water pipes. Do not list this as friable unless it has become damaged or degraded.
Estimated Quantity
Provide a reasonable estimate of the amount of asbestos. Use square metres (m²) for sheeting or linear metres for pipes. If you cannot measure it, estimate the number of items.
- Example: 12m² of wall cladding.
- Example: 3 metres of flue pipe.
Condition and Accessibility
Assess the current state of the material and the surrounding area. Look for signs of weathering, water damage, or physical disturbance. This assessment helps determine the control measures needed. Reference AS/NZS 4964:2004 (Methods for sampling and identification of asbestos in bulk samples) if laboratory testing has confirmed the condition.
Rate the condition as follows:
- Good: The material is intact with no visible damage or surface weathering. The sealant is sound.
- Fair: The material shows minor damage, such as small cracks or breaks, but is not releasing fibres.
- Poor: The material is significantly damaged. It may be loose, crumbling, or showing signs of water damage. This poses a higher risk.
Note any physical restrictions that might make removal difficult, such as confined spaces or limited working room. This affects the type of safety equipment and clearance inspection required.
Photo Evidence
Attach clear photographs of each asbestos item listed. Photos must show the current condition of the material and its location context. Ensure photos are date-stamped.
Consultation
This section records who was consulted in the development of the plan, including workers and other businesses.
Consultation is a legal requirement under the Work Health and Safety Act and must happen before work starts. If you skip this step, you are breaking the law and putting people at risk. This section details who we spoke with, what we discussed, and how we recorded those discussions.
The Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) must consult, cooperate, and coordinate activities with all other duty holders. This means talking to everyone who has influence over the work or who might be affected by it.
Workers and Health and Safety Representatives (HSRs)
We consulted directly with the workers carrying out the asbestos removal. These are the people on the tools who face the highest risk. We asked them for input on the safest way to do the job. We reviewed the Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) with them to ensure the control measures are practical and effective.
If there is an elected Health and Safety Representative (HSR) on site, we consulted them in good faith. This consultation happens before the removal begins and continues while the work is underway. We discussed the risks identified in the risk assessment and the controls we put in place to manage dust exposure. We provided workers with the opportunity to raise concerns or suggest better ways to manage the risks. The names of the workers and HSRs consulted are listed in the register at the end of this plan.
Site Managers and Principal Contractors
We spoke with the Site Manager and Principal Contractor to coordinate our work with other trades happening on site. This consultation ensures that other workers do not enter the removal area without permission. We agreed on the location of warning signs and the boundaries of the exclusion zone. We also coordinated the decontamination procedures to ensure they do not interfere with the site's general operations. This step is vital for meeting the duties under Section 46 of the WHS Act regarding consultation with other businesses.
Other PCBUs and Occupiers
We identified any other PCBUs working near the asbestos removal area. This includes electricians, plumbers, or maintenance staff who might need to shut off machinery or utilities. We informed them of the work schedule and the hazards involved.
If the building is currently occupied, we consulted with the building owner or occupier. We provided them with information on the removal process, air monitoring results, and the timeline for the work. We established a process for them to raise concerns if they smell asbestos or see dust.
The Consultation Process
We did not just tell people what to do. we asked for their feedback. We held toolbox talks to explain the control measures listed in this plan. We recorded minutes of these meetings and kept them on site.
If anyone raises a concern during the consultation process, we stop and review it. We do not proceed until we resolve the issue. This ongoing consultation is a requirement of the Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos. It ensures that everyone on site understands their role and knows how to stay safe.
Control Measures and Removal Method
This section details the specific methods used to remove asbestos and control exposure, such as wet methods and tool selection.
Control Measures and Removal Method
Before work starts, establish the work area in line with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and AS/NZS 4801. Isolate the removal zone with warning signs and yellow tape reading "ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN PROGRESS-DO NOT ENTER." Ensure all barriers are secure to prevent unauthorised access.
Decontamination Unit and Enclosure Install a decontamination unit (transit shower) according to Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos. The unit must have three chambers-the dirty end, shower, and clean end. Seal the work area using 200-micron thick polyethylene plastic sheeting. Duct tape all seams and overlap joints by at least 300mm. In bathrooms and wet areas, apply a two-part sealer or PVA glue to the plastic edges to hold them firmly against tiles and floors.
Negative Pressure and Air Monitoring Set up a negative pressure unit (NPU) to exhaust air from the enclosure to a safe external area. The unit must run continuously during the removal and cleaning phases to ensure the work area remains under negative pressure. This prevents asbestos fibres from escaping into adjacent rooms. Use a manometer or magnehelic gauge to check pressure differentials regularly.
Removal Technique The removal method follows AS/NZS 4801 requirements for safe asbestos handling. Keep the material wet at all times to suppress dust using a low-pressure water spray amended with surfactant or detergent. Do not use high-pressure water jets as this can spread fibres.
Gently loosen the asbestos-containing material (ACM) from the substrate using hand tools. Do not use power tools or abrasive cutting methods, as these are prohibited unless fitted with adequate dust suppression and extraction equipment. Remove screws and fixings carefully. Lower larger sections of sheeting to the floor rather than dropping them.
Tools and Waste Management Use non-powered hand tools such as spatulas, scrapers, and pliers. Keep a supply of waste disposal bags, specifically labelled 200-micron thick asbestos bags, and a spray bottle for water amendment inside the enclosure. Place all debris, wet wipe cloths, and used PPE into the asbestos waste bag immediately.
Once the material is removed, wipe down all surfaces inside the enclosure with damp cloths. Repeat this process using a HEPA vacuum cleaner on all walls, floors, and fixtures. Double-wrap all asbestos waste bags, seal them with duct tape, and label them clearly with asbestos warning signs and the consignee details before transport.
Personal Protective Equipment
This section lists the required safety gear for workers, including coveralls and respirators.
Mandatory PPE Checklist
Use this checklist to verify that all personnel on site are equipped with the correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) before starting work. All items must comply with relevant Australian Standards.
Disposable Coveralls
- Type: Type 5 Category III coveralls are required for all asbestos removal work.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 4501.2:2017 or AS/NZS 4502.1:2006.
- Features: Coveralls must be disposable and impervious to asbestos fibres. Select a size that allows for movement without tearing.
- Taping: Secure the wrist and ankle cuffs with adhesive tape. Seal the zipper flap completely. Tape the sleeve cuffs over the glove cuffs to create a continuous seal. Tape the trouser legs over the boot tops.
Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE)
- Type: A powered air-purifying respirator (PAPR) with a P3 filter is recommended for all friable asbestos removal. A half-facepiece respirator with P3 cartridges is the minimum requirement for non-friable work.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 1716:2012.
- Fit Testing: Workers must undergo quantitative or qualitative fit testing in accordance with AS/NZS 1715:2009 before initial use.
- Fit Checks: Perform a positive and negative pressure fit check every time the mask is put on or adjusted.
- Maintenance: Inspect valves and straps for damage before each shift. Store respirators in a clean, sealed container when not in use.
Footwear
- Type: Lace-up safety boots.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 2210.3:2009.
- Preparation: Tape the top of the boots where they meet the skin or pant leg. Do not pull boot laces through the top eyelet. Instead, tuck the laces inside the boot top and tape over them to prevent fibres from lodging in the knots and eyelets.
Gloves
- Type: Disposable lightweight gloves.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 2161.10:2005.
- Material: Powder-free latex or nitrile is acceptable. Ensure the gloves extend past the wrist to allow for taping over the coverall cuff.
- Usage: Change gloves immediately if they are torn or contaminated. Dispose of gloves as asbestos waste.
Head Protection
- Type: Safety helmet or bump cap.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 1801:1997.
- Usage: Must be worn at all times in the removal area. If the work involves overhead removal, attach a disposable neck flap to the helmet to prevent fibres from falling down the collar.
Eye Protection
- Type: Goggles or safety glasses.
- Standard: Must meet AS/NZS 1337.1:2010.
- Usage: Must be impact resistant. If using a half-face respirator, ensure the glasses do not break the seal of the facepiece. Full-face respirators serve as both eye and respiratory protection.
Decontamination and Disposal All disposable PPE including coveralls, gloves, and boot covers must be treated as asbestos waste. Place items in asbestos waste bags for disposal or decontamination as outlined in the decontamination procedures section of this plan. Do not reuse any disposable PPE.
Decontamination Procedures
This section outlines the process for cleaning workers and equipment to prevent asbestos leaving the work area.
Decontamination Unit Layout and Worker Procedures
The decontamination unit must be set up in a specific sequence to ensure clean air flows from the clean end to the contaminated end. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos, the unit must have three separate compartments. These are the Clean End, the Shower Area, and the Dirty End. Air extraction must run continuously, creating a negative pressure that pulls air from the Clean End through to the Dirty End and out to the outside.
Entry and Work Procedures When entering the removal area, workers start in the Clean End. Leave your street clothes and personal items here. Put on your disposable coveralls and respiratory equipment. Check that the suit fits well and the respirator has a face fit. Move through the Shower Area into the Dirty End to enter the work site. Do not wear your respirator into the shower area unless it is strictly necessary for transit.
Exit and Cleaning Procedures Cleaning yourself is the most critical step to prevent asbestos fibres from leaving the site. You must follow this exact sequence when finishing work:
-
Dirty End: Enter the Dirty End and stay inside the shower curtain. Use a HEPA vacuum to remove loose dust from your coveralls. Vacuum downwards from head to toe. Pay close attention to legs, arms, and the front of the suit. Remove your gumboots and leave them in the Dirty End for disposal or cleaning.
-
Shower Area: Step into the Shower Area and close the curtain between the Dirty End and the Shower Area. Turn on the water and wet your suit thoroughly. Peel off the coveralls carefully so the dusty outer surface rolls inwards. Do not rip the suit. Place the used suit directly into an asbestos waste bag inside this area.
Remove your respiratory protective equipment (RPE) last. While still wearing the RPE, wash your hands, face, and neck with warm water and soap. Rinse thoroughly. You can now remove the mask and exit the shower. Place the used RPE into a designated container or bag for testing, decontamination, or disposal depending on your site procedure.
- Clean End: Dry yourself completely and dress in your street clothes. You must not leave the Clean End while wearing any items from the contaminated zone.
Inspection A competent person or supervisor must inspect the decontamination unit and the workers' hygiene practices regularly. If a tear in a suit is found or skin is visible under the suit, the worker must shower immediately, and the exposure must be recorded.
Emergency Procedures
This section provides instructions for handling incidents like accidental fibre release or fire.
Emergency Procedures
In the event of an accident or emergency involving asbestos, act immediately to protect life and health. The safety of workers and the public is the priority over material damage.
First Aid and Medical Attention If a worker suspects they have inhaled asbestos fibres or ingested dust, move them to an area of fresh air immediately. Do not cause panic. If dust is on the skin or in the eyes, wash the area thoroughly with copious amounts of water. Do not rub the eyes as this may cause irritation.
For any medical emergency, call 000. Inform the hospital or ambulance officers that asbestos is involved so they can take appropriate precautions. All workers involved in the incident must undergo a medical examination by a registered medical practitioner with experience in respiratory medicine. This examination should be recorded and filed in the worker’s health monitoring records.
Incident Response If a disturbance occurs, such as a dropped sheet of asbestos containing material (ACM) or a vacuum cleaner malfunction, stop work immediately. Shut down any ventilation systems in the area to prevent the spread of fibres. All personnel must leave the contaminated zone and remain upwind.
Allow airborne dust to settle for at least 30 minutes before re-entering the area to assess the damage. Only a competent person wearing full personal protective equipment (PPE), including a P2 or P3 respirator and disposable coveralls, should enter the zone to undertake decontamination or cleaning.
Reporting and Notification You must report the incident to the site supervisor or the Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU) immediately. An incident report must be filled out detailing the time, date, nature of the incident, and individuals exposed.
Under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Work Health and Safety Regulations, you must notify the relevant state or territory regulator if the incident results in serious injury or illness, or involves the uncontrolled release of a hazardous substance. This notification must happen as soon as practicable after the incident.
Post-Incident Review Following any emergency, review the Asbestos Removal Control Plan. Identify why the incident happened and update control measures to prevent recurrence. This may require changes to work methods or additional training. Keep records of the incident and the investigation for at least 30 years, as required by the Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace.
Sign-off
This section contains the signatures of the supervisor and workers confirming they understand the plan.
Sign-off and Declaration
This sign-off section is a mandatory record that all workers on site understand the risks involved with asbestos removal and have followed this Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP). Signing below confirms that you have read this plan, understand your specific duties, and have been trained in the correct use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and decontamination procedures.
Supervisors must sign only after the work area is secured and the clearance process is underway. Workers must sign before they start work on the removal task. This document acts as proof that you communicated safety requirements to your team, which is a specific requirement under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (Cth) or state equivalent.
Relevant Legal Requirements The Code of Practice: How to Safely Remove Asbestos states that consultation with workers is essential for managing asbestos risks. By signing this document, you are demonstrating that you have consulted with your workers and provided them with the necessary information to perform the job safely. Inspectors from Safe Work Australia or state regulators such as SafeWork NSW or WorkSafe Victoria may ask to see this sign-off sheet during an audit to verify your compliance with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011.
Supervisor Declaration I certify that I have provided all workers listed below with a site induction. I have explained the control measures outlined in this plan, ensured all plant and equipment is in safe working order, and confirmed that the asbestos register was reviewed. I have supervised the removal work to ensure compliance with AS/NZS 4801 (or ISO 45001) safety standards and the conditions of the removal licence.
Worker Declaration I declare that I have attended the site induction and understand the contents of this Asbestos Removal Control Plan. I understand the health risks associated with asbestos exposure. I will wear the PPE provided as instructed, follow decontamination procedures, and report any unsafe conditions or immediate risks to the supervisor immediately. I understand that smoking, eating, or drinking is prohibited in the asbestos work area.
Supervisor Signature
Name (Printed): ......................................................................................................
Licence Number: ....................................................................................................
Signature: ................................................................................................................
Date: ........................................................................................................................
Worker Sign-off
All workers involved in the removal process must sign below.
| Name (Printed) | Role | Signature | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Asbestos Removal Control Plan?
When do I need a Asbestos Removal Control Plan?
Is a Asbestos Removal Control Plan legally required in Australia?
Who is responsible for the Asbestos Removal Control Plan?
What must be included in the plan?
Do I need a control plan for removing less than 10 square metres?
How long must I keep the Asbestos Removal Control Plan?
Can I use a generic plan for every job?
Explore More Documents
Ready to create your document?
Use our free template or generate a custom version tailored to your needs.
20 free credits on signup — no card needed
This document involves significant legal or financial considerations. Professional review is strongly recommended.