Quick Answer
Asbestos was used extensively in Australian homes built before 1990. You can legally remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos yourself in Victoria — but only up to 10 square metres. Any more than 10m2, any friable (loose or crumbling) asbestos, or asbestos in commercial properties must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Never sand, grind, drill, or saw asbestos products — disturbing them releases dangerous fibres that cause mesothelioma and lung cancer.
Where Is Asbestos Found in Australian Homes?
Homes built before 1990 in Australia have a high likelihood of containing asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). The mineral was used heavily in construction from the 1940s through the mid-1980s. Homes built between 1990 and 2003 may also contain asbestos in some materials, as the ban was phased in gradually. Australia’s full ban on all asbestos use and importation came into effect on 31 December 2003.
In Melbourne’s SE suburbs, many properties in Dandenong, Springvale, Keysborough, and older parts of Narre Warren and Frankston contain asbestos. Common locations include:
| Location | Material | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|
| External cladding (fibro) | Flat fibrous cement sheeting | Low — unless drilled or cut |
| Roofing (corrugated sheets) | Corrugated asbestos cement | Low — unless broken or weathered |
| Internal wall sheeting | Asbestos cement board | Low — unless sanded, drilled, or cut |
| Eaves lining | Fibrous cement eave boards | Low — unless cracked or broken |
| Floor coverings | Vinyl floor tiles and backing | Medium — high risk if sanded |
| Insulation (older) | Loose-fill asbestos (fibrous) | VERY HIGH — must be licensed contractor |
| Fencing | Asbestos cement fence panels | Low — unless broken or damaged |
| Flue pipes | Asbestos cement pipe lagging | Medium — crumbling is high risk |
Two Types of Asbestos — and Why It Matters
Non-Friable (Bonded) Asbestos
Most asbestos in Australian homes is non-friable — the asbestos fibres are firmly bonded into cement or vinyl. This type is relatively safe when left undisturbed. Common examples: fibrous cement sheeting (fibro), asbestos cement roofing, vinyl floor tiles.
Risk level: Low if left alone. Dangerous when cut, drilled, sanded, or broken.
Friable (Loose) Asbestos
Friable asbestos can be crumbled by hand pressure and releases fibres easily. This includes loose-fill insulation, pipe lagging that has deteriorated, and old thermal insulation blankets. This is the most hazardous type.
Risk level: HIGH at all times. Must only be handled by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist.
What Can You Legally DIY? (Victoria)
| Task | DIY Legal? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Remove non-friable asbestos up to 10m2 | Yes — homeowners only | Not tradespeople; must follow WorkSafe guidelines |
| Remove non-friable asbestos over 10m2 | No | Class B licensed removalist required |
| Remove any friable asbestos | No | Class A licensed removalist required |
| Sample suspected asbestos yourself | Not recommended | Use a licensed assessor to sample safely |
| Paint over intact asbestos (encapsulation) | Yes | Use purpose-made encapsulant paint — do not sand first |
| Visually inspect asbestos (no disturbance) | Yes | Do not probe, drill, or scratch |
How to Safely Remove Non-Friable Asbestos Yourself (Up to 10m2)
If you’re removing a small amount of asbestos cement sheeting (fibro), follow these WorkSafe Victoria guidelines exactly:
- Get it tested first. Don’t assume — have a sample professionally tested (cost: $50–$150 per sample). Licensed assessors can take samples safely.
- Wear correct PPE. Minimum: P2 disposable respirator (not a cloth or surgical mask), disposable coveralls, safety glasses, and disposable gloves.
- Wet the material before removal. Thoroughly wet the asbestos with water (mixed with a little dish soap) using a hand sprayer. This suppresses fibre release. Do not dry-cut or dry-sand asbestos under any circumstances.
- Remove carefully, don’t break it. Unscrew or carefully lever the sheeting off. Never use an angle grinder, circular saw, or power drill on asbestos.
- Double-wrap for disposal. Wrap removed material tightly in 200-micron polyethylene sheeting and seal with duct tape. Label with “Caution: Contains Asbestos.”
- Dispose at an approved facility. Most Melbourne metropolitan councils have asbestos disposal points at landfill. Check your council’s website for accepted volumes and costs. Fees are typically $100–$350 per load.
- Clean up correctly. Wipe down all surfaces with a damp cloth (not a vacuum, which spreads fibres). Dispose of all PPE and cleaning materials as asbestos waste.
How Much Does Licensed Asbestos Removal Cost in Melbourne?
| Job Type | Cost Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Asbestos testing (per sample) | $50–$150 | Lab testing of bulk sample |
| Asbestos inspection/assessment | $200–$500 | Licensed assessor, full report |
| Small removal (under 10m2, licensed) | $500–$1,500 | Non-friable bonded |
| Full fibro house cladding removal | $5,000–$20,000 | Depending on house size and access |
| Roof asbestos removal | $3,000–$12,000 | Height, access, and skip costs included |
| Loose-fill asbestos removal | $30,000–$100,000+ | Full remediation including building decontamination |
Top 8 Tips and Gotchas
- Don’t assume — test first. Fibrous cement sheeting looks the same whether it contains asbestos or not. The only way to know is a lab test. $50 for testing is far cheaper than the wrong decision.
- Never dry-cut or power-tool asbestos. Angle grinders, circular saws, jigsaws, and power drills release massive quantities of fibres in seconds. This is a non-negotiable rule.
- P2 is the minimum respirator rating. Standard dust masks do not filter asbestos fibres. You need an AS/NZS 1716-compliant P2 (or higher P3/PAPR) respirator.
- 10m2 is the legal DIY limit in Victoria. This applies to homeowners only — tradespeople (electricians, plumbers, carpenters) cannot legally remove asbestos themselves even in small quantities without a licence.
- Encapsulation is often better than removal. If the asbestos is in good condition (not cracked, crumbling, or chalky), painting over it with an approved encapsulant is safer than removal.
- Disposing of asbestos illegally carries heavy fines. Never put asbestos in a skip, general bin, or council verge collection. Fines in Victoria can reach tens of thousands of dollars.
- Check your home’s history before renovating. If your home was built before 1990 and you’re planning a renovation, get an asbestos survey before work starts. This protects both you and any tradespeople you hire.
- WorkSafe Victoria has free guidance. The WorkSafe Victoria website has detailed guidance documents, a list of licensed removalists, and a notification form if you’re having a licensed contractor remove more than 10m2.
Local Melbourne Resources
- WorkSafe Victoria — Asbestos — licensing, safe work method statements, disposal
- Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency — national guidance on safe removal
- Victorian Building Authority — for building permit requirements around asbestos removal
- Bunnings — asbestos encapsulant paint products
- Your local council tip — most SE Melbourne councils accept small quantities of double-wrapped non-friable asbestos at the transfer station (Casey, Cardinia, Greater Dandenong, Frankston councils all have disposal facilities)
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my house has asbestos?
If your home was built before 1990, assume it likely contains asbestos in some materials — especially external cladding, eaves, and internal wall sheeting. The only way to confirm is a lab test on a sample taken by a licensed assessor. Visual inspection alone cannot identify asbestos.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
Yes — if the asbestos is in good condition and undisturbed, it poses no significant health risk. The danger comes from disturbing the material (cutting, sanding, breaking, drilling) which releases fibres into the air. Intact, painted asbestos cement sheeting on a house exterior is generally low risk.
Can I renovate a house with asbestos?
You can renovate — but you must identify and manage asbestos before starting. Have an asbestos survey done, identify all materials, and either have licensed removalists remove them before renovation or ensure all workers are aware of the asbestos location and don’t disturb it.
Where do I dispose of asbestos waste in Melbourne?
Most SE Melbourne councils accept small quantities of properly wrapped non-friable asbestos at their transfer stations. Double-wrap in 200-micron polyethylene, seal with duct tape, and label clearly. Fees are typically $100–$350 per load. Larger quantities require a licensed waste contractor. Never use a skip bin or council hard waste collection for asbestos.
What is the fine for illegally disposing of asbestos in Victoria?
Illegal disposal of asbestos waste in Victoria carries fines of up to $80,000 for individuals and $400,000 for companies under the Environment Protection Act 2017. WorkSafe may also issue additional penalties. The cost of legal disposal is trivial compared to these potential fines.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos in Australian homes is a fact of life — a legacy of an era when it was the go-to building material. The key is knowing where it is, leaving it alone if it’s intact, and following the rules strictly when you do need to remove it.
For Melbourne homeowners planning renovations in pre-1990 homes, an asbestos survey is the single most important pre-renovation investment you can make. It protects you, your family, and every tradesperson who works on your property.
- Test before you cut, drill, or demolish — assume asbestos is present in pre-1990 homes.
- DIY removal is legal only for non-friable asbestos under 10m2 (homeowners only).
- Never use power tools on asbestos. Always wet first. Use P2 respirators.
- Encapsulation is often a better choice than removal for intact, undamaged materials.
