FAQs
1. How do I know if my property contains asbestos?
As a general rule in Australia, if your home or commercial building was built or renovated before 1990, it is highly likely to contain asbestos materials. It is often found in “wet areas” (kitchens, bathrooms, laundries), external cladding, roofing, and fencing. Because asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, the only way to be 100% sure is through professional testing and lab analysis.
2. Is it legal for me to remove asbestos myself?
In Queensland, homeowners are permitted to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. However, it is highly discouraged due to the extreme health risks involved. Any amount over 10sqm, or any amount of friable (crumbly) asbestos, must by law be removed by a licensed Class A or Class B asbestos removalist.
3. What is the difference between Class A and Class B removal?
Class B: This license allows for the removal of non-friable asbestos, such as cement sheeting (villaboard), roof shingles, and fencing.
Class A: This is the highest level of licensing. It allows for the removal of all types of asbestos, including “friable” material, which is easily crumbled into dust (like pipe insulation or fireproofing) and poses the highest risk of inhalation.
4. How long does the removal process take?
Most residential jobs, such as removing an asbestos fence or clearing out a bathroom, can be completed within one to two days. Larger commercial projects or complex roof removals may take longer. We provide a specific timeline with every quote so you can plan accordingly.
5. Do I need to leave my home during the removal?
For most internal removals, we require the area to be completely sealed off, and residents must remain outside the designated “exclusion zone.” For large-scale internal work, it is often safer and more convenient for residents to vacate the property for the day. We will discuss the specific safety plan for your project during our initial site visit.
6. How is asbestos waste disposed of?
Asbestos cannot be put in your regular bin or taken to a standard tip. We follow strict EPA Queensland guidelines: all waste is double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, sealed, and transported in tracked vehicles to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. We provide all necessary waste disposal documentation for your records.
7. What is a "Clearance Certificate" and do I need one?
A Clearance Certificate is a formal document issued after an inspection to confirm that an area is safe to reoccupy. In Queensland, for any licensed asbestos removal work, an independent person must inspect the site and issue this certificate before the “exclusion zone” is dismantled. This gives you peace of mind that no dangerous fibres remain.