Guidance

Find out how to handle, remove and dispose of asbestos safely and legally in Queensland.

This guidance note provides information on the management of fire damaged buildings that have asbestos containing materials (ACMs).

Asbestos Awareness Ambassador, Trevor Gillmeister, and safety advocates, Julie and Don Sager.

The impact isn't immediate.

Check before you start - don’t risk exposing yourself or others to airborne fibres.

Take precautions to avoid an expensive clean-up bill and minimise exposure to yourself and others.

Example of a house with a concrete or clay (terracotta) tiled roof poster.

Example of a house built in the 1970s poster.

Example of a commercial building poster.

It is illegal to use a high pressure water blaster on asbestos cement roofs, fences and walls.

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre that was used in many building materials until the late 1980s, such as asbestos cement (fibro).

Cleaning a fibro roof with a high pressure water blaster is illegal as it can destroy the roof surface, cause cement debris and asbestos to spray into the air, and result in widespread contamination.

It is essential to protect yourself and others when removing debris particularly when asbestos is concerned.

Asbestos cement sheeting is a building material used in many Queensland houses. If a house was built before 1990, it is likely to have some asbestos cement sheeting in it.

Guide to agency response and management of events involving asbestos containing material (asbestos incident).

The best way to clean up asbestos contaminated dust and small pieces of debris is by using an H-class industrial vacuum followed by a wet-wipe of any surfaces. It is important that these vacuums are regularly maintained, inspected and tested.

Businesses importing material must ensure products do not contain asbestos. The importation of asbestos is regulated at the Australian border.

Play it safe when repairing or renovating rental properties.

This guidance note is about the hazards that asbestos presents to human health through occupational exposure and/or environmental exposure.