Pricing: Bonded asbestos $50-$100/m², Friable asbestos $100-$300/m², Roof removal $10,000-$30,000, Testing $300-$600, Minimum callout $1,500-$2,000
Licensing: Class A license required for all friable asbestos and bonded over 10m². Class B license for bonded up to 10m² only. All licenses must be WorkSafe certified.
Safety Requirements: Full PPE required, containment barriers mandatory, wet removal methods only, HEPA vacuuming, EPA-approved disposal facilities, air monitoring tests, clearance certificate before re-entry (below 0.01 fibres/mL)
Common Asbestos Locations in Australian Homes (pre-1990): Fibro cement walls and eaves, Super Six roof sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, cement pipes, fencing, textured ceilings (popcorn), pipe insulation
Timeline: Testing 3-5 days, Small bonded removal 1 day, Large bonded removal 2-5 days, Friable removal 3-7 days, Roof removal 3-7 days. Total process 7-14 days including clearance. Property evacuation required during removal.
Legal Requirements: Unlicensed removal carries fines up to $60,000. DIY removal limited to 10m² bonded asbestos only (not recommended). Clearance certificate legally required before property re-entry. Certificate must be kept for property records and council approval.
DIY Risks: Fatal health risks (mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis with 20-40 year latency), WorkSafe fines up to $60,000, property contamination cleanup $20,000-$100,000+, criminal charges, family exposure lawsuits, property devaluation, no clearance certificate available.
Professional Removalist Benefits: WorkSafe Class A/B licensing, full PPE and negative air units, $10M-$20M public liability insurance, air monitoring and clearance certificates (legally required), EPA-approved disposal, WorkSafe compliance, legal protection for property owner.
Removal Process: (1) Days 1-2: Quote and inspection by licensed removalist, (2) Days 3-5: WorkSafe notification, exclusion zones, containment setup, property evacuation, (3) Days 6-8: Licensed removal with full PPE and air monitoring, (4) Days 9-12: Independent hygienist testing and NATA lab analysis, (5) Days 13-14: Clearance certificate issued (<0.01 fibres/mL), safe for re-entry.