Asbestos Management & Removal SWMS Templates

Yes. Under WHS Regulation 2025, any construction work involving asbestos is listed as High-Risk Construction Work (Category 7), and a SWMS must be prepared before work commences. This applies regardless of whether the work is licensed Class A, Class B, or unlicensed minor work under 10 square metres of non-friable ACM. The SWMS must identify hazards, controls, PPE, and the persons responsible, and be available at the workplace for the duration of the work as required by the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice.

A SWMS addresses the high-risk construction work hazards and controls for the people performing the task, as required by WHS Regulation 2025. An Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP) is a separate, broader document mandated for all licensed asbestos removal work under the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice. The ARCP details site setup, removal method, waste handling, air monitoring, and clearance. Licensed removalists need both documents — the ARCP governs the project, and the SWMS governs the task-level execution.

A Class B licence is required to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) ACM such as cement sheeting, vinyl tiles, or roof sheets. A Class A licence is required for any quantity of friable asbestos, including lagging, insulation, and asbestos contamination dust. Class A work also requires negative pressure enclosures and independent licensed asbestos assessor oversight under WHS Regulation 2025 Part 8.10. Unlicensed work is only permitted for non-friable ACM under 10 square metres.

Yes. These SWMS are written against the model WHS Regulation 2025 and Safe Work Australia model Codes of Practice, which have been adopted in NSW, QLD, ACT, NT, TAS, SA, and WA. Victoria operates under the OHS Act 2004 and OHS Regulations 2017 with equivalent asbestos provisions in Part 4.4. The templates include editable jurisdiction fields so users can reference their state regulator (SafeWork NSW, WorkSafe VIC, Workplace Health and Safety QLD, etc.) and applicable licensing authority.

Under the How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice, control air monitoring is mandatory for all Class A friable removal and recommended for Class B work in occupied areas. A licensed asbestos assessor must conduct clearance inspections for Class A work and issue a clearance certificate before re-occupation. Sampling and analysis must follow AS 4964 and the NOHSC Guidance Note on Membrane Filter Method. Results must be retained for the duration of the work and provided to the PCBU and any affected workers.