PO Box 222, Kedron
PO Box 222, Kedron
When it comes to home renovations or demolitions in Queensland, many home renovators wonder: Can you DIY asbestos removal? Asbestos, once commonly used in Australian building materials, now poses significant health and safety concerns. This blog will guide you through the risks, legal requirements and why engaging professionals like Urban Demolitions & Plant Hire is the safer choice.
In Queensland, homeowners can legally remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos without a licence. However, DIY
asbestos removal carries serious health risks and strict safety requirements. For larger areas or friable asbestos, professional, licenced
removal is mandatory. Choosing experts like Urban Demo ensures compliance, safety and peace of mind.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in construction due to its heat resistance and durability. It can be found in roofing, wall sheeting, fences, insulation and floor tiles. Common asbestos-containing materials include asbestos cement wall sheeting, insulation and floor coverings.
When asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, tiny asbestos fibres can become airborne and, if inhaled, can cause serious diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure. These illnesses often develop decades after exposure, making asbestos a hidden but deadly risk.
Many homes built in Queensland before 2003 still contain asbestos materials, particularly in older roofing, wall linings, fences and
insulation. This makes asbestos management a common concern for Brisbane homeowners undertaking renovations.
According to the Australian Government Asbestos Safety and
Eradication Agency,
DIY asbestos removal is not recommended, and even small amounts can pose health risks if not properly handled.
In Queensland, homeowners are legally allowed to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos materials without a licence. Anything over this limit requires a homeowner’s certificate obtained through an approved asbestos safety course.
The Queensland Government Asbestos website confirms that if you plan to remove more than 10 square metres, you must obtain a certificate and strictly comply with public health regulations.
Even if you are legally permitted to undertake DIY asbestos removal, the Queensland Government strongly advises extreme caution.
If you plan to proceed with DIY asbestos removal, you must:
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency provides
detailed guidelines on required safety measures for DIY removal and urges homeowners to carefully assess whether they have the skills,
experience and equipment to do the job safely.
DIY asbestos removal is fraught with health, legal and financial risks:
"According to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, even small-scale asbestos removal work can pose significant health risks if
not handled correctly."
Attempting to remove asbestos over 10 square metres without the proper certificate or licence is illegal in Queensland. Unlicensed asbestos removal can result in severe legal penalties, exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres and costly environmental clean-up requirements.
Refer to the Queensland
Government Asbestos website for specific regulations on certificates and public health laws.
Professional licensed asbestos removalists like Urban Demo have extensive experience, proper training and the right equipment to safely
remove asbestos-containing materials.
Licensed asbestos removal work ensures all procedures comply with Queensland’s strict regulatory standards, protecting both the homeowner and the broader community.
Professionals know how to safely remove, transport and dispose of asbestos and other asbestos waste in accordance with all regulations, minimising health risks.
Choosing a licensed asbestos removalist provides confidence that the job is done correctly, safely and without the risk of costly mistakes.
Urban Demolitions & Plant Hire is Brisbane’s trusted demolition and asbestos removal specialist. With over 15 years of experience, a fully licensed team and a family-owned commitment to honest, reliable service, Urban Demo makes asbestos removal simple and stress-free.
Our customers love our down-to-earth approach, competitive pricing and our ability to manage the entire process from inspection to safe clearance.
Vince and the team went above and beyond to support us through the demolition process. They did an excellent job at removing a huge amount of asbestos before demolition occurred and left the site vacant and in great condition for our builder to take over. We found Vince to be extremely reliable and honest and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him and his team.
Never attempt to disturb asbestos until you’ve consulted a licensed asbestos removalist.
Asbestos removal isn’t just about following the law – it’s about looking out for the health and the safety of you and your family. While Queensland law allows limited DIY asbestos removal of non-friable asbestos, the risks far outweigh the cost savings.
For peace of mind, safety and professional results, contact Urban Demo today. Call 0419 026 223 or request
a free quote online.
