Expert asbestos services to identify, assess, and manage risk — supporting safe projects and full regulatory compliance.
Asbestos Management - Northern Tablelands
Trusted Asbestos Assessment, Management & Compliance – Northern Tablelands
At Confluence Environmental, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services across the Northern Tablelands, helping builders, property owners, facility managers, and councils identify and control asbestos risks safely and legally.
Whether you're renovating an older home, preparing a development application (DA), responding to council or SafeWork NSW requirements, or managing asbestos across a property portfolio, we deliver practical, science-based advice that supports compliance and protects health.
Our team includes SafeWork NSW Licensed Asbestos Assessors and experienced consultants who specialise in asbestos inspections, risk registers, air monitoring, remediation planning, and soil assessments. We help clients across the Northern Tablelands meet their obligations under the NSW Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017and the relevant Codes of Practice.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in buildings for its fire resistance, strength, and insulating properties. In the Northern Tablelands, it was commonly found in residential, commercial, and industrial structures built before 1990, including roofing, eaves, ceilings, flooring, insulation, and pipes.
When disturbed, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) can release tiny airborne fibres that pose serious health risks, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer. Identifying and managing asbestos is critical during any renovation, demolition, development, or property transaction.
Understanding Asbestos Risk: Types & Management
Bonded Asbestos (Non-Friable)
Found in materials like fibro sheeting, eaves, compressed cement boards, and vinyl tiles
Asbestos fibres are bound within a solid matrix (cement or resin)
Lower risk when intact, but hazardous if broken, cut, or weathered
Friable Asbestos
Crumbles easily and releases fibres when disturbed
Common in pipe insulation, sprayed-on coatings, and fireproofing wraps
High-risk material requiring Class A licensed removal and full containment
Our Asbestos Management Services – Northern Tablelands
Asbestos Surveys & Risk Registers
Management surveys and pre-refurbishment/demolition inspections
Identification of both bonded and friable asbestos
Sample analysis, photo documentation, and risk ratings
Compliant Asbestos Registers and Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs)
Asbestos in Soil Assessments
Site-specific soil sampling and lab analysis for ACM fragments
Common in sites with fire damage, historical dumping, or illegal fill
Remediation planning and validation to EPA and council standards
Asbestos Air Monitoring & Clearance Certification
Air monitoring during and post-removal to confirm airborne fibre levels
Control and reassurance monitoring for worker or public protection
Clearance inspections and certificates issued by licensed assessors
Asbestos Removal Oversight & WHS Project Support
Independent supervision of licensed asbestos removalists
Full documentation and verification for WHS and DA submissions
Liaison with SafeWork NSW, local councils, and project stakeholders
Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found in the Northern Tablelands
In Residential and Commercial Buildings
Ceilings, eaves, internal and external wall linings
Roof sheeting, ridge capping, gutters, and vinyl floor tiles
Electrical switchboards and backing panels
In Soil or Outdoor Environments
Beneath old sheds, garages, or driveways
In backfilled materials or disturbed demolition zones
Around bushfire-impacted or redeveloped areas
In Industrial and Institutional Sites
Pipe lagging and boiler insulation
Gaskets, machinery components, and sprayed coatings
Internal linings and service corridors in older facilities
Why Choose Confluence Environmental?
Licensed, experienced asbestos assessors with strong technical knowledge
Independent advice — we don’t sell asbestos removal or cleaning services
Clear, defensible reporting for DA submissions, WHS compliance, and audits
Local insight into council and regulatory expectations across the Northern Tablelands
Fast turnaround, fixed-fee pricing, and no unnecessary upselling
Proudly Servicing the Northern Tablelands
Including but not limited to:
Armidale
Tamworth
Guyra
Glen Innes
Tenterfield
Areas beyond!
Ready to Manage Asbestos Safely and Compliantly across the Northern Tablelands?
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: 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.