ASBESTOS REMOVAL MELBOURNE
Professional asbestos testing, removal, and disposal by licensed contractors across Melbourne. DemRev connects you with Class A and Class B removalists who do the job safely, legally, and affordably.
WHY ASBESTOS IS DANGEROUS
Asbestos was widely used in Australian construction from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. It was valued for its fire resistance, insulation properties, and durability. Today, we know that disturbing asbestos releases microscopic fibres into the air that, when inhaled, can cause serious and often fatal diseases.
The three main asbestos-related diseases are mesothelioma (an aggressive cancer of the lung lining), asbestosis (scarring of lung tissue), and lung cancer. Symptoms may not appear for 20–40 years after exposure, making prevention absolutely critical.
If your Melbourne home was built before 1990, it almost certainly contains asbestos in some form. It’s not dangerous if undisturbed — but any renovation, demolition, or maintenance work that breaks, cuts, drills, or sands asbestos-containing materials can release deadly fibres.
COMMON LOCATIONS IN MELBOURNE HOMES
Asbestos wasn’t just in one place — it was used in hundreds of building products. Here are the most common locations in Melbourne homes.
Eaves, Soffits & Fascia
Flat fibre cement sheets (often called “fibro”) were commonly used for eaves and soffits on Melbourne homes from the 1950s–1980s. These are one of the most frequent asbestos finds during renovation.
Wall Cladding & Sheeting
Fibro cement wall cladding (flat or textured), internal wall linings, and wet area panels in bathrooms and laundries. Super Six corrugated sheeting on garages and sheds is almost always asbestos.
Roofing
Corrugated cement roofing sheets, roof shingles, and ridge capping. Common on homes, garages, and carports built before 1985. Often weathered and brittle, making them more hazardous to disturb.
Insulation & Backing
Loose-fill asbestos insulation (Mr Fluffy, though rare in Victoria), backing boards behind heaters and stoves, and electrical switchboard backing. Millboard insulation is particularly friable and dangerous.
Flooring
Vinyl floor tiles (particularly 9″×9″ tiles), vinyl sheet flooring backing, and the adhesive (“black mastic”) used to stick them down. Often found in kitchens, laundries, and bathrooms of 1960s–70s homes.
Fencing & Outbuildings
Asbestos cement fencing panels were extremely popular in Melbourne’s suburbs. Garden sheds, outside toilets, and laundry lean-tos often used fibro sheets for walls and roofing.
HOW ASBESTOS REMOVAL WORKS
Testing & Identification
A sample of the suspected material is collected and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory for analysis. Results typically take 2–5 business days. Testing costs $30–$80 per sample and is essential before any work begins.
Assessment & Quoting
Once confirmed, a licensed assessor determines the type of asbestos (friable or non-friable), quantity, condition, and the safest removal method. You receive a detailed scope of work and fixed-price quote.
WorkSafe Notification
For friable asbestos or quantities over 10m², removal must be notified to WorkSafe Victoria at least 5 days before work begins. Your licensed contractor handles all regulatory requirements.
Safe Removal
Trained workers in full protective equipment set up containment areas, wet the material to suppress dust, carefully remove the asbestos, and double-bag it in sealed, labelled bags for transport.
Licensed Disposal
Asbestos waste is transported in sealed, leak-proof vehicles to EPA-licensed disposal facilities. It cannot go in general waste, skip bins, or regular tips. Your contractor provides disposal certificates.
Clearance Certificate
After removal, the site is inspected and air monitoring is conducted to confirm it’s safe. You receive a clearance certificate — often required by councils before renovation or demolition work can continue.
VICTORIAN ASBESTOS LAWS
Homeowner Removal Limit
In Victoria, homeowners can remove up to 10m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from their own residential property. Anything over 10m², or any friable asbestos, must be removed by a licensed professional.
Licence Classes
Class A removalists can remove both friable and non-friable asbestos. Class B removalists can only remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos. DemRev connects you with the right licence class for your situation.
Pre-Demolition Requirement
All asbestos must be identified and removed before a demolition permit is issued. An asbestos assessment report from a qualified occupational hygienist is mandatory for the permit application.
Disposal Requirements
Asbestos must be wrapped, sealed, labelled, and transported to an EPA-licensed facility. Illegal dumping of asbestos carries penalties of up to $800,000 for individuals in Victoria.
Renovation & Sale Obligations
If you’re selling a property built before 1990, you should disclose known asbestos. If you’re renovating, any asbestos must be safely removed before tradespeople begin work on the affected areas.
ASBESTOS REMOVAL COSTS
* Prices are estimates including GST. Costs depend on asbestos type, quantity, access, and condition. Get a free quote for accurate pricing.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How do I know if my home has asbestos?
You can’t tell by looking at it — testing is the only way to be sure. If your home was built before 1990, assume asbestos is present until proven otherwise. We arrange professional testing through NATA-accredited labs.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
In Victoria, homeowners can remove up to 10m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from their own home, following strict safety guidelines. However, we strongly recommend using a licensed professional — the health risks are severe and the cost difference is often modest.
Is it safe to live in a house with asbestos?
Yes, as long as the asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and undisturbed. The danger comes when materials are broken, drilled, sanded, cut, or deteriorating. If your asbestos materials are intact, they can be safely managed in place with regular inspections.
What’s the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is mixed with cement or resin and is less hazardous when intact (e.g., fibro sheets, floor tiles). Friable asbestos can be crumbled by hand and releases fibres easily (e.g., loose insulation, pipe lagging). Friable asbestos is far more dangerous and requires Class A removal.
How long does asbestos removal take?
A small job (eaves or fencing) may take half a day. A full house strip before demolition typically takes 2–5 days. Friable asbestos removal takes longer due to additional containment and air monitoring requirements.
GET YOUR FREE ASBESTOS REMOVAL QUOTE
Whether you need testing, removal, or a pre-demolition asbestos strip, we’ll connect you with licensed removalists in your area. Safe, compliant, and competitively priced.