Media release: National Guide for Asbestos Surveys May 2025

Jodie Deakes

Chief Executive Officer

MEDIA RELEASE

Monday 26 May 2025

National Guide for Asbestos Surveys

The Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency (ASSEA) has published a National Guide for Asbestos Surveys which provides a robust and standardised process for conducting asbestos surveys (also known as asbestos inspections or audits) in buildings and structures. 

‘Preventing exposure to asbestos starts with accurately identifying its presence and location in our commercial, public and residential buildings,’ said Jodie Deakes, CEO of ASSEA.  

‘We often hear of situations where asbestos is discovered during renovations, causing unexpected delays and additional costs. If asbestos is not identified and properly removed before demolition or renovation starts, it may also end up contaminating recycled material such as mulch,’ said Ms Deakes. 

‘This new guide describes the steps that asbestos surveyors should follow, not only to identify and record where asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are located, but also to assess the risk of these ACMs releasing asbestos fibres due to their condition and potential disturbance.’ 

Ms Deakes highlighted that the guide incorporates the best practice ACM risk assessment model developed by the Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency, offering consistent and objective results to inform asbestos remediation strategies including risk-based removal programs.

‘Following this guide should also improve the quality of asbestos registers and management plans in workplaces,’ said Ms Deakes.

Although the guide is primarily a tool for asbestos surveyors, Ms Deakes noted that it also provides useful guidance for property owners and managers: ‘The guide explains how to select a competent surveyor, how to decide what type of survey is appropriate and what information a surveyor needs to conduct an effective and efficient survey.’

The guide addresses one of the actions in the Phase Three Asbestos National Strategic Plan 2024-2030 and was developed in consultation with asbestos professionals, industry associations, regulatory authorities and worker representatives.

ENDS

Media contact:  Julia Collins 0429 622 232