In this guide
- • What Codes of Practice actually are
- • Whether you have to follow them
- • The two key asbestos codes — explained
- • How they map to real-world projects
The Work Health and Safety legislation tells you what you must do. The Codes of Practice tell you how to do it properly. They are the practical, step-by-step playbook used by:
- Consultants
- Contractors
- Inspectors
- Regulators
What are Codes of Practice?
Codes of Practice are official guidance documents developed by Safe Work Australia and adopted in South Australia under the WHS framework. They translate broad legal duties into specific, repeatable steps.
- Not laws themselves
- But legally recognised under the WHS Act
- Used as the benchmark for compliance
Are they mandatory?
In practice:
- If you follow the Code → you are considered compliant
- If you don't → you must prove your method is equally safe
- In enforcement or legal situations, Codes are the reference standard
The two key asbestos codes
Two Safe Work Australia Codes of Practice carry the bulk of the asbestos detail. One covers ongoing management, the other covers removal.
How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace (2024)
The rulebook for living with asbestos safely.
What it focuses on
- Identifying asbestos
- Creating registers
- Risk assessment
- Management plans
- Ongoing monitoring
What it requires in practice
- You must locate or assume asbestos
- You must record it (register)
- You must manage it (AMP)
- You must inform anyone working on site
Real-world example
A commercial building has asbestos cement sheeting in good condition. You don't remove it immediately — you label it, record it on the register, and monitor it through the management plan.
How to Safely Remove Asbestos (2024)
The rulebook for removing asbestos safely without exposing anyone.
What it focuses on
- Safe removal procedures
- Licensing requirements
- Containment and control
- PPE and decontamination
- Waste disposal
- Clearance processes
What it requires in practice
- Correct removal method for the material
- Licensed contractors (where required)
- Controlled work zones
- Proper disposal to a licensed facility
- Independent clearance before re-entry
Real-world example
A wall containing asbestos is being demolished. The area is isolated, a licensed removalist is engaged, the material is removed under controlled conditions, and a clearance certificate is issued before works continue.
How law and codes work together
The simple breakdown:
Your legal duty
"Manage asbestos risk so far as reasonably practicable."
How to meet that duty
- → Maintain a register
- → Create a management plan
- → Review regularly
- → Inform workers and contractors
See the underlying SA legislation
Don't leave it on the page
Act on what you just read.
When the codes apply
The codes apply during:
- Property management
- Routine maintenance
- Renovations
- Demolition
- Asbestos removal works
Why they matter to property owners
If the codes are not followed:
- Work may be shut down
- You may be liable as the duty holder
- Safety risks increase for workers and occupants
- Insurance issues can arise after an incident
Common misunderstandings
"The contractor handles it"
You still carry responsibility as the duty holder. The contractor's compliance does not transfer your obligations.
"We have a register, so we're covered"
Only if it is current and actively used. A stale register that no one references fails the management code.
"Removal is straightforward"
It is highly controlled and regulated work — the removal code sets specific licensing, containment, and clearance steps.
How this looks on AX4 projects
In real projects, code-aligned compliance looks like:
- 1Register created or reviewed
- 2Management plan implemented
- 3Works planned with code references
- 4Code-compliant removal arranged
- 5Independent clearance completed
- 6Register updated to reflect changes
Practical takeaways
To stay aligned with the Codes:
- Maintain a current asbestos register
- Ensure an active management plan is in place
- Engage licensed professionals where required
- Never disturb materials without an appropriate assessment
Get a code-aligned review
AX4 can review your current setup, identify gaps against the Safe Work Australia Codes, and provide clear, compliant solutions you can act on.
- Register and management plan audit
- Gap analysis against current Codes (2024)
- Plain-English remediation plan
Now act on what you just read.
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Book nowDisclaimer: this is a plain-English overview of the Safe Work Australia asbestos Codes of Practice as adopted in South Australia. It is not legal advice. Refer to the official Codes published by Safe Work Australia and consult a qualified adviser for site-specific decisions.