School Asbestos Removal

At Rapid Asbestos Removals, we understand the critical importance of ensuring a safe and healthy environment for students, teachers, and staff. Asbestos, once a common building material, poses severe health risks when disturbed, particularly in educational settings where occupants spend prolonged periods.

School asbestos removal

With extensive experience across commercial, education and public facilities, Rapid Asbestos Removals specialises in asbestos removal and disposal for bonded, non-friable asbestos in schools, TAFEs and universities. We hold a Class B Asbestos Removal Licence and work with education providers, facility managers and contractors to plan removal works around school schedules, site requirements and safety expectations.

We are equipped to manage non-friable asbestos removal projects of varying sizes, following safe work practices and current WA requirements. Where testing, air monitoring or independent assessment is required, we can help coordinate the appropriate professionals and work alongside them throughout the wider project.

Asbestos removal for school buildings
Asbestos removal for school buildings

Asbestos in schools

In schools, asbestos was commonly used in building materials for its fire-resistant and insulating properties. Common areas where asbestos can be found include:

  • Ceilings and walls: Asbestos-containing materials were often used in ceiling tiles, wall plaster, and joint compounds for fireproofing and soundproofing purposes.
  • Flooring: Asbestos may be present in flooring, including vinyl floor tiles, linoleum, or the adhesive used to install flooring materials.
  • Roofing: Asbestos cement roofing materials were commonly used due to their durability and resistance to weathering.
  • Boilers and heating systems: Asbestos insulation may be found in boilers, furnaces, and heating ducts to improve energy efficiency.
  • Pipes and ducts: Older schools may contain asbestos around pipes, ductwork and other services. Some insulation products, including certain pipe lagging, can be friable. We can inspect suspected materials, arrange asbestos sampling and NATA-accredited laboratory testing, and help determine the appropriate next step. Where the material is bonded and non-friable, we can complete the removal under our Class B licence.

Identifying and managing asbestos in schools is crucial to protect the health and safety of students, teachers, and staff. Regular inspections and proper asbestos management plan practices are essential to minimise the risk of exposure.

If asbestos-containing materials are damaged or disturbed, it’s important to follow appropriate safety protocols for removal and abatement to prevent the release of harmful asbestos fibres into the air.

School asbestos removal service areas

Based in Perth, we extend our services across a wide geographical area, covering:

  • Perth Metro
  • East and North of the Swan River
  • Peel Region
  • South West
  • Wheatbelt

No matter where your school is located within these regions, Rapid Asbestos Removals is your reliable partner for swift and efficient asbestos remediation.

Close up of school building walls and windows.
Close up of school building walls and windows.

Our approach

  1. Review, testing and coordination: We start by reviewing the asbestos information available for the school, such as an asbestos register, management plan or previous test results. Where suspected materials require confirmation, we can arrange asbestos sampling and NATA-accredited laboratory testing. If additional assessment is required, we can help coordinate the appropriate professional and work with them to keep the project moving.
  2. Removal planning: Based on the confirmed asbestos information, site conditions and scope of work, we develop a tailored removal plan that prioritises safety, efficient delivery and minimal disruption to students, staff and school operations.
  3. Safe removal practices: Our licensed team employs advanced removal techniques to safely remove and dispose of bonded, non-friable asbestos using appropriate site controls, equipment and work methods in line with current WA requirements. We prepare the material for compliant transport and disposal while minimising disruption to the school environment.
  4. Disposal and documentation: We arrange compliant disposal of asbestos waste and provide the relevant removal and disposal documentation for your records. Any independent assessment or clearance documentation is completed by the appropriately qualified professional responsible for that work.
  5. Clearance coordination: Licensed asbestos removal work requires an independent clearance before the affected area can return to normal use. We can help coordinate the required independent professional to complete the clearance inspection and issue the clearance certificate. Air monitoring may also be required or recommended depending on the type and risk of the work.

Why choose Rapid Asbestos Removals?

At Rapid Asbestos Removals we pride ourselves on the following:

Experience We have extensive first-hand experience completing bonded, non-friable asbestos removal across commercial environments, including education facilities. Our team understands the importance of planning works around students, staff, contractors and school operations.
Safety first The safety of students, staff, and the environment is our top priority, and we go above and beyond to ensure compliance with safety regulations.
Efficiency We understand the importance of minimising disruption to your school's activities, and our efficient removal processes are designed with this in mind.
Compliance We keep our Class B asbestos removal work aligned with current WA requirements governing asbestos removal, following compliant work practices and providing the required documentation throughout each stage of the removal process.
Peace of mind When you choose Rapid Asbestos Removals, you can trust that your school's asbestos remediation needs are in capable hands, allowing you to focus on providing a safe learning environment for your students.

School asbestos removal with Rapid

Don’t compromise safety when it comes to asbestos removal in your school. Contact Rapid Asbestos Removals today to discuss your requirements and plan a safe removal process that considers students, staff, visitors and the day-to-day operation of your education facility.

Let us help you create a safer learning environment while coordinating works around your school schedule.

Customer success stories

Thank you Rapid Asbestos Removal for work and removal of my old asbestos shed. Steve was great to deal with in all aspects. From making an appointment to come have a look at the site, providing a quote and completing the work as scheduled. Although they may not be the cheapest but definitely worth paying the little extra for the good quality service. If you are considering any removal of asbestos from your property, I highly recommend speaking to Steve and his team. Thank you once again for your workmanship!

Richard de Mello

The Rapid team were great in removing 60sqm of eaves from our house. Communication was great, work was very thorough and well managed, and gave us confidence that our house is now safely asbestos free! The price was competitive and great value given their professionalism. Highly recommended!

Nick

Fantastic job done from rapid asbestos removal, they came to attend the job with a very short notice. Did a great job for a reasonable price. This is the kind of traders Perth needs!

Gianluca Aufieri

We had excellent service from Steven and would definitely recommend and use Rapid Asbestos again. Steven was able to come assess our property quickly, and at a time that suited us. He was very friendly and helpful, explaining lots of things we should be aware of and look out for in future. Samples were taken and we received the results back quickly.

Alex Doncon

Can not recommended anyone but Rapid for your asbestos removals. They removed the walls of a shed for me. Site was left incredibly clean! Very professional group!!

Glen Footer

Starting off I knew nothing about asbestos removal - James and his team were so helpful, prompt, courteous and professional. Just fantastic!

Lorraine Garrett

Highly recommend! Was a pleasure dealing with the Rapid team! Fast quoting and on time attendance. Went above and beyond!

Carly Addison

From start to finish James was a breeze to deal with. He came out within a few days to quote, communication was clear and timely throughout, job went ahead with no delays. Pricing was on par with other quotes, and they left the work area tidier than it was before they came!

Robert Yeoh

School asbestos removal frequently asked questions

Asbestos in schools is often found in older building materials, service areas and fire-resistant products. Common locations include ceiling panels, wall linings, vinyl floor tiles, flooring adhesive, pipe insulation, ductwork, eaves, asbestos cement roof sheeting, fire doors, switch rooms, plant rooms, wet areas, storerooms and older demountable buildings.

In school environments, asbestos is not always obvious. It may be hidden above ceilings, behind wall panels, beneath flooring, around old services, or in areas only accessed during maintenance. If these materials are drilled, cut, sanded, broken, removed, or disturbed during repairs and renovations, asbestos fibres can become airborne.

Yes, schools may need an asbestos register and asbestos management plan if asbestos or asbestos-containing material has been identified, is assumed to be present, or is likely to be present on the site.

An asbestos register records where known or assumed asbestos is located, what type of material it is and what condition it is in. An asbestos management plan explains how the school will manage those risks, communicate them to staff and contractors, control access, arrange inspections and plan safe removal where required.

This documentation is especially important in schools because many people may use the site, including students, teachers, cleaners, maintenance workers, trades, administration staff, visitors and after-school groups. If school asbestos removal is completed, the register and management plan should be updated so future works are based on current information.

A school asbestos management plan should clearly explain how asbestos risks will be identified, recorded, communicated and controlled across the site. It should be used alongside the school’s asbestos register, which lists the location, type and condition of known or assumed asbestos-containing materials.

A practical school asbestos management plan may include the asbestos register, site plans, labelling requirements, inspection schedules, maintenance procedures, contractor induction requirements, emergency response steps and details about when asbestos must be tested, repaired, sealed, or removed.

After school asbestos removal, the documentation should also be updated. Depending on the scope of work, this may include removal records, disposal receipts, JHA/SWMS documentation, permits or notifications, insurance details, air monitoring records where applicable, and a clearance certificate confirming the area has been inspected before it returns to normal use.

Yes, school asbestos removal can often be scheduled during school holidays, weekends, pupil-free days, or other planned closure periods. This is usually the preferred approach because it helps reduce disruption to learning and limits access to the removal area while work is underway.

The best timing depends on where the asbestos is located, how much material needs to be removed, whether the area can be isolated and whether clearance is required before students and staff return. Some works may be staged across different areas, such as classrooms, bathrooms, roof sections, plant rooms, service areas, offices, or covered walkways.

The aim is to keep the school running safely where possible. For larger or more complex projects, planning ahead is important so removal, disposal, cleaning, clearance and documentation can be completed before the area is used again.

The safest way to confirm whether suspected materials contain asbestos is to arrange sampling and have materials tested by a NATA-accredited laboratory. Rapid Asbestos Removals can assist with asbestos testing and help determine the appropriate next step based on the results. Where we are contracted to complete the removal work, asbestos testing is provided free of charge.

Yes, many school asbestos removal projects require a licensed asbestos removalist. In Western Australia, licensed asbestos removal work includes the removal of any friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.

Schools can be more complex than other commercial sites because they involve students, staff, contractors, public access areas, shared facilities, tight scheduling and strict safety expectations. Rapid Asbestos Removals holds a Class B restricted asbestos removal licence and specialises in bonded, non-friable asbestos removal. We can assist with planning, removal, compliant disposal and the documentation relevant needed for school records.

Using a licensed removalist also helps reduce the risk of asbestos exposure in schools, especially during maintenance, refurbishment, demolition, ceiling works, flooring removal, roof repairs and service upgrades.

Responsibility for managing asbestos in a school usually sits with the person or organisation that has management or control of the site. Depending on the school, this may include the school authority, education department, principal, business manager, facility manager, property manager, council, landlord, or another person conducting a business or undertaking.

Responsibilities may include identifying asbestos, maintaining an asbestos register, preparing an asbestos management plan, communicating asbestos risks to staff and contractors, arranging testing before works begin and organising licensed asbestos removal where required.

For practical purposes, anyone planning maintenance, renovation, demolition, ceiling works, roof repairs, service upgrades, or flooring removal should check the school’s asbestos documentation before work starts. This helps prevent accidental disturbance of asbestos-containing materials.

Yes, asbestos exposure in schools can be dangerous if asbestos-containing materials are damaged, deteriorating, or disturbed. The health risk comes from breathing in airborne asbestos fibres, which can cause serious diseases including asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Students and staff are not usually at risk simply because asbestos exists somewhere on a school site. If the material is sealed, stable and left undisturbed, it may be managed safely in place. The concern starts when asbestos is broken, drilled, cut, sanded, removed incorrectly, or disturbed during maintenance and renovation work.

If suspected asbestos is damaged or found during school works, stop work in the area, keep people away and arrange professional testing or advice. If removal is required, the area should not return to normal use until the correct clearance process has been completed.

Get in touch today

Asbestos is a dangerous material and only the most qualified and experienced people should carry out the work. At Rapid Asbestos Removals, we are committed to getting the job done to the highest possible standard. Talk to us today to find out how we can assist you.

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