Demolition Contractor Sydney: Asbestos Rules Before Work Starts
/If you are planning demolition in Sydney, asbestos is not a “maybe” issue. It is a legal, safety and scheduling requirement that must be addressed before any structure is disturbed. For clients engaging a demolition contractor Sydney projects often stall not because of demolition itself, but because asbestos obligations were misunderstood or left too late.
This guide explains what clients must do before demolition begins, who is responsible, and how licensed asbestos removal fits into a compliant demolition process in NSW. It is written for non-technical project managers, property owners and builders who want clarity without legal jargon.
Who Is Responsible for Asbestos Before Demolition Starts?
Before demolition begins in NSW, the property owner or principal contractor must ensure asbestos is identified, assessed and safely removed by a licensed provider where required. Demolition cannot legally start until asbestos risks are controlled in line with SafeWork NSW regulations.
What this means in practice
The PCBU (person conducting a business or undertaking) has the primary duty of care
Asbestos must be identified before demolition works commence
If asbestos is present, removal must be completed by a licensed removalist prior to or as part of demolition planning
Demolition contractors cannot “work around” asbestos once identified
SafeWork NSW treats asbestos exposure as a high-risk activity, and stop-work notices are common when obligations are unclear or documentation is missing.
Do You Need an Asbestos Register Before Demolition?
An asbestos register is often confused with a demolition asbestos survey, but they are not the same thing.
An asbestos register is required for workplaces built before 2004, but for demolition projects in NSW, a pre-demolition asbestos survey is mandatory regardless of whether a register already exists.
Key distinctions
Asbestos register
Ongoing document for occupied workplaces
Records known or assumed asbestos
Often incomplete for demolition purposes
Pre-demolition asbestos survey
Destructive inspection of all building elements
Required before any demolition or major refurbishment
Identifies friable and non-friable asbestos
If demolition starts without a compliant survey, SafeWork NSW can halt the project immediately.
Friable vs Non-Friable Asbestos: Why the Difference Matters
The key difference between friable and non-friable asbestos lies in their physical condition, risk level, and the controls required to manage them safely. Friable asbestos is crumbly and can be easily reduced to powder by hand pressure, allowing fibres to become airborne with minimal disturbance.
This makes it highly hazardous and subject to the strictest controls, including removal by Class A licensed contractors, full enclosure, and air monitoring. Non-friable asbestos, in contrast, is bonded within solid materials such as asbestos cement sheeting, meaning fibres are less likely to be released when the material is intact. As a result, it generally presents a lower risk and can be removed under a Class B or Class A licence using controlled methods.
However, when non-friable asbestos is damaged or disturbed—particularly during demolition—it can release fibres and pose risks similar to friable asbestos, requiring heightened control measures.
Licensed Asbestos Removal and Demolition: How It Works Together
Not all demolition contractors are licensed to remove asbestos. This is where many clients encounter delays.
Key clarification:
If asbestos is present, it must be removed by a contractor holding the appropriate asbestos removal licence before or during demolition sequencing.
CMS Contracting provides both demolition services and licensed asbestos removal, allowing projects to be planned as a single, compliant scope rather than split across multiple providers.
Why this matters for clients
Fewer handovers and compliance gaps
Clear responsibility for sequencing and site safety
Reduced risk of project delays
Simplified SafeWork NSW documentation
Licensed removal is not optional. Attempting demolition without addressing asbestos first is one of the fastest ways to trigger regulatory action.
Pre-Demolition Asbestos Checklist for Sydney Projects
Before engaging a demolition contractor in Sydney, confirm the following steps are complete.
Building age assessed (pre-2004 assumed asbestos risk)
Pre-demolition asbestos survey completed
Friable and non-friable materials identified
Correct asbestos removal licence confirmed
Removal control plan prepared
SafeWork NSW notifications submitted (where required
Clearance certification obtained before demolition proceeds
This checklist helps clients demonstrate due diligence and avoid last-minute shutdowns.
Common Questions Clients Ask Before Demolition
Who pays for asbestos removal?
The property owner or principal contractor is responsible for asbestos removal costs as part of demolition preparation. It is a legal requirement, not a variation.
Can demolition start if asbestos is only non-friable?
No. Even non-friable asbestos must be removed before demolition because demolition activities will disturb materials and release fibres.
What happens if asbestos is found mid-demolition?
Work must stop immediately. SafeWork NSW may issue a stop-work notice until licensed removal and clearance are completed.
Is asbestos removal always required before demolition?
Yes. All identified asbestos must be removed prior to demolition activities that could disturb it.
Do residential projects follow the same rules?
Yes. While documentation requirements vary, asbestos safety obligations apply to both residential and commercial demolitions in NSW.
Does SafeWork NSW need to be notified?
Notification is mandatory for friable asbestos removal and some non-friable works, depending on scope and duration.
SafeWork NSW enforces these requirements consistently across Sydney projects.
Choosing a Demolition Contractor in Sydney with Asbestos Capability
For clients, the safest approach is engaging a demolition contractor Sydney projects trust who can manage both demolition and licensed asbestos removal under one compliant framework.
This reduces:
Compliance risk
Project delays
Communication gaps between trades
It also ensures asbestos is treated as a planned safety process, not a reactive problem.
Getting Asbestos Right Is What Keeps Demolition Moving
Asbestos is not an administrative detail. It is a critical pre-condition for lawful demolition in Sydney. Understanding your obligations early protects workers, prevents delays and keeps your project compliant with NSW regulations.
If you are planning demolition and want clarity on asbestos requirements, speak with a contractor who understands both sides of the process.
Explore CMS Contracting’s approach to compliant demolition and asbestos removal, or get in touch to discuss your project before work starts.