Question 1

What changed with WA's asbestos laws in 2022?

Accepted Answer

Western Australia adopted the nationally harmonised Work Health and Safety Act 2020, which took effect on 31 March 2022. This brought WA's asbestos removal requirements in line with other states, including standardised Class A and Class B licensing, notification requirements, and penalties. WorkSafe WA now administers the licensing regime under the new framework.

Question 2

Why is asbestos so common in WA homes?

Accepted Answer

Western Australia was home to the Wittenoom crocidolite (blue asbestos) mine, which operated from 1943 to 1966. Asbestos cement products manufactured from raw materials mined in WA were widely used in residential construction across the state from the 1940s through the 1980s. An estimated one in three WA homes built before 1990 contains some form of asbestos material.

Question 3

How much asbestos can I remove myself in Western Australia?

Accepted Answer

Under WA's current regulations, a homeowner or occupier may remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos from their own domestic residence without a licence. You must keep the material wet, avoid breaking or crushing it, and dispose of it at an approved waste facility. Any friable asbestos removal requires a Class A licensed removalist.

Licensed Asbestos Removalists in Western Australia

Asbestos Removal in Western Australia

HAINES TRADING PTY LTD

KACZMARCZYK, DAVID

LINCO ELECTRICAL PTY LTD

DOLLERY, CHRISTOPHER

Mead

AUSPRO PROJECTS PTY LTD

AUSTWEST DEMOLITION AND PLANT SERVICES PTY LTD

MATRIX CONTRACTING PTY LTD

MAINRO PTY LTD

GOOCH & SON PTY LTD

STARLOW SERVICES PTY LTD

KARRATHA CONTRACTING PTY LTD

GOLDSHORE ENTERPRISES PTY LTD

GUNNING, CASSANDRA

HASANOVIC, RAMIZ

MACKSON GROUP PTY LTD

JAMES GREGORY PTY LTD

MALATYNSKI, EUGENE

HUGHES, ANDREW

HIRANI, HARJI

Class A vs Class B Licences

Class A

Class B

Related Property Compliance Services

Asbestos Removal in WA — Frequently Asked Questions