For decades, asbestos was seen as a miracle material—strong, heat resistant, sound-absorbing, and cheap. Unfortunately, we now know that prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious illness, including mesothelioma and lung disease.

So what does this mean for older strata-titled properties in New South Wales?

Why Asbestos Still Matters

Although blue asbestos (crocidolite) was phased out in the late 1960s, other forms such as brown asbestos (amosite) were used in construction up until 2003. That means any building constructed before 2004 should be professionally inspected for asbestos.

Strata schemes in older buildings have a duty to ensure the health and safety of owners, tenants, and visitors. Ignoring asbestos risks isn’t just dangerous—it can leave Owners Corporations legally liable.

Inspections and Reports

Under the national asbestos safety code introduced in 2012, Owners Corporations should engage a licensed asbestos assessor to inspect common areas.

The inspector provides a written report, usually covering:

• Date of the assessment
• Details of the assessor
• Findings and conclusions
• Recommended control measures

This gives Owners Corporations a clear action plan and peace of mind.

What Happens if Asbestos is Found?

If asbestos is present, there are two main options:

1. Safe removal by licensed professionals, or
2. Leave it in place if it is stable and poses no immediate risk (with regular monitoring and audits).

Either way, a current asbestos register should be maintained and updated.

Legal Responsibilities in NSW

In New South Wales, the removal of asbestos is regulated by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (and now under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017).

Key requirements include:

• Engaging licensed contractors for asbestos work
• Warning residents and workers with signs and labels
• Ensuring safe disposal (no re-use or high-pressure cleaning)
• Providing protective equipment and laundering processes
• Preventing uncontrolled disturbance of asbestos materials

If an Owners Corporation fails to ensure safe procedures, it may be treated as an “employer” and held legally responsible, including the risk of prosecution.

Metro Strata’s Role

At Metro Strata, we help Owners Corporations stay on top of their compliance obligations. From engaging licensed contractors to ensuring the asbestos register is up to date, we make sure safety is never left to chance.

When asbestos is identified, we guide committees through the process step by step—protecting residents and ensuring the scheme meets all legal requirements.

Final Word

Asbestos is a serious issue, but with the right inspections, registers, and removal plans, it can be managed safely.