Asbestos Soil Contamination: Handling Naturally-Occurring Asbestos

Naturally-occurring asbestos can be found in veins within rock formations. This may be dug up when working on construction sites, undertaking excavation or building roads, which would cause asbestos soil contamination. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 provides detailed guidelines on proper management of such soil contamination.

Controlling Airborne Asbestos

Asbestos that has contaminated the soil can also become airborne, hence endangering the health of personnel at the workplace. Requirements provided by the WHS Regulation give clear guidelines that enable effective management of such a potential risk.

The sole responsibility of controlling exposure to airborne asbestos rests on anyone undertaking a business at the effected site. The person who is in charge at the workplace should apply all available practical steps to eliminate exposure to asbestos. In case eliminating this risk isn't possible, it should be minimized as much as possible.

The person in charge of the workplace would also have the responsibility of ensuring that exposure standards for asbestos aren't exceeded. However, there are some exceptions to this requirement, since it would not apply to asbestos removal areas that are enclosed for containment of respirable asbestos fibers. Such a requirement would also not apply to removal areas in which negative pressure is applied.

How To Manage Naturally-Occurring Asbestos

Asbestos that is naturally occurring typically contaminates the soil, which would pose just as much health and safety risks as asbestos found within buildings. These risks must be properly contained to avoid negative long-term health issues.

A comprehensive management plan should be prepared, once asbestos is identified or suspected to be present within the workplace. This is the responsibility of any person who has control or management of the workplace.

An asbestos management plan must be properly maintained to ensure that all the information in it is always up to date. The WHS regulation clearly outlines particular information that must be included in the management plan, which includes:

(i) Details concerning identification of naturally-occurring asbestos.

(ii) An explanation of the reasons why specific decision, as well as the particular decisions, concerning management of asbestos in the workplace. Such decisions include control measures and safe work procedures.

(iii) Procedures that would be used during emergencies or other incidences related to naturally-occurring asbestos within the workplace.

(iv) An updated record of all workers who carry out tasks that involve naturally-occurring asbestos. This includes information, training, responsibilities and consultation.

The asbestos management plan isn't just a document for the managerial personnel. It's a useful source of information, which should also be accessible to:

a) All workers who have carried out tasks at the workplace. The management plan is instrumental in guiding all personnel to avoid contact with the poisonous mineral. Anyone who intends to perform any duties at the workplace should also be furnished with this document.

b) Health and safety representatives representing workers. Such representatives would be interested in finding out whether the management is catering to the wellbeing of workers at the particular site.

c) Business people whose area of operation would be situated at the particular site. Obviously, anyone running or intending to run a business enterprise must be aware of the inherent risks within a particular site.


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Wade possesses long-term experience in professional asbestos removal. You can benefit from these insights to help protect yourself and your family from asbestos. Always engage qualified professionals for complex asbestos removal projects. Asbestos Removal Sydney offer professional removal services vist us at http://www.asbestosremovalsydneywide.com.au/ .