Asbestos removal - advice
If your house was built before 1990 it may have asbestos in it. It is important to understand how to work with it safely if you are renovating or removing it.
If you are worried about the private removal or disposal of asbestos in your neighbourhood, contact our Environmental Health team on 9433 3340.
If you are concerned about how asbestos is being handled on a work site, you can report an incident via WorkSafe.
Work safely with asbestos
The greatest risk is if asbestos is broken up, drilled, sanded or cut and dust or small particles are in the air.
To protect yourself and those around you:
- confirm it is asbestos – take a sample to a lab
- find out how to handle it safely
- consider getting a professional to remove it for you
- drop it at a landfill that is licensed to receive it.
Find out if it is asbestos
It is difficult to identify asbestos material. The only way to be certain is to test a sample in an accredited laboratory. If you are not sure, treat it as though it contains asbestos. To find a lab, you can search accredited organisations via NATA.
Handle it safely
You can legally remove asbestos from your property, but it is a good idea to talk to a professional who has a WorkCover licence. Go to Asbestos in Victoria to find a licensed removalist.
Dispose of your asbestos the right way
Find a landfill that is licensed to take asbestos - use the Environmental Protection Authority list of Victorian landfills that accept asbestos.
Understand the health risks
Asbestos poses a risk to health when asbestos fibres are breathed in. Asbestos related health risks include as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Asbestos – what is it
Asbestos is a naturally occurring silicate mineral made up of tiny fibres. It is strong and heat resistant, which is why it was commonly used in a number of building products, such as roofing, cement sheeting, pipes, insulation, electrical fittings, floor tiles and other building materials.
Related information
WorkSafe Victoria asbestos safety basics