How Asbestos Inspection and Removal Is Done: A Step-by-Step Guide

Kate Westall
10 hours ago
6 min read

For decades, asbestos was hailed as a miracle material in the Australian construction industry. It was fireproof, durable, and cheap. As a result, it found its way into thousands of homes built before the mid-1980s. From the fibro shack on the coast to the brick veneer home in the suburbs, asbestos lurks in walls, eaves, roofs, and even under vinyl flooring. Today, however, we know the truth: when disturbed, asbestos fibers are a serious health hazard.

Dealing with this legacy requires caution and expertise. You cannot simply take a sledgehammer to a wall if you suspect asbestos is present. The process of managing this material is strictly regulated to keep you, your family, and your neighbors safe.

Understanding exactly how asbestos inspection and removal works demystifies the process and helps you make informed decisions about your renovation or demolition project.

This guide walks you through the journey, from the initial suspicion to the final clearance certificate, ensuring you navigate this complex issue with confidence.

Phase 1: The Inspection and Identification

The first step is always identification. You cannot remove what you cannot find. Because asbestos was used in so many different forms—from cement sheeting to insulation and adhesives—it is often invisible to the untrained eye.

Visual Assessment

A qualified hygienist or licensed assessor will visit your property. They conduct a thorough visual inspection of all accessible areas. They know exactly where to look: the eaves, the wet areas (bathrooms and laundries), electrical meter boards, and roof cavities. They look for the age of the building materials and specific characteristics typical of asbestos-containing products.

Sampling and Testing

If suspect material is found, the inspector will take small samples. This must be done carefully to avoid releasing fibers. These samples are then sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory (National Association of Testing Authorities). Under a microscope, lab technicians can confirm the presence of asbestos and identify the type (e.g., Chrysotile, Amosite, or Crocidolite).

The Asbestos Register

Once the results are back, the inspector creates an Asbestos Register. This document lists the location, type, and condition of all asbestos found. It is a vital document for any tradesperson entering your home and is a legal requirement for workplaces and commercial buildings in Australia.

Phase 2: Preparation and Safety Setup

If removal is necessary, the site must be prepared to contain the fibers. You cannot just start ripping sheets off. The area becomes a regulated work zone.

Isolation

The removal team will set up an exclusion zone. This involves using barricades and signage to warn people not to enter. For internal removal, they often build a "bubble." This is an enclosure made of heavy-duty plastic sheeting (usually 200-micron thick) that seals off the room from the rest of the house.

Negative Air Pressure

In high-risk removal scenarios (friable asbestos), negative air pressure units are installed. These machines suck air out of the enclosure through HEPA filters. This ensures that if a leak occurs in the plastic bubble, air flows into the work area, not out, keeping fibers trapped inside.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

The removalists suit up. They wear disposable coveralls, gloves, and respiratory protection. For non-friable asbestos (like bonded cement sheets), a P2 face mask is standard. For friable asbestos (like loose insulation), full-face respirators with powered air supply are often required.

Phase 3: The Removal Process

The actual removal is a delicate operation. The goal is to remove the material with minimal breakage.

Wet Removal Method

Water is the primary tool for dust suppression. The asbestos sheets are sprayed with a water solution or a PVA glue mixture. This wets the fibers, making them heavy so they don't float in the air. The team carefully unbolts or unscrews the sheets rather than smashing them. Breaking sheets releases dust, so keeping them whole is the priority.

Decontamination

As the material is removed, it is immediately wrapped in heavy-duty plastic (again, usually 200-micron thick). It is double-wrapped and sealed with duct tape. Every package is clearly labeled with "Caution Asbestos" warnings.

Tools and equipment used in the zone are also decontaminated. Vacuum cleaners used must be industrial H-Class HEPA vacuums, specifically designed for hazardous dust. A standard household vacuum will simply blow the fibers back out into the air.

Phase 4: Disposal and Clearance

Once the material is out of the building, the job is not finished. The waste must be transported and the site declared safe.

Legal Transport

In Australia, transporting asbestos waste is regulated. It must be moved by a licensed vehicle to a waste facility specifically authorized to accept hazardous material. You cannot just take it to the local tip. The removal company tracks the waste using EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) tracking systems, ensuring it is disposed of legally and doesn't end up dumped in the bush.

The Clearance Inspection

Before you can re-enter the room, an independent licensed asbestos assessor must inspect the work. They check that all visual asbestos residue is gone. For friable removal jobs, they will also conduct air monitoring. They set up air pumps that suck air through a filter for a set period. The filter is then checked in a lab to ensure the fiber count is below the safety limit (0.01 fibers/ml).

Only when the site passes this inspection will the assessor issue a Clearance Certificate. This piece of paper is your guarantee that the area is safe for habitation and renovation work to proceed.

Friable vs. Non-Friable: Knowing the Difference

In the world of asbestos inspection and removal, the condition of the material dictates the method.

Non-Friable (Bonded): This is the most common type found in homes. The asbestos fibers are tightly bound in a cement matrix (e.g., fibro sheets, corrugated roofing). It is solid and hard. If left undisturbed, it poses a lower risk. Removal requires a Class B license.
Friable: This is material that can be crumbled by hand pressure (e.g., loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging, or old spray-on coatings). This is extremely dangerous as it releases fibers easily. Removal requires a Class A license, which involves much stricter containment and air monitoring protocols.

Questions and Answers: Common Questions About Asbestos Inspection and Removal in Australia

Q: Do I need to move out of my house during asbestos removal?

A: Not always, but it depends on the location and type of asbestos. If the removal is external (like eaves or a garage roof) or confined to a sealed room (like a bathroom), you can often stay in the house provided strict isolation protocols are followed. However, for large internal jobs or friable asbestos removal, it is usually safer and more practical to vacate the property for a few days until the Clearance Certificate is issued.

Q: Can I remove asbestos myself if it is a small amount?

A: Legally, in some Australian states, homeowners are permitted to remove a small amount of non-friable asbestos (usually under 10 square meters). However, it is strongly discouraged by health authorities. Without the proper training, equipment, and disposal knowledge, you risk contaminating your home and exposing yourself to deadly fibers. The health risks far outweigh the cost savings. Professional asbestos inspection and removal is the only safe option.

Q: How much does asbestos removal cost?

A: The cost varies significantly based on the amount of material, its condition (friable vs. non-friable), and access to the site. A small bathroom might cost a few thousand dollars, while a full roof replacement or cladding removal will be significantly more. Remember, the quote includes not just labor, but also the cost of specialized equipment, PPE, EPA-tracked disposal fees, and independent clearance inspections.

Q: What happens if asbestos is found during my renovation?

A: If you or your builder uncover suspect material during a renovation, work must stop immediately. Do not disturb it further. Seal off the area and call a licensed professional to inspect and test the material. Continuing to work could contaminate the entire site, making the eventual cleanup much more expensive and dangerous.

Q: Is a Clearance Certificate mandatory?

A: Yes, for any licensed asbestos removal work, obtaining a Clearance Certificate is a regulatory requirement. It provides legal proof that the job was done correctly and the area is safe. You should never make the final payment to a removalist until you have seen this certificate from an independent assessor.

Conclusion: Your Path to a Successful Asbestos Inspection and Removal in Australia

Dealing with hazardous materials is a serious responsibility for any property owner. The legacy of asbestos in our built environment means that vigilance is required whenever we plan to renovate or demolish. While the presence of this material can be stressful, the process for managing it is well-established and effective.

By following the correct steps—identification, professional removal, and independent clearance—you eliminate the risk. You protect the health of your family and the value of your asset. Attempting to cut corners or handle this yourself is a gamble with consequences that may not appear for decades.