Asbestos removal in Toowoomba

Asbestos removal in Toowoomba is usually about one of a handful of jobs: an old roof, a fibro fence, a backyard shed, vinyl flooring or wall sheeting. We remove bonded (non-friable) asbestos from homes and commercial buildings in Toowoomba and the towns around it. If you are not sure what you have, call us on (07) 3185 2323 and we will talk it through.

What we remove

Most of the asbestos we see in older buildings is asbestos cement. It is hard, flat or corrugated sheeting that holds the fibres firmly inside the cement. It is called non-friable or bonded asbestos. Left alone and in good condition, it is a low risk. The risk starts when it is cut, drilled or broken.

We remove:

• roof sheeting, ridge capping and gutters
• fences, carports, sheds and garages
• wall, eaves and bathroom sheeting
• vinyl floor tiles and their adhesive
• other bonded products found during renovations

We work on residential and commercial properties, and we also handle testing, disposal, site cleaning, demolition and strip outs.

Why older Toowoomba properties often have it

Asbestos cement sheeting was widely used in Australian buildings from the 1940s to the late 1980s. The national ban came in on 31 December 2003, but it does not apply to material that was already installed. As a rule of thumb, a home built before 1990 is likely to contain some asbestos.

Most homes in Toowoomba are separate houses, so extensions, sheds and fences added over the years are often where the sheeting turns up. You can read more about each in our guides on asbestos roof removal and asbestos fence removal.

Our licence and what it covers

Our contractors hold a Class B licence. That covers bonded, non-friable asbestos. It does not cover friable asbestos, which is asbestos that crumbles or can be reduced to powder by hand. Fire-damaged asbestos, sprayed insulation, low density fibre board and the felt backing under some old sheet vinyl all fall into that group.

If your job is friable, a Class A licensed removalist is needed. Call us anyway. We will tell you straight what we can do and what needs a Class A removalist, so you do not lose time chasing the wrong person.

We carry $20 million public liability insurance. Whoever you hire, ask to see their licence first.

How a removal job runs

Every job is a little different, but the steps are usually these.

1. Identify. We look at the material and, where needed, a sample goes to a lab. You cannot tell asbestos by looking at it.
2. Plan. We prepare the Asbestos Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS) for your job.
3. Remove. The area is controlled, the material is kept wet where it is safe to do so, and it is taken out without breaking it up.
4. Wrap and transport. Waste is wrapped, sealed and labelled, then taken to a facility licensed to receive it.
5. Clean. We do a complete site clean so dust and fragments are not left behind.
6. Clear. An independent assessor or competent person inspects the area. That person is separate from the removal crew. You receive a clearance certificate when the job is done.

For wall and ceiling work, see asbestos wall and eaves sheeting removal. For sheds and garages, see asbestos shed and garage removal.

Can I remove it myself?

In Queensland, a homeowner can remove 10 square metres or less of bonded asbestos without a licence, as long as they follow the safety rules. That is roughly four wall sheets. The whole job counts, so you cannot split a bigger job into smaller days to stay under the limit. Over 10 square metres, you need a licensed contractor or the right certificate.

Many people hire it out, because the wrapping, disposal and cleaning rules are strict. Rules do change, so check the current requirements at asbestos.qld.gov.au.

Not sure yet? Test first

If you suspect a material but have not confirmed it, start with asbestos testing. A sample sent to a NATA-accredited lab gives a definite answer.

We answer the phone Monday to Friday from 8am to 8pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 5pm. Our base is at 1 Margaret St, East Toowoomba.