Asbestos Management
Expert asbestos services to identify, assess, and manage risk — supporting safe projects and full regulatory compliance.
Asbestos Management
Trusted Asbestos Assessment, Registers & Compliance Across NSW
At Confluence Environmental, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services across NSW, including the Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, and surrounding regions. Whether you’re planning a renovation, preparing a development application (DA), responding to council or SafeWork requirements, or managing risk in an ageing building, we deliver expert, independent support that keeps your project compliant and your people safe.
Our team includes SafeWork NSW Licensed Asbestos Assessors and experienced consultants specialising in asbestos inspection, testing, registers, remediation planning, and air monitoring. We help clients meet their legal obligations under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 and relevant Codes of Practice.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in Australian buildings and infrastructure due to its fire resistance, strength, and insulating properties. It was commonly found in roofing, walls, eaves, flooring, pipe lagging, insulation, and adhesives — especially in buildings constructed prior to 1990.
When disturbed, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release microscopic fibres that, when inhaled, pose serious health risks including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Today, the safe identification and management of asbestos is essential in any construction, renovation, or property transfer scenario.
Types of Asbestos & Risk Management
Bonded Asbestos (Non-Friable)
Found in materials like fibro sheeting, eaves, vinyl tiles, and compressed sheeting
Fibres are tightly bound in a solid matrix (e.g. cement or resin)
Lower risk when intact, but can release fibres if cut, sanded, or damaged
Friable Asbestos
Loosely bound and can be crumbled by hand pressure
Includes pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, and fireproofing wraps
High-risk material that requires Class A licensed removal and strict containment
Our Asbestos Services
Asbestos Surveys & Registers
Management and refurbishment/demolition asbestos inspections
Identification of bonded and friable asbestos materials
Photo documentation, sample analysis, and risk ratings
Compliant asbestos registers and optional asbestos management plans (AMPs)
Asbestos in Soil Investigations
Soil sampling and analysis for visible and microscopic ACM fragments
Common on sites with past dumping, illegal fill, or fire damage
Remediation and validation strategies developed to EPA and council standards
Asbestos Air Monitoring & Clearance Certificates
Air fibre monitoring during or after removal works
Control monitoring to confirm effectiveness of safety measures
Final clearance inspections and certificates issued by licensed assessors
Asbestos Removal Oversight & Project Management
Independent supervision of removal works
Liaison with contractors, councils, and SafeWork NSW
Verification of compliant practices and documentation
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found
In Residential & Commercial Buildings
Eaves, ceilings, and internal/external wall sheeting
Roof tiles, gutters, and gable ends
Vinyl flooring, adhesives, and underlay
Switchboards and electrical backing boards
In Soil or External Areas
Beneath old sheds, garages, or lean-tos
In fill material or illegally dumped waste
Around demolition zones or bushfire-affected areas
In Industrial Sites
Pipe lagging, boiler insulation, and gaskets
Machinery parts and high-temperature equipment
Wall linings and sprayed-on coatings
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Licensed Asbestos Assessors with practical, real-world expertise
Independent advice — we are not asbestos removal contractors
Clear, legally defensible reports suitable for DA, council, and WHS use
Local knowledge of Central Coast, Newcastle, Sydney, and NSW regulations
Fast turnaround, fixed-fee quotes, and no unnecessary upselling
Servicing:
Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, Woy Woy, Toukley)
Newcastle & Hunter Region
Greater Sydney
Mid North Coast, South Coast & Regional NSW
Ready to Manage Asbestos Safely and Compliantly?
Whether you're planning a renovation, lodging a DA, or responding to WHS or council requirements — Confluence Environmental is here to help.
We deliver independent, expert asbestos inspections, registers, and compliance advice across NSW.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Asbestos Management
Q: Do I need an asbestos register for my building?
If your building was constructed before 2004 and is used as a workplace, you are legally required under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 to maintain an asbestos register. This includes commercial, industrial, and government properties. A compliant asbestos register must identify the location, condition, and risk of any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present.
Q: What is the difference between friable and bonded asbestos?
Bonded asbestos (non-friable) has fibres tightly bound in a solid matrix like cement. It is commonly found in fibro sheeting, vinyl tiles, and roofing.
Friable asbestos is loose or crumbles easily, often found in insulation, pipe lagging, and fireproofing. It poses a higher risk and requires strict controls and licensed removal.
Q: How do I know if asbestos is present in my building?
The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is through a professional asbestos inspection and laboratory testing. Visual inspections alone cannot guarantee identification. At Confluence Environmental, we conduct management and pre-demolition surveys using SafeWork NSW-compliant procedures, including sample collection and NATA-accredited lab analysis.
Q: What is an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)?
An AMP outlines how asbestos risks will be managed in the workplace. It includes details such as condition monitoring, roles and responsibilities, training requirements, and removal or maintenance procedures. It must be reviewed every 5 years or sooner if conditions change. It is required when asbestos is present or likely to be present in a workplace.
Q: Can I remove asbestos myself?
In NSW, you must be licensed to remove more than 10 m² of bonded asbestos or any friable asbestos, regardless of the quantity. Unlicensed removal is illegal and dangerous. Even small jobs should be assessed by a professional to avoid unintentional exposure or non-compliance.
Q: What should I do if asbestos is found in soil?
Asbestos in soil is common on older or fire-damaged sites. You’ll need a licensed assessor to conduct soil sampling, risk assessment, and develop a remediation strategy. This may involve removal, encapsulation, or validation, depending on the contamination level and intended land use.
Q: When is air monitoring required?
Air monitoring is strongly recommended during any asbestos removal or disturbance. It helps confirm that control measures are effective and that airborne fibre levels are below safe exposure limits. Final clearance air monitoring may be legally required in workplaces before reoccupation.
Q: What areas do you service?
We provide asbestos management services across:
Central Coast (Gosford, Wyong, Tuggerah, etc.)
Newcastle and the Hunter Valley
Greater Sydney
Mid North Coast, South Coast, and regional NSW
Q: Why choose Confluence Environmental?
We are independent, licensed asbestos assessors, not removal contractors — so our advice is unbiased and compliant. We deliver clear, defensible reports, tailored advice, and full support for asbestos registers, DAs, remediation projects, and WHS compliance.