Older Western Australian homes can have switchboard panels made from asbestos containing materials. Building and Energy has published a fact sheet on the health risk and on who can remove these panels. This is our plain-language summary. [1]
The risk
Repair work is often carried out on older homes that have switchboard panels made from asbestos containing materials. Breathing in airborne asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. [1]
Who can remove asbestos
WA work health and safety laws require asbestos to be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. There are two classes. A Class A licence covers all types and amounts of asbestos. A Class B licence covers only non-friable asbestos. [1]
The fact sheet gives switchboard panels as an example of non-friable asbestos, which is asbestos containing material other than friable asbestos. [1]
No more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos can be removed without a licence. The fact sheet says this means an electrician can remove less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos, such as a switchboard panel, and replace it with a non-asbestos alternative during maintenance work. The electrician must be trained and competent in the removal of asbestos and use safe work methods. [1]
What the regulations require in a workplace
The fact sheet says that for asbestos in a workplace, the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022 require the following: [1]
- People must not be exposed to asbestos dust.
- Asbestos must be identified, labelled and the risks assessed by a competent person.
- A register and management plan must be available, detailing the type, location and condition of the asbestos, and be reviewed regularly.
- An appropriate licence must be held for removal of any quantity of friable asbestos containing materials, or more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos containing materials.
- WorkSafe must be notified of all licensed asbestos removal work at least 5 days before it starts.
- Waste asbestos and contaminated personal protective equipment must be double wrapped, correctly labelled, securely transported and disposed of at a licensed disposal facility.
- Asbestos work areas must be left free of visible asbestos residue.
- Records must be kept, and WorkSafe notified, if a person has been exposed to asbestos.
- Health monitoring by a registered medical practitioner must be provided where there is a risk to health from asbestos.
Talk to us
Elysium Electrical Contractors is a licensed Perth electrical contractor, Licence EC 16523. We carry out switchboard upgrades. See our switchboard upgrades page. Call 08 9930 2061 or send us an enquiry.
Sources (read on 24 October 2026)
- Building and Energy, Switchboard panel repair work and asbestos safety (August 2024): wa.gov.au
Summary written by Elysium in our own words from the official fact sheet. Elysium is not connected to Building and Energy.
General information only. It is not legal advice. Rules change, so confirm current requirements with Building and Energy on 1300 489 099.
