Removing Asbestos?

In Victoria, the removal of asbestos is regulated by different authorities depending on a number of factors such as whether it is commercial or residential property, the size of the asbestos item and the person carrying out the work.

It is fundamental that the company you employ to remove asbestos is fully licensed (either as Class A - friable and bonded or Class B - bonded only). Request the Asbestos Licence Number and contact WorkSafe to ensure the company is allowed to remove asbestos from your property. Failure to ensure a licensed contractor is carrying out work may result in both the company and yourself as property owner being fined.

You can find a list of licensed removalists under the WorkSafe Service Provider Directory page, then click on the link 'Asbestos - Licensed Removalists'.

If you are concerned with the manner in which a contractor is removing asbestos from either your property, or a neighbours', please contact WorkSafe. The party may be in breach of the OH&S (Asbestos) Regulations 2003.

Removing Asbestos Yourself

Although householders are legally entitled to carry out asbestos removal, we DO NOT recommend this practice. According to the Occupational Health & Safety Regulations 2007 Part 4.3 Division 7 Subdivision 2, an unlicenced person may remove non-friable asbestos material if the area does not exceed 10m2 and the total time over which the removal is performed does not exceed one hour per 7 days.

If you decide to remove asbestos yourself, we strongly encourage careful handling and adherence to safety practices. Asbestos fibres are dangerous and pose a risk to not only yourself, but your family and neighbours. If the product is loosely-bound we urge you to seek a licensed professional. If you are removing firmly-bound asbestos, we suggest you wear disposable protective clothing and breathing masks. Double wrap the material in strengthened garbage bags labelled as asbestos. Dispose of the material along with the breathing apparatus and protective clothing to an appropriate waste treatment centre. For more information, please click here.

If you have concerns that a neighbour is removing asbestos without taking appropriate precautions, please contact your local council. The party may be breaching the Health Act 1958 and the Building Act 1993.

Applying for an Asbestos Removalist Licence

In Victoria it is a requirement to be licensed before asbestos can be removed (unless the removal falls under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 Part 4.3 Division 7 Subdivision 2.

Visit the WorkSafe Asbestos Removalist Licence website for more information on becoming a licensed asbestos removalist. Here you will find the Asbestos Removal Application Package. Please direct any queries relating to licensing to WorkSafe.