If suspected asbestos has been broken, drilled, cut, sanded, pressure-cleaned or otherwise disturbed, stop work immediately.
Accidents happen, often during renovations, storm clean-ups, or when a tradesperson doesn’t realise what they’re working on. The most important thing now is to stop any further disturbance. Most of the risk comes from what happens next, so staying calm and following a few simple steps makes a real difference.
If there’s immediate danger: a fire, a structural collapse, an injury or any threat to life, call 000 first. For storm or cyclone damage needing emergency help, such as a damaged roof, call the Queensland SES on 132 500 and tell them asbestos may be involved.
If you may have dust on your clothes or shoes, avoid shaking or brushing them off. Remove them carefully, seal them in a plastic bag, and shower and wash your hair. Ask your asbestos professional how to deal with the bag.
Asbestos-related diseases are generally linked to repeated or prolonged exposure, and the risk from a single brief incident is considered low. Even so, keep a record of what happened and mention it to your GP. Queensland Health’s 13 HEALTH line (13 43 25 84) is available any time if you’d like health advice after an exposure. If the exposure happened at work, report it to your employer.
For an assessment and safe clean-up, call us. A licensed local removalist can assess the damage, make the area safe, remove contaminated material and arrange a clearance inspection before the area is used again.
If a business or tradesperson is involved, including a tradie working at your home, an uncontrolled release may need to be reported to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) on 1300 362 128.
If you’re renting, tell your landlord or property manager in writing as soon as possible. Damage that makes a property unsafe may count as an emergency repair under Queensland tenancy laws. The Residential Tenancies Authority (RTA) can explain your rights and your landlord’s responsibilities.
If a neighbour’s work is affecting your property: in Queensland, asbestos issues at homes where the owner is doing the work are managed by your local council under public health laws. If a business, builder or tradesperson is involved, contact Workplace Health and Safety Queensland on 1300 362 128. For general asbestos complaints and urgent enquiries, including illegal dumping, you can also call 13 QGOV (13 74 68).
If you’re insured, contact your insurer early. Clear notes and distance photos help your claim.
Queensland Health advises that if asbestos materials have been damaged on your property, or you’re not sure, a licensed asbestos removalist should do the clean-up. Fire-damaged asbestos can become friable and needs a Class A licensed removalist. Don’t sift through fire or storm debris that may contain fibro.
The right response depends on the type of material, how badly it’s damaged, and where dust or fragments have gone. The removalist will explain the licence class needed, how the area will be isolated and cleaned with specialist equipment, and how waste will be legally disposed of. Carpets, curtains and soft furnishings exposed to asbestos dust can be difficult to clean and may need to be disposed of.
Once the clean-up is finished, the area should be inspected and cleared before anyone goes back in. Keep the clearance certificate for your records and insurance.
This page provides general safety information only. It doesn’t replace site-specific advice from a licensed asbestos professional, workplace manager, regulator or emergency service.
Call us now or request an urgent assessment.