Asbestos-containing materials were commonly used in buildings before the 1980s. As a general rule if your workplace was built or renovated:

• before the mid-1980s - it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing products
• between the mid-1980s and 1990 - it is likely that it has asbestos-containing products
• after 1990 - it is unlikely that it has asbestos-containing products.

If you are thinking of undertaking any repairs, renovation or demolition work in your workplace, and it was built or renovated prior to the late 1980s, please ensure that you are aware of the presence of asbestos.

Check the asbestos register and ensure it is up-to-date. This must be done before any demolition or refurbishment to a structure or plant (see regulation 448 of the WHS Regulations for more detail).

If there is no register then the structure or plant must be inspected for asbestos by a competent person. You can assume a material is asbestos or have a sample analysed (see regulation 451 and regulation 423(2) of the WHS Regulations).

If the asbestos containing material is in good condition it is best to leave it alone unless it is likely to be exposed and damaged. If it's in good condition and is left undisturbed, non-friable asbestos presents no known health risks.

Common locations where asbestos containing products can be present

Select a room or area to identify the types of asbestos containing products which could be present

• External
• Kitchen
• Plant & boiler room
• Roof
• Toilet

The above tool is adapted from content developed by, and used with permission of, the Government of Victoria.