Expert asbestos services to identify, assess, and manage risk — supporting safe projects and full regulatory compliance.

Asbestos Management in Sydney

Trusted Asbestos Assessment, Management & Compliance – Greater Sydney & Blue Mountains

At Confluence Environmental, we provide comprehensive asbestos management services across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains, 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 Sydney and the Blue Mountains 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 Sydney and the Blue Mountains, 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 – Sydney & Blue Mountains

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 Sydney & the Blue Mountains

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 Sydney and the Blue Mountains

  • Fast turnaround, fixed-fee pricing, and no unnecessary upselling

Proudly Servicing Greater Sydney & the Blue Mountains

Including but not limited to:

  • Inner West & Eastern Suburbs

  • Western Sydney (Parramatta, Penrith, Blacktown, Liverpool)

  • Northern Beaches & North Shore

  • Hills District & South West Sydney

  • Blue Mountains (Katoomba, Springwood, Blaxland, Lawson, Lithgow)

Ready to Manage Asbestos Safely and Compliantly across Greater Sydney and the Blue Mountains?

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.

High-rise buildings in Sydney, a typical client and location where Confluence Environmental conducts Mergers and Acquisition Pre-Purchase and Due Diligence Environmental Assessments

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.