In a pre-1990 building, assume asbestos until it is proven otherwise. Here is how to identify it, the register you need, the Class A vs Class B removal licences, notification, disposal, and what to do when you uncover it mid-job.
Identifying it — the date is the clue
The first indicator is the build or renovation date: anything before 1990 (especially before 1987) likely contains asbestos. Typical asbestos-containing materials: fibro cement sheeting (eaves, soffits, fascia, roofing), vinyl floor tiles and their adhesives, textured "popcorn" ceilings, pipe and boiler insulation, and sprayed fireproofing.
The asbestos register
A workplace must keep an asbestos register (location, condition, friable vs non-friable), reviewed before any refurbishment or demolition. If a building built before 2004 has no register, you either assume asbestos is present and work safely, or engage a licensed asbestos assessor to inspect and sample, with confirmation by a NATA-accredited laboratory. The rule of thumb: if in doubt, treat it as asbestos — stop and get it checked.
Who can remove it — Class A vs Class B
Removal licences are held by the PCBU (the business), not the individual worker:
- Class A (friable): can remove all types, including any amount of friable asbestos (pipe lagging, sprayed insulation, fireproofing). A licensed asbestos assessor is required for the air monitoring and clearance certificate.
- Class B (non-friable): can remove more than about 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos — sheeting, eaves, siding, roofing. It does not authorise friable removal; if friable turns up on a Class B job, stop and engage a Class A removalist.
(A small amount — generally up to 10 m² of non-friable — can be removed unlicensed by a competent, trained person with the right controls; check your state.)
Notification and disposal
- Notify the regulator generally at least 5 days before licensed removal (emergencies: an immediate phone call plus a written follow-up within 24 hours), and tell the occupier and neighbours. (Comcare requires immediate notice for elevated fibre levels — above 0.02 fibres/ml in Class A work.)
- Disposal: asbestos waste cannot go in normal bins. It must be wrapped in heavy-duty plastic, sealed, labelled, and taken to a licensed asbestos waste facility with the proper transport documentation.
When you uncover it mid-job
Stop work immediately and isolate the area. The principal contractor arranges a competent person or licensed assessor to inspect, update the register, and determine friable vs non-friable; engages the right licensed removalist; notifies the regulator and the occupants before resuming; obtains clearance inspections (a licensed assessor for Class A); and ensures the waste is wrapped, removed and disposed at a licensed facility.
Common mistakes
- Cutting or drilling pre-1990 fibro without checking.
- Tipping asbestos in a ute load to general waste.
- A Class B crew continuing when friable material appears.
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