Think you’ve found asbestos? Leave it alone and talk to us first.
Safe asbestos removal starts with a clear plan, not a guess. We help Cairns property owners get the right licensed professional for asbestos in homes, rental properties, sheds, workshops, commercial buildings and renovation sites, so the job is done safely, legally and properly the first time.
Many building materials look like asbestos, and many that contain it look perfectly harmless. That’s why any suspected material should be treated with caution until it’s properly identified. The only reliable way to confirm asbestos is a professional assessment and, where needed, testing by a NATA-accredited laboratory.
The right removal approach depends on what the material is, what condition it’s in, where it’s located and how much of it there is.
Friable asbestos can be crumbled or turned to powder by hand pressure when dry. Because it releases fibres more easily, it carries a higher risk and must be removed by a Class A licensed removalist. In Queensland this includes low density asbestos fibre board.
Bonded (non-friable) asbestos, such as fibro sheeting, is mixed with cement or another binder and is more stable while intact. More than 10 square metres must be removed by a licensed removalist. Bonded asbestos can become friable if it’s badly weathered, broken up or damaged by fire.
Every job is scoped to suit your property. Depending on your situation, asbestos removal in Cairns may include:
You’ll only pay for what your job genuinely needs. Your written scope will explain exactly which of these steps apply, and nothing should be listed as included unless it’s actually being provided.
This list isn’t a diagnosis. Only testing can confirm asbestos.
Tell us your suburb, what you think the material is, where it is, roughly how large the area is, when you’d like the work done, and whether it’s been damaged. We’ll put you in touch with a licensed local removalist, who will arrange the right first step.
Before any work begins, you’ll receive a written scope setting out what’s being removed, the licence class, the safety measures, who handles waste and disposal, access requirements, the expected timeframe, any exclusions, whether clearance is included, and the total price or how it’s calculated. No surprises.
Check your removalist’s licence. Before accepting any quote, ask for the removalist’s licence details and check them against the Queensland Government’s published list of businesses that hold Class A and Class B asbestos removal licences (available through asbestos.qld.gov.au and worksafe.qld.gov.au). A reputable removalist will be happy for you to check.
Keep yourself safe: what not to do. Please don’t pressure-clean, drill, cut, sand, scrape, saw, smash or break any material you suspect contains asbestos. Queensland laws prohibit certain tools and methods on asbestos because they release fibres — high-pressure water cleaning, compressed air, grinders, saws and sanders are all restricted. Never put asbestos in household bins or recycling, leave it on the kerb, or take it to a facility that isn’t licensed to accept it. If other trades need to work nearby, tell them about the suspected asbestos before they start.
Call us or request a quote online and we’ll connect you with a licensed local removalist.