Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle material for its fire-resistant and insulating properties, is now recognised as a significant health hazard. It was widely used in Australian homes and commercial buildings built before the 1990s, found in materials such as roofing, cladding, insulation, vinyl flooring, and pipe lagging. Today, the presence of asbestos in properties poses serious risks, particularly when materials are disturbed and fibres become airborne.
If your home or business contains asbestos, removal is not a DIY job. Engaging a licensed asbestos removal professional is essential for safety, legal compliance, and effective disposal. This article explores the key reasons why hiring professionals for asbestos removal is not only the safest choice—but also the smartest.
Asbestos Is a Serious Health Hazard
Asbestos fibres are microscopic and easily inhaled. Once they enter the lungs, they can remain lodged there, causing irreversible damage over time. Diseases linked to asbestos exposure include:
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
- Asbestosis: A chronic lung condition caused by prolonged exposure, resulting in scarring of lung tissue.
- Lung Cancer: Often linked to smoking in asbestos-exposed individuals, with a significantly increased risk.
The danger lies not in intact materials, but when asbestos is disturbed—during renovations, demolitions, or even minor repairs. Professionals understand how to handle these materials without releasing fibres, using safe techniques that minimise exposure risk.
Professionals Are Properly Trained and Licensed
In Australia, asbestos removal is strictly regulated. Only licensed professionals can legally remove and dispose of asbestos materials, especially friable (easily crumbled) asbestos, which is the most hazardous form. These experts are:
- Formally trained in asbestos identification, risk management, and removal procedures.
- Certified and licensed by state authorities such as WorkSafe or SafeWork.
- Updated on regulations, including Work Health and Safety (WHS) codes of practice.
They also undergo medical surveillance and are trained to use personal protective equipment (PPE), air filtration systems, and decontamination units. Their knowledge and experience drastically reduce the chance of fibre release or accidental exposure.
Accurate Identification of Asbestos Materials
Not all asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are easy to identify with the naked eye. Many building materials look similar to non-asbestos products. Professional asbestos removalists use a combination of:
- Experience and visual assessments,
- Laboratory testing (such as NATA-accredited sampling), and
- Specialised tools to assess and confirm the presence of asbestos.
DIY testing or assumption-based removal can lead to exposure, incorrect disposal, and serious legal issues. A licensed professional ensures accurate identification and informed decisions about how best to manage or remove the material.
Proper Containment and Safe Removal
Asbestos removal is not simply tearing out old materials. It involves meticulous planning and execution, including:
- Sealing off the affected area to prevent fibre spread.
- Using HEPA vacuum systems and negative air pressure units to filter airborne fibres.
- Wearing protective gear to prevent inhalation or contamination.
- Following strict removal procedures, including wetting materials and carefully double-bagging waste.
Professionals also conduct air monitoring and clearance inspections to ensure the area is safe to re-enter. These measures are critical, especially in workplaces, schools, and multi-residence buildings where others could be affected.
Legal Compliance and Documentation
Australia has rigorous asbestos management and removal laws under the WHS regulations. Failure to comply can lead to:
- Heavy fines for individuals or property owners,
- Criminal charges, and
- Liability for health impacts suffered by workers or occupants.
Hiring licensed professionals ensures you meet legal obligations, including:
- Notification to authorities prior to removal,
- Proper documentation (such as asbestos clearance certificates),
- Safe transportation and disposal of hazardous waste at approved facilities.
This protects you not only from penalties, but also from future liability if the property is sold or rented.
Risk Management
Many Risk policies do not cover damages or liabilities resulting from unauthorised or incorrect asbestos handling. If you attempt removal yourself or hire an unlicensed operator, you may avoid your.
- Accidental contamination,
- Health claims from third parties,
- Environmental damage, or
- Structural harm during removal.
Licensed asbestos removalists carry professional indemnity and public liability offering you added protection in case anything goes wrong.
Cost-Effective and Time-Saving
While hiring professionals may seem more expensive upfront, it is far more cost-effective than:
- Paying for emergency decontamination after improper removal,
- Covering medical expenses from exposure,
- Facing legal action, or
- Halting renovations due to unsafe conditions.
Professionals work faster and more efficiently. They also dispose of asbestos legally—something that can be logistically challenging and expensive if handled improperly.
Peace of Mind for You and Your Family
Above all, hiring professionals gives you peace of mind. You’re not risking your own health or that of others. You can trust that the job is done thoroughly, the environment is safe, and there will be no lingering dangers.
If you’re planning renovations, demolitions, or suspect asbestos in your property, don’t take risks. Contact a licensed asbestos removal company to inspect and manage the situation properly.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos removal is one job that should never be handled without proper training, licensing, and safety procedures. While the dangers of asbestos are now well-known, exposure is still possible when people attempt removal themselves or hire unqualified workers. Hiring professionals ensures safety, legal compliance, and peace of mind—making it the only responsible choice for asbestos removal.
If your property was built before the 1990s or you’re unsure about the materials used, don’t delay. Book a professional asbestos inspection and let the experts handle the risk—safely and thoroughly.
