When planning a commercial development or site upgrade in Western Australia, the demolition phase is rarely as simple as bringing in an excavator. For business owners, property developers, and project managers dealing with older properties, the presence of hazardous materials is a critical factor that dictates the entire timeline.
Chief among these hazards is asbestos. Trying to treat it as a minor detail or an afterthought can lead to severe site contamination, massive project delays, and heavy legal penalties. That is why professional commercial asbestos removal Perth developers trust must always be the very first step of the demolition process.
Here is a practical guide to understanding how asbestos impacts your commercial demolition project and how Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage handles the process safely and efficiently.
Why Asbestos Must Be Removed Before Mechanical Demolition
In commercial and industrial structures, the order of work matters immensely. At Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage, we operate under a strict rule: asbestos removal comes before demolition, not during it. Once a building is actively brought down by heavy machinery, it becomes impossible to control how materials break apart and disperse. If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are mechanically crushed, microscopic fibres become airborne, creating a severe health risk for the crew and the surrounding public.
By conducting comprehensive commercial asbestos removal, Perth business owners can ensure a safer pathway for the mechanical works that follow. It allows the project to proceed in a highly structured, compliant order:
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Identify all hazardous materials.
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Remove the asbestos safely using licensed personnel.
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Complete the required cartage and secure disposal.
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Proceed with full mechanical demolition and site clearance.
Where Does Asbestos Hide in Commercial Properties?
Because asbestos was prized for its fire resistance and durability, it was used extensively in Perth’s commercial and industrial buildings constructed before 1990. During our site assessments, we frequently identify asbestos in far more places than clients expect.
Common materials that require professional removal include:
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Extensive corrugated asbestos roof sheeting.
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Asbestos wall cladding and fencing.
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Vinyl floor tiles and industrial laminates.
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Electrical backing boards and switchboards.
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Asbestos-contaminated soil requires specialised remediation.
Discovering these materials halfway through a job is a developer’s worst nightmare. By identifying them upfront during the planning stage, you can accurately budget for their safe removal without derailing your timeline.
Proven Experience on Large-Scale Perth Projects
Commercial asbestos removal is vastly different from a residential bathroom strip-out. It requires rigorous containment, specialised equipment, and strict site coordination. Experience matters enormously, and Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage has been handling Perth’s most complex projects since 1974.
Our team has successfully managed massive, high-risk asbestos operations, including:
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Coventry Markets in Morley: Safely removing 22,000m² of asbestos roof sheeting along with internal asbestos materials.
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The former James Hardie Manufacturing Plant (Welshpool): Handling the extensive removal of asbestos-clad warehouses and outbuildings.
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North Quay Wool-Dumpers Sheds (Fremantle): Managing the safe dismantling of a large asbestos-clad structure located near highly sensitive, active port infrastructure.
Projects of this scale prove that we have the technical capability and the disciplined safety management systems required for any commercial site.
The Brajkovich Advantage: Complete End-to-End Disposal
One of the biggest advantages we offer commercial clients is that we do not just remove the asbestos and hand the problem off to someone else.
Brajkovich Demolition & Salvage is Perth’s only contractor equipped with our own dedicated recycling facilities and a DWER-licensed landfill facility. This means we manage the entire lifecycle of the hazardous material—from the initial removal on your site to the secure cartage and final compliant disposal.
By keeping the entire process in-house, we give project managers total confidence. There are no third-party delays, no chain-of-custody issues, and complete transparency from start to finish. Furthermore, safely clearing the site of asbestos is exactly what allows us to subsequently salvage high-quality recycled building materials, supporting a more sustainable approach to commercial demolition.
Start Your Commercial Project The Right Way
If you are planning the demolition of an older commercial or industrial site, do not wait until you book the bulldozers to think about asbestos. Early assessment is the key to a smooth, stress-free project.
For the industry-leading commercial asbestos removal Perth developers have relied on since 1974, contact us today.
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Call our Office: (08) 9227 8222
- Office Address: 281 Newcastle St, Northbridge WA 6003
