Asbestos notifications
Notifications of asbestos work and emergency demolition provides risk-based information to SafeWork NSW. This way, we can apply resources, and target compliance and enforcement actions to areas of greatest risk to health and safety.
Notification of asbestos removal work
You must notify SafeWork NSW 5 calendar days before undertaking any licensed asbestos removal work.
Interstate asbestos removalists operating in NSW must also notify SafeWork NSW when carrying out asbestos removal work in NSW.
Asbestos removalists licensed in NSW and interstate asbestos removalists operating in NSW can lodge the notification electronically using our asbestos and demolition online notification system.
For new users of this system, refer to our online notification system user guide to set up your profile.
We're streamlining the way we process online notifications from 9 May, 2023.
What this means for you:
- You should lodge your notification the same way you always have.
- We'll send you one email to acknowledge we've received your notification. Your work can commence 5 calendar days later.
- Unless there is an issue with your notification, we won't send you any further correspondence about your notification, that is, you won't receive an acceptance email.
- There are no changes to the way we process waivers or immediate asbestos removal.
Requesting a waiver
If you're lodging a notification within 5 calendar days of starting work, you'll need to:
- lodge your notification using our asbestos and demolition online notification system
- request a waiver by sending an email with the online notification system reference number to the SafeWork asbestos and demolition unit.
You must not start work until you've received a message from SafeWork NSW granting the waiver.
Immediate asbestos removal
Where asbestos must be removed immediately, the licensed asbestos removalist must phone us on 13 10 50 and lodge the notification electronically using the asbestos and demolition online notification system within 24 hours of the telephone notification.
Alternatively, asbestos removalists can complete the asbestos notification form.
Our inspectors can issue on the spot fines to any individual or business that appoints an unlicensed asbestos removalist, and any licensed asbestos removalists who fail to notify SafeWork of licensed asbestos removal work.
Notification of respirable asbestos fibre levels at more than 0.02 fibres/ml
For Class A work, the licensed asbestos removalist must order removal work to stop and notify SafeWork NSW immediately if respirable asbestos fibre levels exceeds 0.02 fibres/ml in the removal area.
Asbestos removalists licensed in NSW and Interstate asbestos removalists operating in NSW can lodge the notification electronically using the asbestos and demolition online notification system.
Alternatively, asbestos removalists can complete the asbestos notification form.
Emergency demolition of a structure or plant involving asbestos
You must notify SafeWork NSW of the demolition or refurbishment of a structure or plant:
- That was constructed or installed before 31 December 2003
- Is located in either a workplace or a residential premises where an emergency has occurred
- The structure or plant must be demolished
- Asbestos is fixed or installed in the structure or plant before the emergency has occurred
Demolition or refurbishment does not include minor or routine maintenance work or other minor work.
An emergency occurs if:
- A structure or plant is structurally unsound
- Collapse of the structure or plant is imminent
The person with management or control of the workplace can complete the emergency demolition notification form.
If in residential premises the licensed asbestos removalist, must notify SafeWork NSW using the asbestos and demolition notification system or complete the emergency demolition notification form.
Notification details
Completed notification forms can be lodged by emailing adu@safework.nsw.gov.au
All asbestos notifications are free.
Contact us
- For asbestos and demolition notification enquiries, phone 1800 672 718.
- For all other enquiries, phone 13 10 50.