Asbestos & Hazardous Material
Helping building owners, project teams and organisations understand their asbestos and hazardous materials (HazMat) risks and make clear, informed and compliant decisions.
Why Hazardous Material Management Matters
Asbestos and hazardous materials remain present across many Australian buildings and structures. When risks from hazardous materials such as asbestos, lead paint, lead dust, and crystalline silica are not properly identified or managed, they create human health, WHS, operational and financial risks.
Clear assessments and up to date registers allow organisations to manage compliance, plan maintenance or redevelopment, and protect workers and building occupants. Early identification also reduces project delays, avoids unplanned remediation costs and supports safe, well managed asset operations.
Our Asbestos and HazMat Services
We deliver independent assessments and clear guidance across the full hazardous materials lifecycle.
Our services include:
- Asbestos and hazardous materials surveys
- Asbestos and hazardous materials registers – creation and updates
- Asbestos and hazardous materials management plans
- Crystalline silica risk management
- NATA accredited laboratory services for bulk asbestos identification and airborne asbestos fibre monitoring
- Asbestos and hazardous materials air monitoring and clearance certification
- Asbestos, hazardous materials and crystalline silica awareness training
- Project support and hazardous materials advisory
How We Work
Our process is structured, transparent and practical.
1. Scoping & Preparation
We review past reports, asset information or project documentation to understand the site, scope and potential risk areas. This ensures the assessment is targeted and efficient.
2. Site Assessment
We complete inspections, sampling and evidence collection using recognised methods. This includes identifying materials of concern and assessing their condition and potential for disturbance.
3. Facilitation
Laboratory results and site findings are analysed to determine risk levels and appropriate control recommendations. We convert technical data into clear, usable guidance with practical, risk-based solutions.
4. Documentation
We prepare clear, easy to follow reports, registers, management plans, and supporting documentation that meet WHS requirements and contractor needs.
5. Follow-Up & Support
We provide ongoing advice for compliance, project planning, redevelopment activities or routine maintenance. This ensures risks are well-managed across the asset lifecycle.
Industries We Support
We work with organisations across:
- Construction, developers, builders and principal contractors
- Commercial property
- Transport and infrastructure
- Industrial and manufacturing
- Education and research
- Health and aged care
- Government
- Residential and strata
Why Choose Work Science?
Work Science brings an independent, evidence‑based approach to hazardous materials consulting, supported by WHS and occupational hygiene expertise. Our clients value:
- Clear, practical reporting that is easy for decision‑makers, operators and contractors to use
- Independence, ensuring assessments and advice remain objective and aligned with regulatory expectations
- Breadth of experience across commercial, industrial, institutional and infrastructure environments
- Strong WHS and occupational hygiene capability, grounding our advice in recognised risk and exposure principles
- Ability to support all project phases, from early asset reviews through redevelopment and operational management
- A consulting style focused on clarity, compliance and safety, reducing uncertainty and helping teams move forward with confidence
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a hazardous materials assessment involve?
A hazardous materials assessment identifies, samples and documents materials (including asbestos, lead paint, lead dust, synthetic mineral fibres, polychlorinated biphenyls, crystalline silica, and other substances) within a building or site that may pose health, compliance or project risks. The assessment provides clear findings, recommended controls and a register that supports safe maintenance, redevelopment and operational activities.
How do asbestos register updates help asset owners, facility managers and contractors?
Updated registers give a current, accurate view of known or suspected asbestos containing materials (ACM). This supports safe contractor management, reduces the risk of accidental disturbance and ensures organisations meet their obligations when planning maintenance, refurbishment or demolition work.
Why do construction, refurbishment and demolition projects require an independent hazardous materials survey?
Independent hazardous materials surveys (including Division 5 compliance and Division 6 intrusive/destructive surveys) identify asbestos, lead and other hazards early, preventing WHS incidents, delays and cost overruns. Division 6 surveys access concealed areas often missed in earlier assessments, giving Australian construction, refurbishment and demolition projects certainty and compliance before work begins.
How does Work Science help organisations manage hazardous materials risks and responsibilities?
Work Science provides independent assessments, clear reporting and practical recommendations that help organisations understand and manage their hazardous materials risks. Our consultants focus on clarity, compliance and practical controls, supporting safe operations, informed project planning and confident decision making.
What does an asbestos management plan include for single or multiple sites?
An asbestos management plan outlines the decisions about how to manage asbestos safely in the workplace (e.g., safe work procedures and control measures), responsibilities for asbestos management, and controls and procedures for incidents and emergencies. This provides clear direction for everyone involved with each site, including centralised roles, management, and those with legal responsibilities.
How does asbestos or hazardous materials monitoring support safe work and exposure control?
Occupational hygiene monitoring measures airborne contaminants, such as asbestos fibres, to verify whether controls are effective. It provides evidence for safe work methods, confirms exposure risks are managed and helps determine whether areas are safe to re enter after remediation or disturbance.
When should a hazardous materials assessment be arranged?
A hazardous materials assessment should be arranged during early project planning, redevelopment, maintenance scheduling or property due diligence. It is also valuable for ongoing compliance, updating registers, managing legacy risks and supporting safe decision making throughout asset operations. If you think there is a risk of hazardous materials being present in a site you own or are working in, it’s a good idea to get it checked so you can proceed safely and confidently.