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Asbestos remains one of the most dangerous legacy materials found in Australian buildings. Despite a nationwide ban on the import and use of asbestos-containing materials, thousands of older buildings across ACT and NSW still contain asbestos in walls, roofs, insulation, and flooring.
Workplace exposure to asbestos can cause deadly diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. Because these conditions often take years to manifest, preventive awareness is essential. In recognition of these risks, asbestos awareness training is mandatory under WHS laws for certain roles.
Exposure occurs when asbestos fibres are disturbed and become airborne. Once inhaled, they lodge in the lungs and cause irreversible damage. Workers in construction, renovation, demolition, or maintenance face the highest risk. Even low-level or accidental exposure can lead to long-term health complications.
Under the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations adopted by both ACT and NSW, asbestos awareness training is required for workers who may encounter asbestos during their normal duties. PCBUs (Persons Conducting a Business or Undertaking) must ensure that any employee at risk is properly trained before commencing relevant work.
Training is required for:
Both ACT and NSW have specific WHS requirements regarding asbestos awareness. While aligned with the national model, the ACT has more stringent rules, particularly in the construction sector.
SafeWork NSW mandates that workers who are likely to come into contact with asbestos must receive training. The training should include identification of asbestos, associated risks, control measures, and procedures to avoid exposure.
The ACT has some of the strictest asbestos laws in the country. Asbestos Awareness Training is mandatory for all workers entering construction sites—regardless of whether asbestos is present. The training must be refreshed regularly to ensure continued awareness.
AlertForce delivers the 11084NAT nationally accredited asbestos awareness course. It is recognised by both ACT and NSW regulators and aligns with Safe Work Australia’s competency standards. The course covers:
Initial training must be completed before any work is undertaken on or near asbestos-containing materials. Refresher training is recommended on a scheduled basis depending on the level of risk and role.
The WHS Act does not set a fixed national timeframe for asbestos awareness refresher training. However, best practice and state-based guidelines help determine appropriate intervals.
Industry best practice suggests:
While not all refreshers are mandated by law, SafeWork NSW and ACT regulators recommend documented, periodic updates to reinforce worker understanding. Courts may view failure to refresh training unfavourably during investigations.
Refreshers ensure that workers retain critical knowledge about identifying, avoiding, and managing asbestos exposure. Roles requiring regular updates include:
These professionals are regularly exposed to unknown materials and must be current with identification techniques and updated legal standards.
As part of managing buildings built before 1990, facilities managers must oversee asbestos registers and ensure contractors are aware of material locations.
Trades who access roof cavities, wall linings, and underfloor spaces are at risk of accidental exposure and should update training frequently.
Public sector employees who visit or manage public buildings must stay informed of their WHS duties under the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency’s framework.
Job Role | Recommended Refresh Interval | Mandatory in ACT? | Notes |
Construction Workers | Every 12 months | Yes | High exposure sites, demolition tasks |
Property Managers | Every 24 months | Yes | Based on access to affected buildings |
Electricians/Plumbers | Every 12–24 months | Yes | Depending on work scope |
Office Admin (Low Risk) | Every 3 years | No | If working in older buildings |
Council/Govt Employees | Every 12–24 months | Yes | Per ACT-specific regulations |
AlertForce offers flexible delivery methods to suit business size, industry, and geographical needs.
Ideal for high-risk industries and group-based learning, particularly in construction and trades.
Offers convenience for remote or regional staff while still maintaining full compliance. Fully supported through AlertForce’s learning management system.
Custom programs delivered at your business location with contextualised scenarios relevant to your operations.
All training with AlertForce is nationally recognised and includes certification, course tracking, and reminders for refreshers through our LMS platform.
Failing to update asbestos awareness training can lead to significant WHS compliance issues.
Non-compliance with asbestos training requirements can result in improvement or prohibition notices, or fines reaching into hundreds of thousands for severe breaches.
Business owners, directors, and safety managers who fail to ensure adequate training may face prosecution or industrial manslaughter charges in the event of fatal exposure.
AlertForce is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) offering compliant, industry-aligned asbestos awareness training for NSW and ACT.
Covers key topics with practical and regulatory insights tailored to real workplace risks.
Courses are designed in line with SafeWork NSW and ACT Government requirements.
We offer self-paced online learning, virtual classrooms, face-to-face workshops, and enterprise rollout options for larger teams.
AlertForce’s LMS allows you to:
Asbestos-related illnesses remain a major WHS concern in Australia, and proactive training is your first line of defence. Failing to refresh your team’s asbestos awareness can lead to unnecessary risks, legal exposure, and avoidable health impacts.
AlertForce makes compliance easy with fully accredited, ACT and NSW-compliant asbestos training tailored to your team’s exposure level and job roles.
Contact us today to enrol your team or discuss a tailored asbestos awareness training schedule that ensures full legal compliance and protects your workforce.
Yes. In ACT, it is mandatory for all workers entering construction sites. In NSW, it’s required for those likely to encounter asbestos during work activities.
Best practice recommends every 12 months for high-risk roles and every 24–36 months for low to moderate-risk roles. The ACT expects regular updates, especially in government and construction sectors.
Failure to refresh training may result in fines, failed audits, or legal liability if exposure occurs. It can also void insurance coverage during claims.
Yes. AlertForce provides fully accredited online asbestos awareness training suitable for remote and low-risk workers in NSW and ACT.
AlertForce is an industry leader in WHS training, delivering the nationally accredited 11084NAT course with flexible, fully compliant delivery options tailored to each state.
