Asbestos Removal Process Gold Coast: Step by Step

If you have discovered asbestos in your Gold Coast home, shed, roof, fence or other structure, it is important to understand what happens next. Asbestos removal is not simply a matter of taking old sheets down and putting them in a skip. The material needs to be assessed, removed using appropriate procedures, contained and transported for disposal at an authorised facility. The exact process depends on the type, condition and quantity of asbestos involved. Queensland has specific requirements for asbestos removal, transport and disposal, including different licensing requirements for friable and non-friable asbestos. Here is what the asbestos removal process can look like from start to finish.

Step 1: Identify Potential Asbestos

The first step is determining whether the material actually contains asbestos.This is particularly important in older Gold Coast properties, where asbestos may have been used in a variety of building products. Common areas can include:

• Fibro wall and ceiling sheets
• Eaves and soffits
• Roofing materials
• Fencing
• Bathrooms and laundries
• Garages and sheds
• External cladding

You should not rely solely on appearance to determine whether a material contains asbestos. If you are unsure, appropriate assessment or testing can help establish what you are dealing with.

Step 2: Assess the Condition and Type

Once asbestos is suspected or confirmed, the next step is understanding its condition and type. This matters because asbestos products can be broadly classified as non-friable (bonded) or friable. Friable asbestos can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry and presents different removal requirements. The assessment helps determine:

• Whether the material needs to be removed
• What type of asbestos is involved
• How much material is present
• Whether licensed removal is required
• What controls and disposal arrangements are needed

In some situations, an asbestos-containing material that is in good condition and will remain undisturbed may be managed rather than immediately removed. 

Step 3: Determine the Appropriate Removal Requirements

Not every asbestos removal job is treated in exactly the same way. For example, Queensland has different licensing requirements depending on whether the asbestos is friable or non-friable and how much non-friable material is being removed.

Queensland Licensing Requirements:

For businesses, contractors and removalists:

• Class A licences cover friable asbestos removal and can also cover non-friable removal.
• Class B licences cover licensed removal of more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos.
• Removal of 10 square metres or less of non-friable asbestos by a business does not require an asbestos removal licence, but safe work requirements still apply.

Homeowners have separate requirements, including a certificate arrangement for removing more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos from their own home. If you are unsure which requirements apply, it is best to obtain advice before starting work.

Step 4: Prepare the Work Area

Before removal begins, the work area needs to be properly prepared. The aim is to control the work area and minimise the chance of asbestos fibres becoming airborne or spreading to other parts of the property. Depending on the job, preparation may involve:

• Restricting access to the work area
• Using appropriate signage and barriers
• Preparing suitable protective equipment
• Setting up controls to minimise dust and contamination
• Planning how removed materials will be contained and transported

For licensed asbestos removal work, an asbestos removal control plan is required. Queensland guidance also sets out additional requirements for licensed removal work, including notification and decontamination arrangements.

Step 5: Remove the Asbestos Safely

The removal itself should be carried out using appropriate procedures for the material and site. The objective is to remove the asbestos while minimising damage, dust and the potential release of fibres. The process can involve:

• Carefully removing asbestos-containing materials
• Using suitable tools and work methods
• Preventing unnecessary breakage
• Keeping the work area controlled
• Placing removed material directly into suitable asbestos waste packaging or containers

The exact removal method will depend on the material. Friable asbestos requires more stringent controls and must be removed by an appropriately licensed Class A removalist.

Step 6: Clean and Inspect the Area

Removing the visible asbestos is not necessarily the end of the job. The work area also needs to be cleaned so that remaining dust and debris are properly dealt with. After removal:

• Visible asbestos debris should be cleared
• Dust and contaminated materials need to be managed appropriately
• The work area should be visually inspected
• Remaining waste needs to be removed from the site

Queensland guidance states that asbestos waste and debris should be disposed of quickly and correctly, and the work area should be left clean and free of visible dust and debris. For certain licensed removal work, a formal clearance inspection is also required before the area can return to normal use.

Step 7: Package and Transport the Asbestos Waste

Asbestos waste cannot simply be placed in a normal household bin or general waste skip. The waste needs to be appropriately contained, packaged and transported in accordance with Queensland requirements. Depending on the circumstances:

• Waste must be appropriately contained and labelled
• Packaging must prevent asbestos material escaping
• Transport requirements must be followed
• Commercial transporters have specific waste tracking obligations
• Waste must be taken to a facility authorised to accept asbestos waste 

Queensland also has specific requirements relating to transporting larger quantities of asbestos waste.

Step 8: Dispose of the Waste Correctly

The final step is disposing of the asbestos waste at an authorised facility. Asbestos is classified as regulated waste in Queensland and must be disposed of at a site that is authorised to receive asbestos waste. Illegal dumping, placing asbestos in domestic garbage bins, or reusing asbestos products is prohibited. For homeowners, using a professional asbestos removal and disposal service can make this part of the process much easier.

How Long Does Asbestos Removal Take

There is no standard timeframe for every Gold Coast asbestos removal job. The duration can depend on:

• The amount of asbestos present
• The type and condition of the material
• Where it is located
• Access to the property
• Preparation requirements
• Waste removal and disposal arrangements

A small amount of accessible non-friable material may be much quicker to deal with than a larger removal project involving roofing, extensive fencing or multiple areas of a property.

Final Thoughts

The asbestos removal process involves much more than physically taking asbestos-containing materials off a property. From identification and assessment through to removal, cleanup, transport and disposal, each stage needs to be considered carefully. If you have asbestos on a Gold Coast property, avoid disturbing the material until you understand what it is and what removal requirements apply.

Pro Asbestos Disposal can assist with asbestos removal and disposal across the Brisbane, Gold Coast and surrounding areas. If you are dealing with suspected asbestos in a home, renovation, fence, roof, shed or other structure, contact us to discuss the material and your requirements.