How to wrap and transport asbestos in Queensland

Knowing how to wrap and transport asbestos in Queensland is what keeps fibres out of the air between your property and the disposal site. Most of the risk in a small job comes after the sheet is off the wall, when it is being packed and carried.

This guide belongs with our asbestos disposal in Toowoomba overview. It covers packing and moving. For the destination, see where to dispose of asbestos in Toowoomba.

Before you wrap anything

Keep the material wet while you work, unless wetting it is dangerous, for example on a roof. Wear a P2 respirator and disposable coveralls. Lay down plastic drop sheets so offcuts and dust land on something you can wrap.

Do not saw, sand, scrape or drill asbestos to make it fit a bag. Do not use high pressure water, compressed air or a household vacuum cleaner to clean up, not even one with a HEPA filter.

The Queensland standard

Asbestos waste must be double wrapped in 0.2 mm thick plastic bags or sheeting. Seal it with tape. Then label it.

The 0.2 mm figure is the same as 200 micron, which is how plastic is often sold. Ordinary garbage bags are usually much thinner, so check the thickness on the packet.

What Toowoomba Regional Council asks for

The council gives two options for packing asbestos you plan to bring to its facility.

1. Double bag it, using bags at least 200 micron thick. Tape each bag. Keep each bag no larger than 1200 mm by 900 mm.
2. Double wrap it in 200 micron plastic. There is no size limit with this method.

Every package must be labelled as asbestos, whichever method you use.

What to write on the label

Queensland guidance suggests wording along these lines:

• CAUTION - ASBESTOS
• DO NOT DAMAGE OR OPEN BAG
• DO NOT INHALE DUST

Use a marker or a printed label that will not wash off or peel away. The aim is that anyone who handles the package later knows exactly what is inside.

Put the protective gear in with the waste

Disposable coveralls, wipes, tape and drop sheets are asbestos waste too. Wipe all surfaces down with damp cloths, then bag everything with the rest. Wipe your boots, take off the coveralls, and shower when you finish.

Moving the load

Never put asbestos in a household bin. Pack the load so nothing can slide, tear or split on the way.

Weight matters because of what the law requires:

• Up to 175 kg, a homeowner or contractor needs no environmental authority to carry it. As a guide, 175 kg of flat asbestos cement sheet is about a fifth of a normal household trailer.
• Above 175 kg, an environmental authority for regulated waste transport is needed.
• Waste tracking applies above 250 kg for non-commercial carriers, and to all commercial operators at any quantity.

Having a removal licence does not give you permission to transport asbestos. That needs a separate approval. We explain the paperwork in asbestos waste rules for businesses and builders.

The skip option

Instead of bags, you can use a plastic-lined industrial skip from a waste contractor who holds an environmental authority for regulated waste transport. Ask the contractor to confirm that before you book.

Check the current rules

Packaging and transport requirements can change. Confirm them at asbestos.qld.gov.au and, for the council's own requirements, at tr.qld.gov.au.

Not sure your material is bonded, or the job is bigger than you thought? Take a look at our homepage or call us on (07) 3185 2323 and we can talk through who should do the work.