Asbestos Encapsulation — Safe Work Method Statement
Safe Work Method Statement for the encapsulation of non-friable asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in situ, using penetrating sealants, bridging sealants, or enclosing materials to prevent fibre release without full removal.
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Asbestos encapsulation is a recognised management strategy for in-situ ACM that is in good condition and is not being disturbed by the proposed works. Rather than removing the ACM — which itself creates a disturbance risk — encapsulation applies a penetrating or bridging sealant, or encloses the material, to prevent fibre release and extend the useful life of the ACM until a future planned removal. This approach is consistent with the Safe Work Australia Model Code of Practice: How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace and should be documented in the site's asbestos management plan.
Encapsulation does not require a removal licence provided the ACM is not being removed or disturbed during the process. However, the work must be carried out by a competent person who is trained in asbestos awareness and safe work procedures in accordance with Regulation 422 of the model WHS Regulations. Any preparatory work involving minor disturbance of ACM — such as surface cleaning or crack repair — must be assessed and may require unlicensed or licensed removal procedures depending on the area and nature of disturbance.
Sealant selection is critical. Penetrating sealants (e.g. sodium silicate-based products) are suitable for porous ACM surfaces, while bridging sealants (paint-type encapsulants) form a surface film over the ACM. Products must be specifically formulated for asbestos encapsulation and applied in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions. Workers must wear a minimum P2 half-face respirator compliant with AS/NZS 1716 and disposable coveralls during application, even though fibre generation is expected to be minimal.
When customising this template, confirm the ACM condition assessment by a licensed asbestos assessor, specify the encapsulant product and application method, and update the site asbestos register to reflect the encapsulation treatment date, product used, and next inspection date. The asbestos register must be maintained and available on site at all times under Regulation 425.
This template is applicable across all Australian states and territories. Victorian users should refer to the OHS Regulations 2017 (Part 4.4) and the WorkSafe Victoria Compliance Code on asbestos management.
Personal Protective Equipment
High Risk Construction Work Types
- •Work with or near asbestos
Risk Assessment
1.Assessment and suitability determination for encapsulation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Encapsulation applied to ACM not suitable for the method — leading to later fibre release | High | Commission a licensed asbestos assessor to inspect and assess the condition of all ACM proposed for encapsulation. Encapsulation is only appropriate for non-friable ACM in good structural condition with no delamination, crumbling, or water damage. Friable ACM, severely damaged non-friable ACM, or ACM in areas of high damage risk must be removed — not encapsulated. Document the assessor's findings and written recommendation in the asbestos register before encapsulation commences. | Low | Licensed Asbestos Assessor / Site Manager |
2.Preparing the ACM surface for encapsulation
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre release during surface preparation activities | High | Do not abrade, sand, grind, drill, or use high-pressure water on ACM surfaces. Clean surfaces by wet wiping with a damp cloth only — use amended water (PVA or wetting agent added). Where loose or detaching fibres are present, apply a first coat of penetrating encapsulant using a low-pressure spray or brush before any other surface work. Dispose of all wipes and cleaning materials as asbestos waste in sealed, labelled bags. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
3.Applying penetrating or bridging encapsulant
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inadequate coverage leaving exposed ACM fibres | High | Apply encapsulant to manufacturer's specification — minimum film thickness and number of coats as directed. Use a brush for edges and corners before roller/spray application. Apply two coats with the second coat applied at 90° to the first. The encapsulant must penetrate into the matrix of the material (penetrating type) or form a continuous bridging film with no pinholes (bridging type). Inspect and document coverage after each coat — apply additional coats to any areas with inadequate film formation. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
| Inhalation of encapsulant fumes in enclosed spaces | Moderate | Ensure adequate ventilation during and after encapsulant application — open all windows and doors and use forced-air ventilation fans where the space is enclosed. Read the SDS for the specific encapsulant product and comply with ventilation requirements. Do not use spray application in enclosed spaces without respiratory protection and enhanced ventilation. Monitor for product-specific exposure limits using personal air monitoring if required by the SDS. | Low | Workers / Supervisor |
4.Enclosure installation over ACM
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical disturbance of ACM during enclosure installation | High | Where ACM is to be physically enclosed (e.g., plasterboard, rigid panels installed over it), design the enclosure so that no fasteners penetrate the ACM — use framing secured to adjacent structure only. If fastening into ACM cannot be avoided, wet the drill point first and use slow-speed drilling with on-tool HEPA vacuum extraction. Keep enclosure access panels clearly labelled 'ASBESTOS — DO NOT REMOVE'. Update the asbestos register to reflect the enclosure method and location. | Low | Workers / Supervisor / Site Manager |
5.Waste management and site clearance
| Hazard / Risk | Initial Risk | Control Measures | Residual Risk | Responsibility |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Asbestos waste not identified or disposed of incorrectly | High | All materials that have contacted ACM (wipes, cleaning cloths, PPE, packaging materials, overspray materials) are asbestos waste and must be double-bagged in 200-micron labelled asbestos waste bags. Transport and dispose of asbestos waste via a licensed asbestos waste transporter to a licensed landfill. Retain waste disposal receipts. Have a licensed asbestos assessor conduct a visual clearance inspection after work is completed and before reoccupation. Update the asbestos register with details of the encapsulation work completed. | Low | Site Manager / Waste Transporter |
Relevant Codes of Practice
Worker Acknowledgement
By signing below, I confirm that I have read, understood and agree to comply with this Safe Work Method Statement.