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Asbestos rules, answered in plain English

Choose your state, ask a question about asbestos and get a straight answer with the official source. Below it: every state's codes of practice interpreted, and a dictionary of asbestos containing materials. Last checked 1 November 2026.

Codes of practice by state, interpreted

Codes of practice explain how to meet asbestos laws. Inspectors can rely on them, and following them is the clearest way to show you have done the right thing. This is a plain English summary, not legal advice; always confirm with the official source.

Queensland QLD

Codes in force
How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace Code of Practice 2021; How to Safely Remove Asbestos Code of Practice 2021
Asbestos register
Required unless the building, structure or plant was built after 31 December 1989 and no asbestos is identified or likely. Queensland's cut-off is earlier than the rest of Australia.
Reviews
Register and management plan reviewed at least every 5 years, and sooner after removal, disturbance or a request from a health and safety representative.
Licensed removal
Class A licence for friable asbestos in any amount. Class B licence for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos.
Clearance
A written clearance certificate is required after licensed removal. It is not required after removing 10 m² or less of non-friable asbestos.
Homeowners
Homeowners and owner builders may remove 10 m² or less of non-friable asbestos using safe procedures. More than 10 m² needs a certificate under arrangements approved by Queensland Health, for every person working on the job.
Notify, transport and disposal
Over 175 kg must be carried by a licensed regulated waste transporter (ERA57). Lawfully transported asbestos is exempt from the state waste levy.
Official source
asbestos.qld.gov.au

New South Wales NSW

Codes in force
Model codes adopted: How to manage and control asbestos in the workplace; How to safely remove asbestos
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Class A for friable asbestos in any amount. Class B for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Notify SafeWork NSW at least 5 days before licensed removal.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
A homeowner, or a tradesperson working for them, can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. More than 10 m², or any friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.
Notify, transport and disposal
Transporting more than 10 m² or 100 kg must be tracked with the NSW EPA (WasteLocate). Disposal only at a landfill licensed to accept asbestos; the waste levy applies in the regulated area.
Official source
asbestos.nsw.gov.au

Victoria VIC

Codes in force
Compliance code: Managing asbestos in workplaces; Compliance code: Removing asbestos in workplaces (made under the OHS Act 2004 and Part 4.4 of the OHS Regulations 2017)
Asbestos register
Victoria does not use the 2003 cut-off date. Where asbestos is present or likely, the workplace must identify it and keep a register.
Reviews
Review the register at least every 5 years, and whenever asbestos is removed, disturbed or a control changes.
Licensed removal
Licensed removal for friable asbestos and for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Notify WorkSafe at least 5 days before most licensed removal, or at least 24 hours before for 10 m² or less of non-friable material.
Clearance
Clearance inspections after removal are set out in the Removing asbestos in workplaces compliance code.
Homeowners
Use a licensed removalist where you can, and check asbestos.vic.gov.au before removing anything from your own home.
Notify, transport and disposal
Householder loads double wrapped in 0.2 mm plastic and labelled ASBESTOS. Commercial loads tracked with EPA Victoria. Packaged asbestos levy $35.58 a tonne in 2026-27.
Official source
asbestos.vic.gov.au

Western Australia WA

Codes in force
Model codes adopted under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022; the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 also apply to everyone handling asbestos
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Class A for friable asbestos in any amount. Class B for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Notify WorkSafe at least 5 days before licensed removal.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
A homeowner, or a tradesperson working for them, can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Some councils require approval first, so check with your local council.
Notify, transport and disposal
Dispose only at a site authorised to accept asbestos. Asbestos containing material can be exempted from the waste levy by application.
Official source
wa.gov.au/worksafe

South Australia SA

Codes in force
Model codes adopted, including How to safely remove asbestos (commenced 24 February 2024)
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Class A for friable asbestos in any amount. Class B for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Unlike most states, South Australia requires air monitoring for both Class A and Class B removal.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
Householders do not need a licence to remove non-friable asbestos from their own home, but must follow SafeWork SA safety measures. Friable asbestos needs a Class A removalist.
Notify, transport and disposal
Anyone transporting asbestos for payment needs an EPA waste transport licence. Disposal only at an EPA licensed landfill or transfer station.
Official source
asbestos.sa.gov.au

Tasmania TAS

Codes in force
Model codes adopted; How to safely remove asbestos effective in Tasmania from 5 December 2018
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Class A for friable asbestos in any amount. Class B for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
No licence is needed to remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, following the How to safely remove asbestos code. Once a contractor works on the property, it is a workplace regulated by WorkSafe Tasmania; homeowner-only work is overseen by the council.
Notify, transport and disposal
Register with the facility before drop off; many council sites take small domestic loads only.
Official source
worksafe.tas.gov.au

Australian Capital Territory ACT

Codes in force
Model codes adopted; the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 also applies to all premises, including homes
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely. Residential premises do not need registers, so a licensed assessor survey is expected before renovation or demolition.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Only a licensed asbestos removalist may remove asbestos from any premises, including homes. Notify WorkSafe ACT at least 5 days before removal.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
Homeowners cannot remove any amount of asbestos themselves. Sellers and landlords of homes built in or before 1990 must provide the ACT asbestos advice with contracts and leases.
Notify, transport and disposal
Handled by the licensed removalist.
Official source
worksafe.act.gov.au

Northern Territory NT

Codes in force
Model codes approved under the Work Health and Safety (National Uniform Legislation) Act 2011
Asbestos register
Required for workplaces built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos is identified or likely.
Reviews
At least every 5 years and after removal, disturbance or changes.
Licensed removal
Licence needed for friable asbestos in any amount and more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos in a workplace. Notify NT WorkSafe 5 days before licensed removal.
Clearance
Clearance certificate after licensed removal.
Homeowners
There is no legal limit on the amount or type a homeowner can remove from their own home, but NT WorkSafe recommends a licensed removalist for all domestic work.
Notify, transport and disposal
Only operators with an Environment Protection Licence may collect, transport and store asbestos commercially.
Official source
asbestos.nt.gov.au

ACM dictionary

Asbestos containing materials found in Australian homes and workplaces, and the terms you will see in reports. Only a laboratory test confirms asbestos.

Asbestos cement sheet (fibro)

Walls, eaves, gables, wet areas, internal linings. Non-friable when intact

The most common ACM in Australian homes. Cement sheet products typically held around 10% raw asbestos.

Corrugated asbestos cement roofing

Roofs, sheds, garages, carports. Non-friable when intact

Weathered sheets become brittle and shed fibres from the surface. Never water blast or walk on it.

Asbestos cement fencing

Boundary and dividing fences. Non-friable when intact

Often broken by storms and mowers. Fragments in soil need assessment.

Asbestos cement pipes

Water mains, sewer, stormwater, flues, downpipes. Non-friable when intact

Cement pipes make up about 54% of the asbestos still estimated in Australia's built environment.

Asbestos cement shingles and slates

Roofs and wall cladding. Non-friable when intact

Look similar to slate or timber shingles.

Vinyl floor tiles

Kitchens, laundries, offices, schools. Non-friable when intact

Square tiles, often 225 mm or 300 mm. The adhesive underneath may also contain asbestos.

Sheet vinyl with backing

Kitchens, bathrooms. Backing can be friable

The paper or felt backing is the risk. Do not scrape it.

Black mastic and adhesives

Under floor tiles, around windows, roof penetrations. Non-friable

Usually found when floors are lifted.

Textured and sprayed ceiling finishes

Ceilings and walls. Can be friable

Stippled or popcorn finishes. Test before sanding, drilling or painting over.

Sprayed insulation (limpet)

Steel beams, plant rooms, commercial buildings. Friable

High risk. Class A licensed removal only.

Pipe lagging and boiler insulation

Hot water pipes, boilers, heaters, plant. Friable

Soft, crumbly white or grey wrapping. Do not touch.

Millboard and insulation board

Behind heaters, stoves, fire doors, switchboards. Can be friable

Soft board that marks with a fingernail is a warning sign.

Fire door cores

Commercial buildings, apartments. Can be friable

Check labels on the door edge before drilling.

Electrical meter boards

Behind meters and switchboards. Non-friable

Dark, dense boards. Only electricians who follow safe procedures should drill them.

Rope, cord and seals

Wood heaters, stove doors, ovens, plant. Can be friable

Old heater door seals are a common hidden source.

Gaskets, brake and clutch linings

Plant, vehicles, machinery. Non-friable when intact

Imported parts were found to contain asbestos after the 2003 ban.

Bituminous membranes and damp courses

Roofs, wall bases, under slabs. Non-friable

Bitumen based products with asbestos reinforcement.

Window putty and sealants

Older timber and steel windows. Non-friable

Listed among asbestos products used in Australia.

Loose fill insulation

Ceiling spaces, notably in the ACT. Friable

Pure asbestos sold as ceiling insulation. Never enter the roof space.

Asbestos contaminated soil and fill

Former demolition sites, fill, around old buildings. Varies

Often comes from broken sheet fragments. Must be disposed of as asbestos waste unless separated.

Friable asbestos

Asbestos that can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand when dry. Always Class A licensed removal.

Non-friable (bonded) asbestos

Asbestos bound in cement, vinyl or resin. Low risk when intact, hazardous when broken, cut or weathered.

ACM

Asbestos containing material: any material or thing that contains asbestos.

Asbestos register

A record of identified or assumed asbestos at a workplace: date identified, type, condition and location.

Asbestos management plan

How asbestos at a workplace will be managed, including procedures, responsibilities and training. Reviewed at least every 5 years.

Clearance certificate

Written confirmation, after an inspection, that an area is safe to reoccupy following asbestos removal.

Class A and Class B licence

Class A allows friable removal. Class B allows more than 10 m² of non-friable removal.

Licensed asbestos assessor

A person licensed to do air monitoring and clearance inspections for friable (Class A) removal.

Competent person

A person trained and experienced in asbestos identification and assessment, for example to prepare a register.

Exposure standard

0.1 respirable fibres per millilitre of air, averaged over 8 hours.

All questions

QLD Does my Queensland workplace need an asbestos register?

Yes, unless the building, structure or plant was built after 31 December 1989 and no asbestos has been identified or is likely. Queensland uses 1989, not the national 2003 date. The register must record the date identified, type, condition and location of each material, and be reviewed at least every 5 years.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

QLD Can I remove asbestos myself in Queensland?

You can remove 10 m² or less of non-friable (bonded) asbestos from your own home using safe procedures. More than 10 m² needs a certificate under arrangements approved by Queensland Health, and every person helping on that job needs one too. Friable asbestos can only be removed by a Class A licensed removalist.

Book an inspection Official source

QLD How do I dispose of asbestos in Queensland?

Wet it, double wrap it in heavy plastic, label it and book with an accepting facility. Loads over 175 kg must go with a licensed ERA57 regulated waste transporter. Lawfully transported asbestos is exempt from the Queensland waste levy, but the exemption is lost over 175 kg without a licensed transporter.

Book an inspection Official source

QLD Do I need a clearance certificate in Queensland?

After licensed removal, yes. A written clearance certificate is not required after removing 10 m² or less of non-friable asbestos, but an independent inspection is still good practice before you reoccupy the area.

Book a clearance inspection Official source

QLD My Queensland house was built after 1990. Can it still have asbestos?

It is less likely, but possible. Asbestos was not banned nationally until 31 December 2003, and renovations, imported products and recycled materials can introduce it. If you are unsure, test before you cut or drill.

Book a sample test Official source

QLD I rent in Queensland and found fibro. What should I do?

Do not disturb it. Tell your property manager in writing and ask whether an asbestos inspection has been done. Landlords who remove asbestos themselves are limited to 10 m² or less unless they hold a certificate.

Book an inspection Official source

VIC Does my Victorian workplace need an asbestos register?

If asbestos is present or likely, yes. Victoria does not use the 2003 cut-off that other states use, so the age of the building alone does not exempt you. Identify the asbestos, keep a register, and review it at least every 5 years.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

VIC When must WorkSafe Victoria be notified about asbestos removal?

At least 5 days before most licensed removal, including friable or more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. At least 24 hours before removing 10 m² or less of non-friable asbestos. Within 24 hours of starting if the work is due to an unexpected situation.

Book a clearance inspection Official source

VIC Which asbestos codes apply in Victoria?

Victoria has its own compliance codes, Managing asbestos in workplaces and Removing asbestos in workplaces, made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 and Part 4.4 of the OHS Regulations 2017. Victoria does not adopt the national model codes used in most other states.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

VIC How do I dispose of asbestos in Victoria?

Double wrap it in 0.2 mm polythene, seal it with tape and mark it ASBESTOS, then take it to a facility that accepts asbestos. Commercial loads are tracked through EPA Victoria's waste tracker. Packaged asbestos attracts a reduced levy of $35.58 a tonne in 2026-27.

Book an inspection Official source

VIC What if asbestos was installed in Victoria after 2004?

You must notify WorkSafe Victoria, then agree with WorkSafe to either remove it or manage the risk through a management plan.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

VIC Can I remove asbestos myself in Victoria?

Licensed removal is required for friable asbestos and for more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos in workplaces. For your own home, use a licensed removalist where you can and check asbestos.vic.gov.au before you start. A test first tells you what you are dealing with.

Book an inspection Official source

All states What is the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?

Friable asbestos can be crumbled to powder by hand when dry and always needs a Class A licensed removalist. Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is locked into cement, vinyl or resin. It is low risk when intact but becomes hazardous when broken, cut or weathered.

Book an inspection

All states Is it safe to live with asbestos?

Intact, non-friable asbestos that is left alone is generally low risk. The danger comes from disturbing it: drilling, cutting, sanding, water blasting or storm damage. Know where it is so nobody disturbs it by accident.

Book an inspection

All states A storm broke my fibro. What do I do?

Keep people and pets away, do not sweep, mow or hose it, photograph everything, and tell your insurer you suspect asbestos. Then get it tested by an independent assessor before any clean up.

Book a storm damage assessment

All states How do I find out if something is asbestos?

Only laboratory analysis can confirm it. A licensed assessor takes a small sample safely, seals the spot and sends the sample to an accredited laboratory.

Book a sample test

All states I am about to renovate an older home. What should I do first?

Have the materials you plan to disturb tested before work starts. Homes built or renovated before 1990 are the most likely to contain asbestos. A pre-renovation inspection costs far less than an accidental contamination clean up.

Book an inspection

All states Should I get an asbestos inspection before buying a house?

For homes built before 1990, yes. A standard building inspection usually notes possible asbestos but does not test it. Knowing what is there helps you price renovations and negotiate.

Book an inspection

All states What is the exposure standard for asbestos?

0.1 respirable fibres per millilitre of air, averaged over 8 hours. Air monitoring is required during friable (Class A) removal.

Book a clearance inspection

All states What must an asbestos management plan include?

Where the asbestos is (usually by reference to the register), how it will be managed and why, procedures for incidents and emergencies, and the consultation, responsibilities and training for workers. Review it at least every 5 years.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

NSW Can I remove asbestos myself in NSW?

A homeowner, or a tradesperson working for them, can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. More than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.

Book an inspection Official source

NSW How do I dispose of asbestos in NSW?

Take it to a landfill licensed to accept asbestos, wrapped and labelled. If you transport more than 10 m² or 100 kg, the load must be tracked with the NSW EPA's WasteLocate system.

Book an inspection Official source

NSW Does my NSW workplace need an asbestos register?

Yes if it was built before 31 December 2003, or later where asbestos has been identified or is likely. Review the register and management plan at least every 5 years.

Get a workplace register quote Official source

ACT Can I remove asbestos myself in the ACT?

No. In the ACT, only a licensed asbestos removalist may remove asbestos from any premises, including your own home. Sellers and landlords of homes built in or before 1990 must also provide the ACT asbestos advice.

Book an inspection Official source

WA Can I remove asbestos myself in Western Australia?

A homeowner can remove less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Some councils require approval first. More than 10 m², or any friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.

Book an inspection Official source

SA Can I remove asbestos myself in South Australia?

Householders do not need a licence to remove non-friable asbestos from their own home, but must follow SafeWork SA safety measures. Friable asbestos needs a Class A licensed removalist.

Book an inspection Official source

TAS Can I remove asbestos myself in Tasmania?

No licence is needed for less than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, following the How to safely remove asbestos code. More than 10 m², or any friable asbestos, needs a licensed removalist.

Book an inspection Official source

NT Can I remove asbestos myself in the Northern Territory?

There is no legal limit on what a homeowner can remove from their own home in the NT, but NT WorkSafe recommends a licensed removalist for all domestic work.

Book an inspection Official source