As Australia continues its national asbestos management reform, businesses and property owners in New South Wales (NSW) face growing compliance pressures around asbestos roof removal and replacement. With 2026 marking the rollout of new Work Health and Safety (WHS) enforcement measures, it’s vital to understand what’s changing — and how to stay compliant.
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017 (NSW), it is illegal to handle, remove, or dispose of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without a Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence. Additionally, commercial property owners must:
These rules are enforced by SafeWork NSW and the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), with substantial fines for non-compliance.
The Australian Government, in partnership with state WHS authorities, is introducing enhanced asbestos phase-out and remediation standards by 2026. These updates aim to accelerate the removal of aging asbestos roofing materials still in use across industrial and commercial sites.
Key expected changes include:
These shifts will affect builders, facility managers, engineers, and compliance officers responsible for managing large industrial properties, warehouses, and commercial buildings.
With the new asbestos regulations approaching, early planning is critical. Property owners should take the following steps now:
Engage a licensed asbestos assessor to identify and classify ACMs. Element Metal Roofing’s asbestos removal partners can conduct full roof audits and reports aligned with WHS guidelines.
Ensure your plan details control measures, removal timelines, and emergency response procedures. This will become a mandatory requirement for many NSW businesses from 2026.
Always work with a fully licensed and insured asbestos removalist and roofing specialist. Using unlicensed operators exposes businesses to legal penalties and health risks.
Replacing asbestos sheeting with Colorbond® or zincalume metal roofing not only ensures compliance but also improves energy efficiency, weather performance, and long-term asset value. See Element Metal Roofing’s commercial roofing solutions for more information.
At Element Metal Roofing, we specialise in safe, compliant asbestos roof replacements across NSW. Working in partnership with licensed asbestos removal professionals, our team manages:
Our goal is to deliver a turnkey roofing solution that meets 2026 standards and future-proofs your property.
The 2026 regulatory shift isn’t just about compliance — it’s an opportunity to improve your building’s safety, performance, and value. By acting now, NSW businesses can avoid costly project delays and ensure full regulatory alignment.
For tailored guidance and an asbestos roof replacement assessment, request a free quote today.
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