Queensland Asbestos Removal Regulations Explained

Asbestos is one of the most significant health hazards still found in Australian homes and commercial buildings. Although banned nationally in 2003, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) remain common across Queensland especially in properties built before the mid-1980s. Because of the serious health risks associated with asbestos fibres, Queensland enforces some of the strictest regulations in the country regarding handling, management, and removal.

Whether you are a homeowner, business operator, property manager, contractor, or licensed asbestos removalist, understanding Queensland’s asbestos laws is essential. This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of the regulatory landscape as at 2025, including licensing requirements, safety procedures, penalties, and your legal responsibilities.

Why Queensland Has Strict Asbestos Regulations

Asbestos fibres are extremely hazardous when inhaled. They can cause:

• Asbestosis 
• Lung cancer 
• Malignant mesothelioma 
• Pleural diseases 

The danger arises when asbestos materials are disturbed, during renovations, demolition, drilling, sanding, or deterioration. Because Queensland has one of the highest concentrations of older housing stock in Australia, the State Government has prioritised policies to minimise exposure.

The result is a comprehensive framework aimed at:

1. Preventing untrained people from disturbing ACMs 
2. Ensuring safe removal and disposal 
3. Minimising fibre release in workplaces and homes 
4. Protecting the public from unsafe operators 
5. Ensuring long-term management of asbestos in buildings

Key Legislation Governing Asbestos in Queensland

Several interconnected pieces of legislation regulate asbestos handling and removal. The main instruments include:

1. Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (QLD)

This Act outlines the fundamental duty of care for all workplaces and persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs). It requires employers and property owners to ensure the health and safety of workers and occupants, which includes the safe management of asbestos risks.

2. Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 (QLD)

This regulation provides specific rules for asbestos removal, licensing, training, air monitoring, and clearance inspections. It is the most important legal document for removalists.

3. Public Health Act 2005 & Public Health Regulation 2018

These apply mostly to residential properties and general public safety concerning asbestos exposure.

4. Environmental Protection (Waste Management) Regulation

Regulates transportation and disposal of asbestos waste, including requirements for waste tracking and approved landfill sites.

5. Codes of Practice (SafeWork Queensland)

These are not laws but are legally enforceable standards. The two major codes are:

• How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace 
• How to Safely Remove Asbestos 

If you work with asbestos, you must comply with these codes unless you can prove an equal or higher level of safety using alternative methods.

What Materials Commonly Contain Asbestos in Queensland?

If a building was constructed or renovated before 1990 (and especially before 1985), it may contain asbestos. Common ACMs include:

• Fibro sheeting (walls, ceilings, eaves) 
• Corrugated “super six” roofing 
• Vinyl tiles and backing 
• Plumbing insulation and lagging 
• Fencing panels 
• Soffits and cladding 
• Adhesives, grout, sealants 
• Electrical meter boards 
• Textured coatings (e.g., old “popcorn” ceilings) 

Because ACMs can appear safe while intact, many Queenslanders inadvertently disturb asbestos during DIY renovations, posing major risks.

Do You Need a License to Remove Asbestos in Queensland?

The short answer: most asbestos removal requires a licence, but there are limited exceptions.

When You DO NOT Need a Licence

You may remove up to 10 m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from a home or workplace without a licence. Examples include:

• A small piece of asbestos cement sheeting 
• A single broken fence panel 
• A bathroom tile backing sheet under 10 m² 

However, even if a licence is not required:

• You MUST follow safety procedures 
• You MUST properly dispose of the waste 
• You MUST avoid creating dust or fibres 

Removing more than 10 m² without a licence is illegal.

Types of Asbestos Removal Licences in Queensland

Class A Licence (Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos)

Allows removal of all asbestos types, including high-risk friable asbestos (powdery, crumbly, easily airborne). Examples include:

• Pipe lagging insulation 
• Sprayed insulation 
• Limpet asbestos 
• Deteriorated ACMs that can become friable 

Class A removalists must undergo advanced training, strict auditing, and significant compliance checks.

Class B Licence (Non-Friable/Bonded Asbestos Only)

Allows removal of:

• Asbestos cement sheeting 
• Fencing 
• Roofing 
• Vinyl tiles 
• Mass-produced bonded products 

Class B removalists cannot remove friable ACMs.

Asbestos Assessor Licence

Required for:

• Air monitoring 
• Clearance inspections 
• Final clearance certificates for Class A removals 

Assessor licensing ensures that a qualified, independent specialist verifies that an area is safe to re-occupy.

What Are Your Responsibilities as a Homeowner?

Even though the WHS laws primarily target workplaces, Queensland homeowners also have responsibilities to avoid risks to neighbours, family, or contractors.

You must:

• Identify asbestos before beginning any renovation or maintenance work. 
• Avoid disturbing asbestos materials by preventing drilling, cutting, sanding, or breaking. 
• Use proper PPE and follow safe handling procedures even for small-scale removal under 10 m². 
• Dispose of asbestos waste legally by sealing, labelling, and delivering it to an approved facility. 
• Ensure any removal over 10 m² is performed only by a licensed asbestos removalist.

Responsibilities for Businesses and PCBUs in Queensland

1. Maintain an Asbestos Register

Any workplace building constructed before 2004 must keep an up-to-date asbestos register unless a competent person has confirmed that no asbestos is present or that all asbestos has been completely removed. The register must clearly document the location, type, and condition of any asbestos-containing materials so workers and contractors can identify risks before starting work.

2. Develop & Implement an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP)

If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are found, the business or PCBU must create a detailed Asbestos Management Plan. This plan must outline the exact locations of asbestos, assess the risks and current condition of the materials, describe procedures for safely managing or controlling them, include training requirements for workers, and establish emergency protocols in case the asbestos is disturbed or damaged.

3. Conduct Regular Monitoring and Inspections

Workplaces must ensure that any ACMs are inspected regularly, at least once every 12 months or sooner if the materials are disturbed, damaged, or deteriorating. Regular monitoring helps identify changes in condition early and ensures the asbestos remains safely managed over time.

4. Communicate Clearly with Contractors and Workers

Before any work begins on the property, businesses must provide contractors and workers with full access to the asbestos register and clearly explain any relevant risks or safety requirements. This ensures that all parties understand their obligations and follow safe work procedures when working near or around asbestos.

Safe Removal Requirements in Queensland

Licensed removalists must follow strict guidelines during asbestos removal. Key requirements include:

1. Notification to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ)

For Class A and B removal, WHSQ must be notified at least:

• 5 business days before removal begins 
• Or immediately in emergency situations 

2. Setting Up a Regulated Work Area

This involves:

• Physical barriers 
• Warning signs 
• Exclusion zones 
• Negative pressure units (Class A jobs) 
• Decontamination units 

3. Using Correct Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Common PPE includes:

• P2 or P3 respirators 
• Disposable coveralls 
• Gloves 
• Eye protection 
• Boots (without laces for easier decontamination) 

4. Applying Wet Removal Techniques

During removal, materials should be kept damp using water spraying, wetting agents, or encapsulation products. Wet removal methods minimise airborne fibres, significantly reducing the risk of contamination and exposure for workers and surrounding occupants.

5. Conducting Air Monitoring

Air monitoring is mandatory for all Class A removals and may also be required for certain Class B jobs depending on risk assessments. A licensed asbestos assessor must take air samples before, during, and after removal to ensure fibre levels remain safe and to verify that containment systems are functioning effectively.

6. Clearance Inspection & Certificate

After removal:

• A licensed asbestos assessor (Class A jobs) or competent person (Class B jobs) inspects the site 
• A Clearance Certificate is issued 
• The area cannot be reoccupied until the certificate is provided

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Queensland imposes serious penalties for unsafe or illegal asbestos handling. These can apply to homeowners, business owners, and contractors.

Typical Penalties:

• Fines up to $15,000 for homeowners dumping asbestos illegally 
• Up to $50,000 for individuals undertaking removal without a licence 
• Over $100,000 for businesses breaching WHS obligations 
• Prosecution for serious negligence 
• Suspension or cancellation of removal licences 

Repeat offences and dangerous activities can attract higher fines and potentially imprisonment.

Disposal Rules for Asbestos Waste in Queensland

Asbestos waste must be:

1. Double-bagged in 200-micron plastic 
2. Clearly labelled with “CAUTION ASBESTOS” 
3. Sealed with tape 
4. Transported securely 
5. Taken to an approved asbestos disposal facility 

Dumping asbestos in general waste bins or green waste facilities is illegal and dangerous.

Transporting large amounts often requires compliance with:

• Waste transport certificates 
• EPA waste tracking laws 
• Licensed waste carriers (for commercial or bulk removal)

Should You Attempt DIY Asbestos Removal?

Even though Queensland allows limited DIY removal for bonded asbestos under 10 m², it is strongly discouraged. The risks significantly outweigh the small savings.

DIY removal commonly leads to:

• Fibre release into the air 
• Contamination of soil, carpets, furniture, and clothing 
• Exposure of neighbours and children 
• Expensive remediation costs 

Professional removalists:

• Use specialised tools 
• Create controlled environments 
• Test the air 
• Legally dispose of waste 
• Provide clearance documentation 
• Reduce health risks 

For most homeowners, hiring a licensed professional is the safest and most cost-effective option.

Conclusion: 

Asbestos regulations in Queensland are designed to minimise exposure, prevent unsafe handling, and ensure that removal is done safely and professionally. Whether you’re a homeowner renovating an older property, a business managing workplace safety, or a contractor working around ACMs, it’s essential to know the law and your responsibilities.

Key takeaways:

• Queensland allows limited DIY removal, but only under strict conditions. 
• Most removal requires a licensed professional (Class A or Class B). 
• Businesses must maintain asbestos registers and management plans. 
• Illegal removal or disposal carries heavy fines. 
• Proper identification, handling, and disposal protect workers, families, and the wider community. 

If you are unsure whether materials contain asbestos or how to remove them safely, always consult a licensed asbestos removalist.