7 Mistakes That Can Cost You Thousands in Asbestos Fines and Project Delays
In New South Wales, asbestos-related breaches don’t just put lives at risk — they can bring your project to a grinding halt and leave you with hefty fines. Here are the 7 most common (and costly) asbestos mistakes we see, and how you can avoid them.
1. Skipping the Asbestos Inspection Before Work Begins
If you're planning demolition, renovation, or maintenance work on a structure built before 1990, asbestos may be present — and legally, you’re required to identify and manage it before work starts.
Why it’s costly:
Failure to do this can trigger stop-work orders, expose workers to risk, and result in fines under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017. Plus, it can delay your project by weeks.
Avoid it: Always engage a qualified consultant to conduct a pre-work asbestos inspection and sampling.
2. Not Having an Up-to-Date Asbestos Register
Any workplace with asbestos (or suspected asbestos) must have a current asbestos register that lists:
Locations of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)
Type and condition of the material
Likely risks of disturbance
Why it’s costly:
Not having an asbestos register on site is a legal breach. If SafeWork NSW audits your site or an incident occurs, penalties can exceed $6,000 for individuals and $30,000+ for businesses.
Avoid it: Update your asbestos register before any site work begins — not after.
3. Assuming "It's Just Fibro" or “Too Small to Matter”
Many tradies and DIY renovators underestimate the risk of asbestos cement sheeting, vinyl flooring, or old glues — especially when it's a small job. But even a minor disturbance can release harmful fibres.
Why it’s costly:
Even unauthorised removal of >10m² of bonded asbestos requires a licensed removalist. If unlicensed work occurs, it can lead to immediate fines and a legal requirement to halt work and hire professionals.
Avoid it: If there’s any doubt, test it first — don’t assume.
4. Failing to Notify or Coordinate with Subcontractors
If you're a principal contractor or PCBU, it's your responsibility to ensure all subcontractors are informed about asbestos risks on site.
Why it’s costly:
Miscommunication leads to unintended disturbance, worker exposure, and potentially reportable incidents. This puts your license, reputation, and project timeline at risk.
Avoid it: Share the asbestos register and management plan with all personnel before work begins.
5. Hiring the Wrong Removalist
There are two types of asbestos removal licenses in NSW:
Class A: Can remove friable and bonded asbestos
Class B: Can only remove bonded asbestos
Hiring the wrong one — or an unlicensed operator — can lead to serious legal consequences and unsafe outcomes.
Why it’s costly:
Incorrect removal can result in environmental contamination, project delays, and even criminal charges under WHS legislation.
Avoid it: Only use licensed and reputable asbestos removalists. Ask for license details and check with SafeWork NSW if in doubt.
6. Neglecting Air Monitoring and Clearance Inspections
When asbestos is removed, particularly in occupied or high-risk areas, you’re often required to:
Conduct air monitoring
Get a clearance inspection and written certificate
Why it’s costly:
Without this documentation, the area can’t legally be reoccupied, and you may face non-compliance notices or even project shutdowns.
Avoid it: Plan for clearance inspections and book a licensed asbestos assessor ahead of time.
7. Leaving It Too Late to Book a Consultant
We frequently see clients delay asbestos assessments until the last minute — often once demolition is underway or issues arise.
Why it’s costly:
This reactive approach causes expensive delays, rebooking of trades, and rush fees for urgent inspections or reports.
Avoid it: Engage your consultant early during planning or design. It saves time, money, and stress.
How to Avoid These Mistakes
At Confluence Environmental, we specialise in helping contractors, builders, and property managers stay compliant, safe, and on schedule. Our services include:
Asbestos inspections and sample testing
Asbestos registers and management plans
Air monitoring and clearance certificates
Ongoing support for high-risk or time-critical projects
We service the Central Coast, Newcastle, Hunter Valley, Sydney, and beyond — with same-day appointments often available.
Don’t risk fines or delays. Get your asbestos sorted early.
Call us today on [insert number] or book an inspection online.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos compliance is more than red tape — it's a matter of legal duty, project efficiency, and worker safety. By avoiding these 7 common mistakes, you can save yourself thousands in fines, delays, and lost productivity.
Let Confluence Environmental help you get it right the first time.