Introduction

Asbestos exposure isn’t limited to demolition sites or large-scale construction. Many workers across non-traditional sectors face potential risk without even realising it.

In this article, we explore unexpected asbestos exposure scenarios and highlight why asbestos awareness training is critical across a wide range of industries.

Where Might Asbestos Exposure Occur Outside Traditional Construction Jobs?

While construction, demolition and trades are high-risk sectors for asbestos exposure, there are many environments where asbestos can be unexpectedly present. These include:

• Heritage buildings undergoing minor refurbishment
• School facilities with ageing insulation or ceilings
• Office blocks built before 1990 with original floor tiles or HVAC systems
• Retail shops carrying out cosmetic fit-outs
• Warehouses with deteriorating roofing materials

In each of these cases, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) may be disturbed by routine works, cleaning, or even DIY upgrades — putting untrained staff at risk.

Why Is Asbestos Training Important for Non-Trade Workers?

Workers outside the construction industry often assume they’re not at risk, which can lead to complacency. However, caretakers, cleaners, teachers, real estate agents, and strata managers may all enter buildings or sites where asbestos is present.

Without awareness training, these individuals might unknowingly:

• Disturb asbestos sheeting while hanging fixtures or signage
• Access roof spaces or crawl areas containing asbestos-lagged pipes
• Dispose of debris or panels incorrectly

Training helps workers identify potential risks, stop unsafe work early, and escalate concerns to licensed professionals before exposure occurs.

Can Office Staff or Property Managers Be at Risk of Asbestos Exposure?

Yes — especially when they manage or occupy buildings constructed before the 1990s. Property managers coordinating maintenance or minor renovations may encounter ACMs without having the training to recognise them.

Common risks include:

• Ceiling tile replacement
• Carpet removal disturbing original adhesives
• Installation of air-conditioning or electrical wiring through asbestos-lined walls

Even brief disturbance of these materials can release airborne fibres if appropriate controls aren’t in place. Awareness training ensures these workers can make informed decisions when engaging contractors or responding to tenant reports.

How Does Asbestos Awareness Help During Renovations or Maintenance Works?

Awareness training helps project teams and site supervisors flag potential hazards early in the planning phase. It also supports:

• Site induction processes
• Risk assessments before starting work
• Communication between property owners, tenants, and licensed removalists
  
  

This is particularly important when maintenance is carried out in operational facilities, such as hospitals, schools, or aged care homes — where unplanned exposure events can carry serious liability.

Being trained means staff know when to pause work, request a materials assessment, or escalate concerns through the correct channels.

What Sectors Should Implement Asbestos Awareness Training and Why?

Any sector involved in property management, maintenance, or on-site service delivery should invest in asbestos awareness training. This includes:

• Real estate and strata management firms
• Education providers and school maintenance teams
• Retail and commercial leasing businesses
• Local councils and public works departments
• Health and aged care facilities

In each of these sectors, staff may engage with properties built before the asbestos ban and may unintentionally trigger exposure without proper training.

Stay Ahead of Risk With Practical Asbestos Awareness

Preventing exposure starts with recognising the risk — even when it’s not obvious. Awareness training empowers workers to take informed action and avoid complacency in environments where asbestos may be hidden.

At Raw Earth Environmental, we work with organisations across New South Wales to deliver asbestos assessments, clearance inspections, and remediation action plans. Whether you're managing a portfolio of ageing assets or planning maintenance works, we help you navigate risk with confidence.

Get in touch with us today.