If you’ve discovered asbestos in your home, your first instinct might be to deal with it yourself, especially if you’re planning a renovation or trying to save on costs. But asbestos isn’t like other building materials. It poses serious health risks if not handled properly, and there are strict laws in Australia around who can remove it and how.
So, can you remove asbestos yourself?
The answer is yes but only in very limited circumstances, and with the right safety procedures in place.
The Law on DIY Asbestos Removal in Australia
Across most Australian states and territories, homeowners are legally allowed to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos themselves, without a licence. Anything over 10m² must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist.
What’s Non-friable Asbestos?
Non-friable asbestos (also called bonded asbestos) is asbestos that’s mixed with other materials like cement. It’s commonly found in:
- Fibre cement sheeting (used in walls, ceilings, and fences)
- Eaves and soffits
- Bathroom wall linings
- Old vinyl tiles or floor backing
If it’s not crumbling, damaged, or sanded, it’s considered less likely to release harmful fibres but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to work with casually.
When You Cannot Remove Asbestos Yourself
There are strict limits on when DIY removal is not allowed:
- If the material is friable (easily crumbled or powdered)
- If the area is larger than 10 square metres
- If the asbestos is in a commercial building or apartment complex
- If removal may disturb or break up the material in a way that releases fibres
In any of these cases, asbestos removal must be carried out by a Class B (or Class A, for friable) licensed asbestos removalist.
Is It Safe to Remove Asbestos Yourself?
Even if it’s legal to remove a small amount of bonded asbestos yourself, it’s still not entirely safe unless you know what you’re doing. Improper removal can release microscopic asbestos fibres into the air, and once inhaled, they can stay in your lungs for decades.
Diseases linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
There is no safe level of asbestos exposure, which is why most professionals strongly advise against DIY removal, even for small areas.
What Safety Measures Are Required?
If you do choose to remove a small section of bonded asbestos yourself, you must follow strict safety protocols:
- Wear PPE: Disposable coveralls, P2 respirator, gloves, and eye protection
- Do not break or saw the material: Avoid any actions that generate dust or break the sheeting
- Wet the surface: Lightly mist the area with water to reduce dust
- Wrap it up: Double wrap all waste in labelled 200μm thick plastic sheeting and seal it with duct tape
- Transport it correctly: Take it to an authorised asbestos disposal facility, never put it in your kerbside bin
Be sure to check your local council’s asbestos disposal requirements before starting.
Why It’s Better to Use a Licensed Professional?
Even when the law allows it, asbestos removal is not worth the risk if you’re unsure of what you’re dealing with. Professional asbestos removalists are trained to:
- Identify different types of asbestos
- Remove and contain it without releasing fibres
- Dispose of it safely and legally
- Issue clearance certificates (if required)
- Protect surrounding areas like neighbouring properties, gardens, or water systems
In many cases, licensed teams also integrate asbestos removal into broader demolition services, especially during renovations, strip outs, or property clean-ups.
Penalties for Illegal Asbestos Removal
Removing asbestos without following the legal guidelines can result in heavy fines, particularly if fibres are released into the environment, neighbours are put at risk, or the waste is not disposed of properly.
Authorities in Australia take this very seriously and so they should, considering the long-term health impacts of mishandling asbestos.
Final Thoughts
So, can you remove your own asbestos? Technically yes, but only if it’s non-friable, under 10 square metres, and you follow all safety guidelines to the letter. Even then, it’s a risky job that’s best left to the professionals.
When it comes to asbestos, safety should always come first. What might feel like a cost-saving DIY job today could lead to serious health and legal issues tomorrow. If you’re ever unsure, don’t take the chance, call in a licensed expert.
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