Asbestos in Commercial Properties in Frankston: Do You Know Your Legal Obligations?
What is asbestos and why does it still matter in commercial buildings?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring fibrous minerals once widely used in commercial construction due to their fire resistance, durability, and affordability. In Frankston and surrounding areas such as Seaford, Langwarrin, and Carrum Downs, many commercial buildings constructed before the late 1980s still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
Although asbestos was banned for use in Australia by 2003, it remains embedded in countless offices, warehouses, retail spaces, and industrial buildings throughout the Mornington Peninsula. For business owners, landlords, and property managers in the Frankston region, the presence of asbestos is not just a health hazard—it’s a legal responsibility.
How does asbestos exposure affect employees and visitors?
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and, when airborne, can be inhaled deep into the lungs. Once lodged in lung tissue, these fibres can remain for decades, gradually causing irreversible damage. Health conditions linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma – an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen
- Lung cancer – particularly among individuals with prolonged exposure
- Asbestosis – chronic inflammation and scarring of lung tissue
One of the most concerning aspects is the latency period—symptoms may not appear for 20 to 40 years after exposure. This makes it crucial to prevent any contact with asbestos fibres, even in small amounts.
Where is asbestos commonly found in commercial settings?
Older commercial properties in Frankston and nearby suburbs often contain asbestos in materials that were once standard in construction. Common locations include:
- Ceiling tiles and internal panelling
- Fireproof insulation around switchboards and fuse boxes
- Vinyl floor coverings and adhesives
- Roofing sheets and guttering systems
- Boundary fences and cladding panels
Even routine maintenance or minor refurbishments can disrupt these materials and release hazardous fibres into the air, placing workers and occupants at risk.
How can you check for asbestos in a commercial property?
The only safe way to identify asbestos is through professional assessment. A licensed asbestos assessor will:
- Conduct a thorough visual inspection of suspect areas
- Collect samples using safe containment techniques
- Submit samples to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis
- Provide a detailed report outlining the presence, condition, and risk level of ACMs
In Victoria, this results in an Asbestos Register—a mandatory document for all commercial properties built before 2004. This register must be readily accessible to staff, contractors, and any other relevant personnel.
What are the legal requirements for commercial asbestos management?
Under Victoria’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017, property managers and employers are legally required to:
- Identify and document all ACMs
- Maintain an up-to-date Asbestos Register
- Develop and implement an Asbestos Management Plan
- Clearly label known ACMs where possible
- Inform employees, tradespeople, and visitors about asbestos risks
Failure to comply with these obligations can result in regulatory action, including fines, closure orders, and potential civil or criminal liability if exposure occurs.
What are the best ways to remove asbestos safely?
Asbestos removal must be performed by licensed professionals who follow stringent safety protocols, including:
- Isolating the work area with barriers and signage
- Using negative air pressure systems to prevent fibre escape
- Wearing certified PPE including respirators, gloves, and coveralls
- Applying wet removal techniques to minimise dust generation
- Bagging and labelling waste in accordance with EPA Victoria requirements
DIY or unlicensed removal is not only illegal—it dramatically increases the risk of fibre release, contaminating the environment and endangering lives.
How can you prevent asbestos issues in your commercial building?
The best prevention strategy is proactive management. Here’s how to reduce your risk:
- Conduct regular asbestos audits, particularly before fit-outs or renovations
- Keep your Asbestos Register and Management Plan current and accessible
- Train staff and contractors on safe handling procedures
- Collaborate with licensed assessors and removalists for all works involving ACMs
These steps not only ensure safety but also demonstrate your commitment to workplace compliance and duty of care.
Who in your business is most at risk of asbestos exposure?
While everyone in the building may be affected by airborne asbestos, certain groups face higher risk:
- Maintenance and repair workers accessing roof spaces or wall cavities
- Cleaners disturbing settled dust in contaminated zones
- Contractors conducting electrical, plumbing, or HVAC work
- Tenants, clients, and visitors if ACMs are damaged or mishandled
As we explored in Removing Asbestos from Farm Sheds and Barns: What Every Landowner Should Know, even outdoor and rural structures can harbour dangerous asbestos products. In commercial settings throughout Frankston, this risk is amplified by regular occupancy and maintenance routines.
What comes next for commercial asbestos management?
Identifying the presence of asbestos is only the beginning. In our next article, How Much Does Asbestos Removal Cost in Frankston? A Realistic Breakdown we’ll provide a practical checklist to help you meet WorkSafe requirements and avoid costly errors.
Don’t wait for a WorkSafe audit to uncover asbestos risks
If you manage or own a commercial property in Frankston or the surrounding suburbs, now is the time to act. Staying compliant isn’t optional—it’s your legal obligation.
📱 Book a professional asbestos inspection with Phase One Asbestos today. Message us directly via our [Facebook Page] to get started.