Asbestos management isn’t a one-time task—it’s a continuous responsibility, particularly for owners and managers of commercial buildings. In regional areas like Greater Bendigo and Ballarat, many commercial properties were built or renovated during the decades when asbestos was commonly used in construction. That means it could still be present in places you might not expect—quietly posing a health risk to workers, clients, and tradespeople who access the site every day.
Whether you manage a retail space, warehouse, office building, school, or hospitality venue, regular asbestos inspections are essential. Not only do they help prevent potential exposure incidents, but they also keep you compliant with Victorian workplace safety laws.
The Problem with “Out of Sight, Out of Mind”
Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used extensively across Australian commercial buildings up until the late 1980s. Even properties built after that date may contain asbestos, as leftover stock was used for years following the official bans. Common examples include:
- Vinyl floor tiles in reception areas or kitchens
- Fibro cement sheets in eaves, storerooms, or back offices
- Asbestos insulation around pipes or boilers
- Asbestos-backed electrical boards or switchgear
- Old roofing, guttering or downpipes in industrial units
In many cases, these materials remain undisturbed and in good condition, which makes them relatively low risk—until something changes. A minor renovation, water leak, or even vibration from nearby construction work can destabilise ACMs. That’s when fibres can be released, and that’s when the danger begins.
The real issue? Without regular asbestos inspections, many property owners don’t know these materials are there until it’s too late.
Your Legal Responsibilities Under Victorian Law
In Victoria, WorkSafe regulations are clear: if your commercial premises was built before 2004 and is used as a workplace, you must:
- Identify all asbestos-containing materials on the property (or reasonably suspect if they’re present)
- Create and maintain an asbestos register
- Develop an asbestos management plan if any ACMs are found
- Ensure contractors, tenants or employees can access this information before undertaking work that may disturb building materials
- Review and update these records regularly
This isn’t optional. Non-compliance with asbestos regulations can result in penalties, fines, shutdown notices, or worse—legal action if someone is exposed. Regular inspections are how you meet these obligations and prove you’re managing asbestos risk responsibly.
When Should Commercial Inspections Be Carried Out?
How often you need asbestos inspections depends on several factors, including the condition of known ACMs, how often the building is accessed, and what activities take place on-site. As a general rule:
- Initial inspection – If your property has never been checked or has no asbestos register, book a full inspection now.
- Regular reviews – Inspections should be scheduled every 12 months, or sooner if building work, deterioration or damage has occurred.
- Before renovations or demolition – Any planned construction work, no matter how minor, must be preceded by a full asbestos audit.
- When buying or leasing a commercial property – Always request a copy of the asbestos register and confirm an inspection has been completed.
By keeping inspections regular and well-documented, you reduce risk and demonstrate due diligence. That’s particularly important for multi-tenanted buildings or shared workspaces, where several businesses rely on the property owner to maintain a safe environment.
What Happens During a Professional Inspection?
At Myers Asbestos Removal, we follow a methodical, compliant process for commercial asbestos inspections:
- Site walkthrough – Our licensed asbestos assessors inspect the building, room by room, identifying materials that may contain asbestos.
- Material sampling – If suspected materials are found, we take discreet samples for laboratory analysis (accredited under NATA).
- Asbestos register creation or update – We document the location, condition and risk level of each confirmed or suspected ACM.
- Management plan preparation – Where asbestos is found, we help you establish a plan to manage it safely, including labelling, monitoring and safe work procedures.
The inspection is non-destructive and designed to minimise disruption to tenants or business operations. Once completed, you’ll receive a clear report and expert guidance on the next steps—whether that’s ongoing monitoring or removal.
Why Regular Inspections Are Better Than Reactive Measures
Leaving asbestos unchecked puts your business in a reactive position. If someone discovers damaged asbestos during a renovation—or worse, becomes exposed—you’ll face delays, remediation costs, regulatory intervention, and potential legal claims.
By contrast, proactive inspections allow you to:
- Spot issues early, before they escalate
- Plan asbestos removal on your terms, not under emergency conditions
- Avoid costly project delays caused by unexpected discoveries
- Maintain tenant confidence by demonstrating safety compliance
- Minimise workplace disruptions by scheduling work outside of trading hours
- Protect your staff, clients and tradespeople from hidden health risks
This isn’t just about compliance—it’s about leadership, responsibility and protecting the people who rely on your property being safe.
Why Choose Myers Asbestos Removal?
We’ve helped commercial property owners across Greater Bendigo, Ballarat and surrounding regional areas stay on top of their asbestos responsibilities. At Myers Asbestos Removal, we combine compliance expertise with practical, no-nonsense service.
We’re not here to scare you into unnecessary removals—we’re here to help you understand what’s there, how risky it is, and what needs to be done next. We also work closely with trades, tenants and facility managers to ensure everyone is informed, safe, and kept in the loop.
Ready to Book an Inspection?
Whether you’re updating your asbestos register, planning upcoming renovations, or simply want to ensure you’re compliant, a professional inspection is a smart place to start.
Contact Myers Asbestos Removal today to book an asbestos inspection for your commercial property. We’ll help you stay compliant, keep your building safe, and make asbestos management one less thing to worry about.