Managing Asbestos Risks in Childcare Centres and Schools in QLD

Creating a safe environment for children is one of the highest priorities for every childcare centre and school in Queensland. While classrooms, playgrounds, and learning spaces are designed with safety in mind, many older educational buildings may still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) that were commonly used in construction before asbestos was banned. Although asbestos does not usually pose a risk when it remains in good condition and is left undisturbed, routine maintenance, renovations, storm damage, or ageing building materials can release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air. Because children, educators, contractors, and visitors use these facilities every day, managing asbestos risks is an essential part of maintaining a safe learning environment.

In this guide, we explain how childcare centres and schools in Queensland can effectively manage asbestos risks and meet their obligations under Queensland health and safety laws.

Why Older Schools and Childcare Centres May Contain Asbestos

Many education facilities built before the late 1980s were constructed using asbestos-containing products because they were durable, fire-resistant, and relatively inexpensive. Asbestos may still be found in areas such as:

• Roofing sheets
• Eaves and soffits
• Wall and ceiling linings
• Vinyl floor tiles
• Pipe lagging and insulation
• Electrical backing boards
• Fencing
• Plant rooms and maintenance areas

Not every older building contains asbestos, but if the construction date is unknown or the property has never been inspected, arranging professional asbestos testing is the safest approach before carrying out any maintenance or renovation work.

Why Asbestos Management Is Critical in Educational Facilities

Schools and childcare centres are unique environments because they are occupied by children every day. While asbestos materials that remain sealed and undisturbed generally present a low risk, accidental damage or poorly planned maintenance can expose staff, contractors, and building occupants to airborne fibres. Effective asbestos management helps:

• Protect children and educators
• Provide a safer workplace for staff
• Protect maintenance workers and contractors
• Prevent accidental disturbance during repairs
• Reduce health risks
• Meet Queensland WHS obligations

Taking a proactive approach also gives parents confidence that the facility is being maintained responsibly.

Regular Inspections Help Prevent Unexpected Problems

One of the best ways to manage asbestos risks is through regular inspections, particularly in older buildings. Professional inspections can identify:

• Deteriorating asbestos-containing materials
• Damage caused by storms or water leaks
• Areas affected by previous maintenance
• Materials that may require monitoring or removal

Regular inspections allow facility managers to address problems before they become safety risks or disrupt school operations.

Plan Maintenance and Renovations Carefully

Routine maintenance is unavoidable in schools and childcare centres, but every project should begin with an asbestos assessment if older building materials may be affected. This is particularly important for work involving:

• Roof replacements
• Air conditioning installations
• Electrical upgrades
• Plumbing works
• Ceiling repairs
• Painting preparation
• Building extensions
• Playground upgrades near older structures

Identifying asbestos before work starts helps prevent accidental fibre release and allows contractors to plan the project safely.

Keep an Accurate Asbestos Register

Where asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present, Queensland legislation may require an asbestos register to be maintained. A well-maintained asbestos register should include:

• The location of asbestos-containing materials
• Their condition
• Inspection dates
• Areas that have been removed
• Areas confirmed to be asbestos-free

The register should be reviewed whenever maintenance, renovations, or removal work is completed and made available to contractors before they begin work. Keeping accurate records helps prevent accidental disturbance and supports ongoing compliance.

When Should Asbestos Be Removed

Not every asbestos-containing material needs to be removed immediately. However, removal is generally recommended when:

• Materials are damaged or deteriorating
• Renovation work will disturb asbestos
• Demolition is planned
• Building upgrades require removal
• The asbestos can no longer be safely managed

Licensed asbestos removalists follow strict procedures to minimise fibre release while protecting building occupants and workers throughout the removal process.

Educating Staff and Contractors

Managing asbestos is not solely the responsibility of maintenance teams. Principals, facility managers, maintenance staff, contractors, and anyone working on the property should understand where asbestos is located and what procedures must be followed before beginning work. Providing access to the asbestos register and communicating known asbestos risks helps ensure maintenance and construction activities can be completed safely.

Why Professional Asbestos Management Is Essential

Managing asbestos in educational facilities requires specialised knowledge and experience. Professional asbestos contractors can assist with:

• Building inspections
• Asbestos testing
• Laboratory sample analysis
• Asbestos registers
• Risk assessments
• Licensed asbestos removal
• Safe transport and disposal

Working with experienced professionals helps schools and childcare providers protect children, staff, contractors, and visitors while ensuring compliance with Queensland regulations.

Final Thoughts

Managing asbestos risks in childcare centres and schools is about more than meeting legal obligations, it’s about protecting the health and wellbeing of everyone who uses the facility. Regular inspections, careful planning, accurate asbestos registers, and professional removal where required all play an important role in maintaining a safe learning environment. If your school or childcare centre occupies an older building, identifying and managing asbestos before maintenance or renovation work begins is one of the most effective ways to reduce risk and avoid costly disruptions.

Our experienced team provides professional asbestos inspections, testing, asbestos registers, licensed removal, transport, and compliant disposal services for schools, childcare centres, and educational facilities throughout Brisbane and South East Queensland. Whether you’re planning renovations, carrying out routine maintenance, or need help managing asbestos safely, we’re here to help. Contact us today for expert advice and a competitive quote for asbestos management services in Brisbane.