Not sure if it’s asbestos? Treat it as if it is until it’s tested.
You can’t tell whether a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Many older building products look identical whether they contain asbestos or not. The only way to know for sure is to have a sample tested by a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA), and samples should be collected by a competent person. We can connect you with a licensed local removalist for professional sampling, testing and advice before a renovation, demolition, repair, purchase or sale.
Queensland Government guidance says homes built before 1990 are likely to contain asbestos, and some products were still used until the national ban on 31 December 2003.
Testing is a smart first step before you replace old cladding, remove eaves, repair a roof, install solar, demolish a shed, pull up old flooring, cut or drill wall sheeting, or disturb insulation or pipe lagging. It’s also worth considering before buying, selling or leasing an older property, after storm damage, and before inviting other tradespeople to work in an area where you suspect asbestos.
A safe, professional testing process should never leave you guessing. Before anything happens, you’ll know:
A positive result doesn’t automatically mean the asbestos must come out straight away. Asbestos that is in good condition and left undisturbed generally poses a low risk. The right next step depends on the material’s condition, where it is, and what work you’re planning.
If removal is needed, Queensland law sets clear rules. A Class A licence is required to remove any amount of friable asbestos. A Class A or Class B licence is required to remove more than 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos.
Queensland homeowners can remove up to 10 square metres of bonded asbestos from their own home without a licence, provided it is done safely. To remove more than 10 square metres yourself, Queensland law requires you to hold a certificate from an asbestos removal course approved by Queensland Health. Friable asbestos must only ever be removed by a Class A licensed removalist. Even for small jobs, the Queensland Government recommends using a licensed professional.
Please don’t take samples yourself. Breaking off a piece of suspected asbestos can release fibres and create the very risk you’re trying to avoid. Unless you’ve had professional advice and are permitted to do so, leave sampling to a competent professional. The goal of testing is to reduce disturbance, not add to it.
If you manage a workplace built before 31 December 2003, Queensland work health and safety laws require asbestos to be identified and recorded in an asbestos register. Landlords and property managers also benefit from knowing where asbestos is, so tenants are protected and tradespeople can be briefed before maintenance work.
Trusted Queensland asbestos resources. For independent information, visit the Queensland Government’s asbestos website (asbestos.qld.gov.au), Workplace Health and Safety Queensland, and Cairns Regional Council for local disposal rules. You can find a NATA-accredited laboratory through the NATA website.
Call us or request advice online and we’ll connect you with a licensed local removalist.