What Every Contractor Needs to Know On-Site
If you’re a tradie working in regional Victoria—whether you’re a plumber, sparkie, chippy or general handyman—there’s one hidden hazard you need to be seriously aware of: asbestos.
Across areas like Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine and beyond, thousands of homes, sheds, shops and industrial buildings were built or renovated before asbestos was phased out in the late 1980s. That means many buildings you walk into every day still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs)—often in places you’d least expect.
Whether you’re cutting into a wall, pulling up old flooring or disconnecting a hot water service, knowing where asbestos might be—and what to do when you find it—is critical for your safety and legal compliance.
Why Tradies Face Higher Risk of Asbestos Exposure
Tradies are more likely than the average person to disturb asbestos. You work on-site. You drill. You cut. You rip out old materials. All of these activities can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air if ACMs are present.
And here’s the thing: you can’t see or smell asbestos fibres. Once airborne, they’re easily inhaled—and they can stay lodged in the lungs for decades.
Exposure may lead to deadly illnesses like:
- Mesothelioma – a rare cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos
- Asbestosis – a progressive lung disease caused by fibre build-up
- Lung cancer – with higher risks for smokers exposed to asbestos
Even brief, low-level exposure during a quick job can pose long-term health risks. That’s why every contractor needs to treat asbestos seriously.
Where Asbestos Lurks in Old Buildings
Asbestos was used in more than 3,000 building products. It’s not just in walls or roofing—although those are common spots. On residential and commercial sites, ACMs may be found in:
- Cement sheeting in walls, eaves, and bathroom linings
- Roofing sheets, gutters and downpipes
- Old vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Hot water pipe lagging and insulation
- Fibre cement fencing and shed walls
- Electrical backing boards and meter panels
- Textured ceiling coatings (like popcorn finish)
Unless a product is labelled or tested, you can’t confirm it’s asbestos just by looking. So if the building is older than 1990, assume it could contain asbestos until proven otherwise.
Your Legal Responsibilities as a Contractor
Under WorkSafe Victoria regulations, you have obligations as a worker and/or contractor to identify and avoid asbestos risks.
Key points include:
- You must not disturb asbestos-containing materials unless you are licensed to do so.
- If you’re unsure whether a material contains asbestos, stop work and notify the site supervisor or client.
- You must comply with any asbestos register or management plan provided for the property.
- If you knowingly disturb asbestos without proper controls, you could face fines or prosecution—especially if others are exposed.
Remember: you don’t need to be the one removing the asbestos to be held responsible. Just cutting into an asbestos wall without checking first can put you (and others) at risk—and may be considered a breach of your duty of care.
What to Do If You Suspect Asbestos On-Site
If you’re on a job and something doesn’t look right—or if you’ve been told there might be asbestos in the work zone—take the following steps:
- Stop work immediately – Don’t drill, cut, or disturb the material.
- Inform the client, builder, or site manager – Ask if there’s an asbestos register or prior inspection report.
- Request a sample test or visual inspection – If asbestos hasn’t been ruled out, recommend a licensed asbestos assessor.
- Avoid dry sweeping or using power tools – These can spread fibres rapidly.
- Secure the area – Limit access until the material has been tested or removed by a licensed professional.
Never try to “just get on with the job” if asbestos is suspected. It’s not worth the risk to your health—or your licence.
Know the Limits: Who Can Remove Asbestos?
As a tradie, you are not legally allowed to remove more than 10m² of non-friable asbestos unless you hold a Class B licence. If the asbestos is friable (crumbly or powdery), only a Class A licensed asbestos removalist can touch it.
This includes work like:
- Removing broken asbestos sheeting
- Handling crumbling pipe lagging
- Demolishing any structure containing ACMs
If you work near asbestos or on jobs where removal is required, partner with a licensed professional like Myers Asbestos Removal. They’ll handle the removal safely, and you can focus on your trade without risking your health or breaching the law.
How Myers Asbestos Removal Supports Contractors
At Myers Asbestos Removal, we regularly work with builders, roofers, sparkies, and plumbers across Bendigo, Ballarat, Castlemaine, Kyneton and surrounding regions.
We help tradies by providing:
- Fast asbestos inspections and sample testing
- Clear identification of ACMs before work begins
- Safe removal and disposal under WorkSafe and EPA guidelines
- Air monitoring and clearance reports when required
- Practical advice on managing asbestos on renovation or repair jobs
We understand that time matters on a job site. That’s why we respond quickly, work professionally, and help keep your project running safely and smoothly.
Stay Safe, Stay Compliant, Stay Informed
Asbestos is still very much a part of the built environment across regional Victoria. As a contractor or tradie, you’re often the first one on-site—and that makes you the first line of defence against exposure.
Don’t take chances. Be asbestos-aware. If in doubt, stop and ask.
Need a local asbestos expert to assess or remove a material safely?
Contact Myers Asbestos Removal today—your trusted partner in keeping worksites safe and compliant.