As of the most recent data, it is estimated that a significant portion of Australia’s existing commercial buildings still contain asbestos, particularly those built before the 1980s when asbestos use was widespread in construction materials. However, there is no exact figure on the total number of commercial buildings with asbestos because comprehensive surveys or inventories of asbestos-containing buildings are challenging to compile. But we can draw from a few key points:

Estimates and Statistics

1. Widespread Use Before 1980s: Asbestos was widely used in the construction of commercial and industrial buildings in Australia until the late 1980s. By some estimates, over 30% of buildings constructed before 1990 may contain some form of asbestos, and this includes both residential and commercial buildings.
2. Prevalence in Industrial and Commercial Sectors: Many commercial buildings constructed in the 1960s and 1970s—such as offices, warehouses, factories, and retail spaces—still contain asbestos products like asbestos cement (fibro) sheets for roofing and walls, asbestos insulation on pipes and ducts, and asbestos flooring materials.
3. National Asbestos Exposure Database: The Australian government has acknowledged the need for ongoing management and monitoring of asbestos risks, and tools like Asbestos Awareness Week and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) support awareness campaigns. While exact statistics on the number of commercial buildings containing asbestos are not easy to come by, it’s clear that thousands of older commercial buildings still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
4. Asbestos Registers: By law, any building that contains asbestos must have an Asbestos Register that identifies the location, type, and condition of asbestos materials. This is particularly important in commercial buildings where there is regular employee and public access. The register should be maintained and updated regularly, and it is essential for anyone involved in renovations, maintenance, or demolition to consult the register beforehand.

Challenges in Estimating Numbers

• Lack of Comprehensive National Survey: While the National Asbestos Exposure Register helps document known cases of exposure, there isn’t a single, national registry of buildings with asbestos. Many buildings, especially those that have not undergone major renovations, may not have their asbestos materials identified in an official capacity.
• Renovation and Removal: Asbestos is often removed during renovations or demolition work, and in these cases, the asbestos-containing materials might not be present in the final building. However, this varies greatly from site to site, and some buildings may still have asbestos hidden behind walls, ceilings, or flooring.

Risk and Asbestos Management

The presence of asbestos in commercial buildings is a serious safety concern. However, when asbestos is well-maintained and undisturbed, it generally poses a low risk. The main risks occur during renovations, demolition, or if the asbestos-containing materials are damaged or deteriorated.

Key Points for Commercial Building Owners:

• Asbestos Identification: Building owners and managers should hire licensed asbestos inspectors to identify asbestos-containing materials and update their Asbestos Register.
• Regular Inspections: Buildings with known asbestos should be regularly inspected to ensure materials are intact and not posing a risk to health.
• Asbestos Management Plans: If a building contains asbestos, an Asbestos Management Plan must be in place. This plan outlines the procedures for safely managing and removing asbestos when needed.
• Professional Removal: Asbestos removal should always be done by licensed and trained professionals in accordance with local regulations to prevent exposure to harmful fibres.

While exact numbers are difficult to ascertain, it is safe to say that thousands of commercial buildings in Australia still contain asbestos, particularly those built before 1990. Building owners and employers need to be proactive in managing asbestos risks to protect the health of workers, contractors, and building occupants.

If you have a specific location or building type in mind, I can help provide more detailed guidance.