Can Asbestos Be Safely Removed from a House? How Do Professionals Remove Asbestos?

Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle material due to its fire resistance, durability, and insulating properties. However, today, it’s recognised as one of the most dangerous materials that can exist in older buildings, especially in Australian homes built before the mid-1980s. Prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres can cause severe health issues such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis.

For homeowners who discover or suspect asbestos in their property, one of the first questions that arises is: can asbestos be safely removed from a house? The short answer is yes—but only when handled by trained and licensed professionals. Attempting to deal with asbestos without the right knowledge, equipment, and safety measures can pose significant health risks to you, your family, and even your neighbours.

In this article, we’ll explore whether asbestos can be safely removed, why DIY removal is dangerous, and how professional asbestos removal specialists approach the process step by step.

Understanding Asbestos in Homes

Where is asbestos commonly found?

In Australian homes built before 1990, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in:

• Roofing and guttering
• Eaves and soffits
• Fencing
• Bathroom and laundry wall linings
• Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
• Insulation around pipes and hot water systems
• Exterior cladding (fibro sheeting)

If your home falls into this category, there’s a chance asbestos materials are present, especially if no previous removal work has been done.

Why is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos isn’t inherently harmful when intact and undisturbed. The real danger occurs when asbestos fibres become airborne, usually through cutting, sanding, drilling, or weathering. Once inhaled, the microscopic fibres embed themselves in the lungs, causing scarring and increasing the risk of deadly diseases decades later.

While both asbestos fibres and PM2.5 particles (fine particulate matter from pollution) are harmful when inhaled, asbestos is often considered more dangerous because its needle-like fibres can lodge permanently in the lungs, causing scarring and cancers decades later. PM2.5 can lead to respiratory and cardiovascular problems, but asbestos exposure—even at very low levels—carries a much higher risk of fatal diseases over time.

Can Asbestos Be Safely Removed from a House?

Yes—but only under strict conditions. Safe removal requires a combination of:

1. Professional training – Asbestos removalists are licensed under strict government regulations, ensuring they know how to handle, transport, and dispose of asbestos.
2. Specialised equipment – Industrial-grade protective gear, negative air machines, and HEPA vacuums are required to prevent fibres from spreading.
3. Controlled work methods – Procedures like wet removal techniques and sealed enclosures reduce airborne fibres.
4. Proper disposal – Asbestos must be wrapped, labelled, and transported to government-approved facilities—never disposed of in household rubbish.

While DIY asbestos removal is technically legal in some states (for small amounts under 10 square metres), health authorities strongly discourage it. Even minimal exposure can have lifelong consequences. Therefore, the safest option is always to hire professionals.

How Do Professionals Remove Asbestos?

Professional asbestos removal is a systematic process designed to minimise health risks and ensure full compliance with Australian workplace health and safety laws. Below is a breakdown of the typical procedure followed by licensed removalists:

1. Initial Inspection and Testing

Before any removal begins, a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist inspects the property. They:

• Identify asbestos-containing materials (ACMs).
• Take samples for laboratory analysis.
• Assess the risk level (friable or non-friable asbestos).

Friable asbestos (easily crumbled by hand, such as insulation) is more dangerous and requires a higher class of licence to remove. Non-friable asbestos (such as cement sheeting) is more stable but still hazardous when cut or broken.

2. Site Preparation

Once asbestos is confirmed, the site is prepared to ensure maximum containment:

• Sealing off the work area with plastic sheeting and negative air pressure systems.
• Posting warning signs to alert residents and workers.
• Removing non-essential items from the area to prevent contamination.
• Establishing decontamination zones for workers and equipment.

This preparation stage is crucial in stopping asbestos fibres from spreading to other parts of the home.

3. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Professional removalists wear specialised PPE, including:

• Disposable coveralls
• P2 respirators or powered air-purifying respirators
• Gloves and footwear covers
• Eye protection

After removal, PPE is disposed of safely to avoid contamination.

4. Safe Removal Techniques

The method of removal depends on the type of asbestos:

• Wet removal method – Materials are dampened with water or a binding agent to suppress dust and fibres.
• Careful dismantling – Sheets and boards are removed intact whenever possible, avoiding breaking or cutting.
• Specialised tools – Low-speed, dust-controlled equipment is used instead of standard power tools.

The key principle is minimal disturbance. The less asbestos is broken, the safer the process.

5. Packaging and Disposal

Once removed, asbestos materials are:

• Double-wrapped in heavy-duty plastic.
• Clearly labelled as hazardous waste.
• Placed in sealed containers for transport.

They are then taken to licensed asbestos disposal facilities. Dumping asbestos illegally is not only dangerous but also carries heavy fines in Australia.

6. Decontamination

Before leaving the site, workers undergo strict decontamination:

• Removing protective gear in a controlled sequence.
• Cleaning tools and equipment with HEPA vacuums.
• Showering (in some high-risk removals).

This prevents asbestos fibres from leaving the work zone.

7. Clearance Inspection

Once the removal is complete, an independent asbestos assessor conducts a clearance inspection to:

• Visually check the area.
• Perform air monitoring to ensure fibre levels are safe.
• Issue a clearance certificate.

This certificate provides peace of mind that your home is asbestos-free and safe to reoccupy.

Why You Should Avoid DIY Asbestos Removal

Some homeowners are tempted to remove asbestos themselves to save money. However, DIY removal poses serious risks:

• Health hazards – Even short-term exposure can be deadly.
• Improper disposal – Household waste bins cannot accept asbestos, and illegal dumping is subject to severe penalties.
• Inadequate equipment – Most households lack the specialised tools and PPE required.
• Legal risks – Non-compliance with regulations can result in fines.

In short, while DIY might seem cost-effective, it’s not worth jeopardising your health or facing legal trouble.

How to Tell If You Need Asbestos Removal

You may need professional asbestos removal if:

• Your home was built before 1990.
• You plan renovations that involve cutting, drilling, or demolishing older materials.
• You notice damaged sheeting, crumbling insulation, or unusual textured coatings.

The safest approach is to book an asbestos inspection before starting any building work.

Choosing the Right Asbestos Removal Professionals

When hiring asbestos removalists, always check that they:

• Hold a valid Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence.
• Provide evidence of insurance and safety compliance.
• Use independent clearance inspections after removal.
• Have a strong reputation for safety and reliability.

In Australia, companies like ABC Demo Group specialise in professional asbestos removal and demolition services. With strict adherence to safety regulations and years of experience, they ensure asbestos is removed with minimal risk to your home, your family, and the environment.

Final Thoughts

Asbestos can be safely removed from homes—but only when the job is handled by licensed professionals with the right training, equipment, and procedures. While asbestos in good condition may not pose an immediate threat, the risks of disturbing it during renovations or home improvements are too great to ignore.

Professional asbestos removal follows a meticulous process of inspection, containment, safe dismantling, packaging, disposal, and clearance. By relying on experts like ABC Demo Group, homeowners can ensure that asbestos is removed safely, legally, and with complete peace of mind.

If you suspect asbestos in your home, don’t take chances. Arrange for a professional inspection and removal to safeguard your family’s health and restore safety to your property.