Planning to renovate your property? It’s very important to identify any asbestos-containing materials before starting any work.
We strongly advise hiring a professional service provider to identify and remove the asbestos. Find a licensed asbestos removalist. Every person involved in the handling and disposing of asbestos must comply with the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992.
Asbestos is found in many parts of older homes, including:
Asbestos-containing products in good condition are generally safe. However, if cut, drilled, sanded or machined they can release asbestos fibres into the air. Inhaling these fibres can cause lung diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
All people involved in handling and disposing of asbestos must comply with the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992.
Licensed removalist required: Any business contracted to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos, or any amount of friable (loose) asbestos, must hold an Asbestos Removal Licence issued by the Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety.
Small amounts: Homeowners may remove small amounts of non-friable asbestos themselves (up to 10m²), but must follow strict safety procedures including wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and wetting the material before removal to prevent fibres becoming airborne.
When in doubt, always use a licensed professional.
Asbestos waste must be disposed of at an approved facility and cannot be placed in your household bins or taken to a standard tip. It must be double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, clearly labelled as asbestos waste, and taken to a facility licensed to accept it.
The National Asbestos Disposal Register records licensed disposal sites across Australia.
For more information on asbestos identification, protection from exposure, and relevant laws on asbestos management removal, please refer to the Asbestos Safety for Householders and Home Renovators Guide.
For additional resources refer to the following:
Information on safely disposing of asbestos and other hazardous materials.
