We always recommend that you use a licensed contractor to remove any amount of asbestos; however, the true answer is – it depends on the quantity!
Less than 10 square metres
While Council’s recommendation is that you should never remove asbestos-containing materials without the help of a licensed contractor, the reality is that people do it, and if the area of asbestos sheeting is less than 10 square metres, then technically you are allowed to do so. This allowance is in place so the owner of a property is able to conduct minor repairs and renovations to sections of their property that are unlikely to affect the broader community. There are many safety precautions you need to follow to ensure the removal work is conducted in a way that minimises exposure to asbestos fibres. For more information about how to protect yourself, have a look at “What gear do I need to remove it?” here under the Removal Info section (second question below). And while we offer this information, we must reiterate that we strongly encourage you to always use a licensed contractor for your asbestos removal needs. Visit the Find a Professional section to find a licensed contractor near you.
More than 10 square metres
If the area of asbestos that you need to remove is greater than 10 square metres, then the answer is no – you are not allowed to remove it yourself! For such quantities you must get a licensed contractor to do the work. That’s the rules! For information about how you can find a licensed contractor near you, visit the Find a Professional section.