Synthetic Mineral Fibre Insulation Removal SWMS

Synthetic Mineral Fibre (SMF) insulation removal covers the extraction of glasswool, rockwool, ceramic fibre and refractory ceramic fibre products from ceilings, wall cavities, roof spaces, plant rooms, boilers, ductwork and industrial pipework. The work exposes workers to respirable fibres that mechanically irritate the skin, eyes and upper respiratory tract, and — in the case of refractory ceramic fibres — are classified by IARC as possibly carcinogenic to humans. Removal typically occurs in confined roof voids, on elevated platforms, and in older buildings where SMF is commingled with asbestos-containing materials, lead-based coatings or accumulated dust.

Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW), this task is high risk construction work where removal occurs at heights greater than 2 metres (section 291) or within a confined space, triggering the requirement under section 299 to prepare a Safe Work Method Statement before work commences. Controls follow the hierarchy under section 36, prioritising isolation and local exhaust ventilation over reliance on respiratory protective equipment.

Hazards identified

12 hazards covered, sorted by priority.

Control measures

Hierarchy-of-controls order: elimination → substitution → isolation → engineering → administrative → PPE.

1. 1Eliminate working at height where possible by removing insulation from below using pole-mounted vacuum lances, or programming removal to coincide with ceiling demolition at ground level.
2. 2Where SMF is suspected of being commingled with asbestos, cease work and engage a licensed asbestos assessor for sampling in accordance with the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice — How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace before recommencing.
3. 3Substitute manual removal with negative-pressure HEPA vacuum extraction using H-Class industrial vacuums compliant with AS/NZS 60335.2.69, minimising airborne fibre generation.
4. 4Isolate and lock out all electrical circuits penetrating the work area under AS/NZS 4836, and verify de-energisation with a tested voltage indicator before disturbing insulation around downlights, cabling or transformers.
5. 5Establish a controlled work area with polythene sheeting, negative air machines fitted with HEPA filtration, and airlock entry/exit where fibre release is significant, in accordance with AS 4361.2 principles adapted for SMF.
6. 6Install compliant fall protection: edge protection, temporary work platforms spanning ceiling joists, or a fall-arrest system anchored in accordance with AS/NZS 1891.4 for work above 2 metres or over fragile surfaces.
7. 7Implement a confined space entry permit system under AS 2865 for roof voids and plant enclosures, including atmospheric testing, standby person, and rescue arrangements before entry.
8. 8Provide fitted P2 (minimum) or P3 respiratory protection selected and fit-tested to AS/NZS 1715 and AS/NZS 1716; upgrade to powered air-purifying respirators for RCF removal and heat-stressed environments.
9. 9Issue disposable Type 5/6 coveralls, nitrile gloves, and sealed eye protection to AS/NZS 1337.1; provide a decontamination area with wash facilities and separate change rooms for clean and contaminated clothing.
10. 10Double-bag SMF waste in labelled heavy-duty polythene, seal with gooseneck ties, and dispose of via an EPA-licensed waste facility; transport under a waste tracking manifest where jurisdictionally required.
11. 11Schedule heat-exposure work in cooler parts of the day, rotate workers, provide cool drinking water and monitor for heat illness in accordance with the SafeWork NSW Managing the Risks of Working in Heat guidance.
12. 12All workers hold the CPCCWHS1001 White Card, receive task-specific SMF training, and are consulted in accordance with section 47 of the WHS Act; the SWMS is reviewed under section 302 whenever controls, personnel or site conditions change, or immediately after a notifiable incident.

Applicable Codes of Practice

High-Risk Construction Work triggered

Worked example

A commercial refurbishment contractor was engaged to remove degraded glasswool ceiling insulation across 1,800 square metres of a 1970s office building in Parramatta prior to a lighting upgrade. Access to the ceiling void was via a mobile scaffold at 3.2 metres, satisfying the section 291 trigger for high risk construction work. During pre-start sampling, the licensed assessor identified friable amosite lagging on adjacent steam pipes, prompting a stop-work and a variation to engage a Class A licensed asbestos removalist for that portion. SMF removal proceeded under a documented SWMS using H-Class HEPA vacuum extraction, PAPRs, Type 5/6 coveralls, and a two-stage decontamination unit. Electrical circuits to recessed downlights were isolated and tagged under AS/NZS 4836. The SWMS was reviewed under section 302 following the asbestos discovery, and workers were re-consulted under section 47 before recommencement.

Related legislation

• Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (NSW)
• Work Health and Safety Regulation 2025 (NSW)
• Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 (NSW)
• Protection of the Environment Operations (Waste) Regulation 2014 (NSW)
• Electricity Supply Act 1995 (NSW)
• Public Health Act 2010 (NSW)

Frequently asked questions