The obligation
PCBUs must identify all asbestos and ACM before building/maintenance work starts; where doubt exists, the material must be assumed to contain asbestos.
Before any work that could disturb asbestos commences, the PCBU must inspect the workplace and, if possible, check design drawings, previous surveys, or test samples. If asbestos presence cannot be confirmed or ruled out, it must be treated as asbestos. A competent person (or licensed asbestos assessor in some jurisdictions) should conduct the assessment. The condition of ACM must be recorded in the asbestos register.
- What
- PCBUs must identify all asbestos and ACM before building/maintenance work starts; where doubt exists, the material must be assumed to contain asbestos.
- Source
- safeworkaustralia.gov.au
description
Full analysis
lock
Free account
tips_and_updates
What this means for you
lock
Free account
lock_open
Read the full analysis, tailored to your industry
- star
Impact summary tailored to your industry
- check_circle
Full plain-English analysis of what changed
- check_circle
Email alerts & digests when this law changes
- check_circle
Compliance self-assessment tools
Labels
identification
assessment
competent person
ACM
Official sources
Frequently asked questions
Which WHS law does this come from?
Identifying and Assessing Asbestos in the Workplace is a WHS requirement set out in How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace (FEDERAL). It is made under Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (FEDERAL). The relevant provision is How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace > Identification and Assessment § Section 2.
What does this WHS obligation require?
Identifying and Assessing Asbestos in the Workplace is a WHS obligation under How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace (FEDERAL). In short, PCBUs must identify all asbestos and ACM before building/maintenance work starts; where doubt exists, the material must be assumed to contain asbestos.
What changed recently?
Identifying and Assessing Asbestos in the Workplace was last updated on 26 August 2026.
