Asbestos is more than just a building material of the past, in commercial settings, it’s a hidden liability with real legal and health consequences. Across Greater Sydney, businesses, property managers, and builders are required by law to ensure their properties are free from asbestos hazards. At Hazardous Removal Company (HRC), we deliver licensed, compliant, and safe commercial asbestos removal solutions backed by NATA-accredited testing and decades of on-site experience.
From office blocks in the CBD to industrial facilities in the western suburbs, our licensed technicians provide end-to-end remediation, ensuring legal compliance, worker safety, and minimal disruption to your operations. With over 500 projects completed, we’ve built trust where it matters most.
Your safety, and your compliance, is our priority.
Is Commercial Asbestos Removal a Legal Requirement in NSW?
Yes. In New South Wales, commercial asbestos removal is strictly governed under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, particularly when more than 10 square metres of asbestos-containing material (ACM) is present.
This threshold applies to both bonded (non-friable) and friable asbestos and determines whether removal work must be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removalist.
Property owners, facility managers, and builders hold a legal obligation to:
- Identify and assess asbestos in pre-2003 structures
- Maintain up-to-date asbestos registers
- Ensure proper air monitoring and clearance certificates are obtained post-removal
Ignoring these obligations doesn’t just place occupants at risk, it can result in significant legal penalties, forced work stoppages, and reputational damage. Whether you’re managing a multi-storey office in the CBD or a warehouse in Western Sydney, licensed removal is not optional, it’s enforceable.
HRC operates in full accordance with SafeWork NSW, offering compliant services that help clients meet their legal obligations with confidence. We also issue the required clearance certificate following removal, a mandatory document for most commercial works.
Our Step-by-Step Commercial Asbestos Removal Process
Commercial projects demand precision, efficiency, and strict adherence to compliance frameworks. At HRC, every asbestos removal operation follows a structured and documented workflow to ensure minimal disruption and maximum safety.
1. Site Inspection & Testing
Every project begins with a detailed on-site assessment. Our licensed technicians identify suspected ACMs and collect samples for laboratory analysis. Testing is conducted through a NATA-accredited lab using Polarised Light Microscopy (PLM) and Dispersion Staining (DS), delivering accurate results within 1 to 3 business days.
We never assume, we test. This eliminates guesswork and ensures all decisions are based on scientific confirmation. If asbestos is present, we develop a site-specific removal plan tailored to the building type, occupancy, and regulatory risk.
2. Risk Containment & Air Monitoring
Once asbestos is confirmed, the next priority is risk containment. Commercial sites often remain partially operational during remediation, so safeguarding workers, tenants, and contractors is non-negotiable. HRC installs sealed exclusion zones, applies negative pressure systems, and uses industry-grade barriers to prevent the spread of airborne fibres.
To further protect air quality, we implement real-time air monitoring, especially in cases involving friable asbestos, where the material is more likely to release fibres into the environment. This monitoring not only protects health but also provides documented assurance that removal is progressing safely and legally.
Air monitoring is often overlooked by less experienced providers, but for HRC, it’s a core component of our compliance-first approach. Our commitment to detecting invisible airborne fibres reflects our broader mission: preventing exposure-related illnesses such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer.
3. Licensed Asbestos Removal
With safety systems in place, removal begins. All works are carried out by SafeWork NSW-licensed technicians. We strictly follow protocols based on whether the asbestos is:
Our teams are trained to work across a wide range of commercial property types, from high-rise office towers in the Sydney CBD to aged warehouses in Penrith. Equipped with full PPE, HEPA-filtered vacuums, and decontamination systems, we ensure each step is executed without compromise.
The removed materials are immediately sealed, labelled, and transported to EPA-approved disposal facilities. This is essential, incorrect disposal is illegal and can trigger environmental compliance breaches. We also provide tip dockets and disposal records, ensuring transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
4. Final Clearance Certificate
The last step is one of the most important, issuing the Clearance Certificate.
Once removal is complete, we engage an independent licensed asbestos assessor to:
- Conduct a visual inspection of the cleared area
- Perform post-removal air monitoring
- Confirm that the site is safe for reoccupation
Only when these steps pass will the official Clearance Certificate be issued, a requirement under NSW law for all commercial asbestos removals over 10m². This certificate is often requested by councils, auditors, and insurance providers, and serves as your legal record of compliance.
It’s worth noting that many fly-by-night operators skip or delay this step, exposing building managers to legal and safety risks. At HRC, we never leave a site uncertified. Your safety, and your compliance, is our top priority.
Where Asbestos Hides in Commercial Buildings
Asbestos was widely used in commercial construction until the early 2000s, meaning many Sydney buildings still contain hidden asbestos risks. These materials often sit dormant for years, only to become hazardous during renovations, demolition, or maintenance.
At HRC, we regularly uncover asbestos in the following high-risk areas:
- Ceilings and roof spaces (insulation boards, spray coatings)
- Fireproofing around steel columns and ducts
- Internal wall cladding (fibro cement sheeting)
- Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
- Plant rooms, switchboards, and boiler insulation
- Air conditioning ducts and HVAC components
This is especially true for buildings constructed prior to 2003, including schools, offices, shopping centres, warehouses, and council facilities. If your property falls into this category, a current asbestos register is not only recommended, it’s legally required under the WHS Regulation.
Commercial property owners have a duty of care not just to staff, but also to the general public. That’s why HRC encourages proactive asbestos identification and testing, particularly before any planned upgrades or structural works.
Who We Work With
HRC partners with a wide range of stakeholders responsible for managing, renovating, or occupying commercial spaces. Our solutions are scalable, adaptable, and built for complex environments, from suburban industrial parks to high-density urban towers.
We frequently work with:
- Property managers and strata companies maintaining shared assets
- Commercial builders and renovators working to tight schedules
- Warehouse and logistics facility operators in outer metro areas
- Schools, councils, and government agencies with high compliance needs
- Developers and project managers requiring site clearance before build works
By combining 24-hour response times, regional coverage across Greater Sydney, and proven asbestos expertise, we offer peace of mind to every client, regardless of size or sector.
Why Choose HRC for Commercial Asbestos Removal?
With asbestos removal, there’s no room for shortcuts. At HRC, we’re proud to bring a compliance-first, safety-led approach to every commercial project. Here’s what sets us apart:
- Fully licensed under SafeWork NSW – Licence #AD213403
- Testing through NATA-accredited labs using PLM and DS methods
- Over 500 satisfied clients across 30+ Sydney suburbs
- Clearance certificates issued for all jobs >10m²
- Transparent pricing and quotes within 1 business day
- Projects completed on time, on budget, and to regulation
Our track record includes complex commercial jobs across Campbelltown, Vaucluse, Northmead, and regional areas like Illawarra and the Blue Mountains. Whether you’re managing a multi-storey office block or a manufacturing site, our team has the technical capability, and legal understanding, to get the job done right.
Request a Free Commercial Asbestos Quote Today
Asbestos isn’t just a structural concern, it’s a safety, health, and legal matter that requires specialist handling. Whether you’re preparing for renovations, selling a commercial property, or responding to workplace safety audits, HRC is here to help.
- Fully licensed by SafeWork NSW
- Testing through NATA-accredited labs
- Clearance Certificates provided post-removal
- Trusted by 500+ clients across Greater Sydney
Request a free quote with no obligation. Our licensed assessors and removalists are ready to support your next project, safely, legally, and efficiently.
FAQs About Commercial Asbestos Removal
Is asbestos still legal in commercial buildings?
While the use of asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003, it is still present in many existing commercial buildings. NSW law does not require its immediate removal unless it’s disturbed, damaged, or poses a risk, but it must be managed via a compliant asbestos register and removal plan.
What type of licence is required to remove asbestos in NSW?
For bonded asbestos over 10m², a Class B licence is required. For friable asbestos, which crumbles easily and releases airborne fibres, a Class A licence is legally mandated. Hazardous Removal Company holds full Class A certification, allowing us to handle all asbestos types safely and legally.
How do I know if my commercial building needs asbestos removal?
Any commercial building built before 2003 may contain asbestos. A site inspection and testing is the only legal and accurate way to confirm presence. If asbestos is found and poses a health or operational risk, removal is often the safest path forward.
What documentation is required after removal?
You’ll need a Clearance Certificate, issued after final visual inspection and air monitoring by a licensed asbestos assessor. HRC handles this entire process, so you’re legally covered and audit-ready.
How fast can HRC respond to an urgent removal job?
We offer a 24-hour response window for commercial and emergency asbestos situations across Greater Sydney and surrounding regions.
