National Asbestos Awareness Week 2025
National Asbestos Awareness Week is held annually to remind Territorians of the dangers of ageing and deteriorating asbestos.
Asbestos was previously used in thousands of building products, which are now 30 years or older. Asbestos products in good condition are not a health risk.
However, the older these products become the more likely they are to release harmful asbestos fibres as they deteriorate or become damage over time.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to deadly diseases, including lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Buildings built before 1990 are very likely to have asbestos present, and if these buildings are commercial properties, there is a requirement to have an asbestos management plan and register.
Commercial property owners should conduct regular visual inspections on the asbestos products in their property to determine its condition and take appropriate action as detailed in their asbestos management plan.
Tradies engaged to work on commercial properties they suspect was built before the 1990’s should ask to see the buildings asbestos register.
An asbestos register lists all identified (or assumed) asbestos in a building and is intended to ensure workers and others in the workplace do not accidently disturb the asbestos.
WorkSafe Inspectors are available to meet with commercial property owners and tradies to discuss asbestos requirements, for more information call 1800 019 115.