It is legal to remove some non-friable asbestos yourself, but we strongly recommend it is removed by a licensed removalist as there is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. The amount to be removed defines who can remove and dispose of asbestos waste.
Removal of more than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos or ANY amount of friable asbestos requires a licensed asbestos removalist.
You can remove asbestos in your home yourself, but asbestos removal is a health risk. Removal needs planning, preparation and strict safety standards. If you suspect asbestos, you have a duty to protect others from harm.
Confirm if your property contains asbestos, where it is, and how much.
Use the right tools and PPE.
Understand how to decontiminate asbestos removal, and dispose of asbestos waste.
Follow the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice safety precautions for asbestos removal.
A guide to the 10m2 rule
10m2 = 5m x 2m wall
10m2 = wall sheeting from one small bathroom
No. All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist.
Friable asbestos is much more likely to release dangerous asbestos fibres into the air.
Friable asbestos removal is high risk work under NSW Workplace Health and Safety law.
A licensed asbestos removalist with a Class A licence must remove any amount of friable asbestos. Tradespeople are not qualified or permitted to remove friable asbestos.
Class A licensed asbestos removalists can remove friable and non-friable asbestos.
Class B licensed asbestos removalist can only remove non-friable asbestos.
Licensed asbestos removalists know how to manage asbestos to keep everyone safe and dispose of the waste.
Under health and safety laws, more than 10m2 of any asbestos must be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist.
The removalist must:
If the removalist removes more than 10m2 or 100kg of asbestos waste, it must be tracked using WasteLocate.
Tradespeople are not qualified or permitted to remove friable asbestos. A licensed asbestos removalist with a Class A licence must remove any amount of friable asbestos.
In addition to the steps above, for friable asbestos removal the removalist must also:
seal off the asbestos work area from the rest of the house and property
undertake air monitoring to ensure appropriate removal methods are being used.
You will need a clearance certificate from the licensed removalist when friable asbestos removal is complete.
A tradesperson doesn’t need to be a licensed asbestos removalist to remove less than 10m2 or 100kg of non-friable asbestos from your home.
They must still follow strict safety standards including the SafeWork NSW Code of Practice.
Some asbestos removal work may require a clearance certificate 58 from a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist.
Contact your local council for more details.
Asbestos must be disposed of at a licensed landfill that accepts asbestos waste.
If you need to transport more than 10m2 or 100kg of asbestos waste, use the EPA’s WasteLocate system. This applies whether you remove asbestos yourself, or if a professional does it. We strongly recommend that you use a licensed asbestos removalist, who will know how to use WasteLocate and help you comply with the law.
