Removing small amounts of asbestos in Queensland

Removing small amounts of asbestos in Queensland is allowed for homeowners, but only within tight limits. The key number is 10 square metres. Stay at or under it, with bonded asbestos only, and you can do the work yourself without a certificate. Go over it and the rules change.

This guide explains the limit, the safety steps that still apply, and where the waste goes afterwards. It sits under our asbestos disposal in Toowoomba overview.

What the 10 m² rule actually says

Homeowners and owner-builders can remove 10 m² or less of non-friable (bonded) asbestos without a certificate. They still have to follow safety precautions.

To picture it, 10 m² is about four sheets of asbestos cement wall sheeting. It is also usually one wall of an average bathroom.

Over 10 m², a homeowner needs a certificate first, or must hire a contractor with the right licence. The certificate comes from an approved course, such as CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos.

The whole job counts

The 10 m² limit applies to the whole job. You cannot split a bigger job into smaller pieces over several weekends to stay under it. Anyone helping you also needs a certificate if the job goes over the limit.

What the rule does not cover

Homeowners must never remove friable asbestos. Examples include pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, the backing of old sheet vinyl and linoleum, and low density fibre board such as Asbestolux. Some felt carpet underlay is also friable.

Those jobs need a Class A licensed removalist. Our contractors hold a Class B licence, which covers bonded asbestos only. If your job involves friable material, call us and we will talk it through.

Safety rules for a small job

Even under 10 m², the work is not casual.

• Cordon off the area with barrier tape.
• Wear disposable coveralls and a P2 respirator, plus boot covers or gumboots.
• Wet the material before you remove it, except where that is dangerous, such as on a roof.
• Use plastic drop sheets, and wet wipe all surfaces afterwards.
• Dispose of the coveralls, wipe your boots and shower.
• Talk to your neighbours before you begin.

A documented Safe Work Method Statement is required for work by a business. Homeowners should still plan the job step by step.

What you must never do

Never saw, sand, scrape or drill asbestos. Homeowners must not use a power tool to cut or clean it. A cordless drill under 650 rpm may be used if reasonable measures keep fibres down, and 240 volt power tools should never be used.

High pressure water cleaners, compressed air and household vacuum cleaners are banned for everyone. A homeowner can be fined up to $10,000 for water blasting asbestos materials, plus clean-up costs.

No clearance certificate, but you still clean up

A written clearance certificate is not required after removing under 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Dust and debris still need to be cleaned up properly before anyone moves back into the area.

For work over 10 m² by a licensed removalist, a clearance inspection follows. An independent assessor or competent person does that, not the removalist.

Getting rid of the waste

The waste is still regulated, even for a small job. Double wrap it in 0.2 mm plastic, tape it, label it, and never put it in your household bin. Our guide on how to wrap and transport asbestos in Queensland gives the detail.

In the Toowoomba region, households can take limited amounts to the council facility at Wellcamp. Read where to dispose of asbestos in Toowoomba and ring the council first.

If you live in a suburb with older homes, our page on asbestos removal across Toowoomba suburbs lists the areas we cover.

Rules change. Check the current requirements at asbestos.qld.gov.au.