Guidance for Asbestos in DIY and Professional Renovations

A Practical Technical Guide for Property Owners, Renovators and Construction Professionals

Asbestos continues to be encountered during residential renovation, maintenance and redevelopment works, particularly in buildings constructed prior to the late 1990s. Effective management of asbestos requires more than simple awareness — it requires structured asbestos inspection, asbestos testing, and risk-based asbestos assessment supported by appropriate regulatory compliance and, where necessary, controlled asbestos removal or asbestos remediation.

This guide outlines a practical framework for identifying, assessing and managing asbestos risks during both DIY and professional renovation works.

Asbestos in Residential Construction

Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were widely used in residential construction due to their durability and fire resistance. The most common material encountered during renovation is nonf-friable fibro (asbestos cement), although asbestos may also be present in:

• Internal and external wall sheeting

• Eaves, soffits and ceiling linings

• Roofing and ridge capping

• Fencing and outbuildings

• Vinyl flooring and backing adhesives

• Mastics and sealants

• Pipe insulation and lagging

The presence of asbestos alone does not necessarily present a hazard. Risk arises when materials are cut, drilled, sanded, broken, or otherwise disturbed, allowing airborne fibres to be released.

Asbestos Risk During Renovation Works

Unplanned asbestos exposure most commonly occurs during:

• Wall, ceiling or fibro sheeting removal

• Cutting or drilling into asbestos cement products

• Flooring removal

• Demolition or structural alteration

• Sanding, grinding or mechanical disturbance

• Improper clean-up of dust or debris

Even minor disturbance of asbestos-containing materials can release friable respirable asbestos fibres, particularly where materials are deteriorated or weathered.

Step 1 — Undertake an Asbestos Inspection or Asbestos Survey

Before renovation works commence, a structured asbestos inspection or asbestos survey should be undertaken to identify asbestos-containing materials and evaluate risk. A professional asbestos assessment considers:

• Building age and construction materials

• Condition and friability of materials

• Likelihood of disturbance during proposed works

• Potential exposure pathways

• Regulatory requirements

For renovation, demolition or construction activity, asbestos identification prior to disturbance is essential to prevent uncontrolled exposure.

Step 2 — Confirm Materials Through Accredited Asbestos Testing

Where materials cannot be confidently identified visually, asbestos testing is required. Samples must be analysed by a NATA-accredited asbestos laboratory using approved analytical methods.

Some property owners mistakenly believe they can purchase a “Bunnings asbestos testing kit.” In practice, reliable asbestos testing requires controlled sampling, laboratory analysis, and professional interpretation as part of a formal asbestos assessment. Testing alone does not determine risk — the condition, friability and disturbance potential of materials must also be evaluated.

Step 3 — Determine Management, Removal or Remediation Requirements

Not all asbestos must be removed. A professional asbestos assessment determines whether:

• Materials can remain undisturbed and be managed

• Encapsulation or sealing is appropriate

• Removal is required due to deterioration or planned disturbance

Asbestos removal involves controlled removal by licensed contractors.
Asbestos remediation may include removal, containment, decontamination and validation.

Improper removal is a major cause of fibre release and should not be undertaken without appropriate controls and licensing.

Step 4 — Compliance, Documentation and Risk Management

Depending on the property and works proposed, asbestos management may require:

• Asbestos register

• Asbestos management plan

• Pre-renovation or pre-demolition asbestos survey

• Clearance inspection following asbestos removal

These measures ensure regulatory compliance and safe management of asbestos-containing materials.

Step 5 — Clearance and Verification Following Asbestos Removal

Following asbestos removal, Asbestos Clearance Inspection and, where required, airborne fibre monitoring confirm the effectiveness of asbestos remediation and ensure the area is safe for re-occupation.

Practical Approach to Asbestos Management in Renovation

Effective asbestos risk management follows a structured process:

Asbestos identification → Asbestos inspection → Asbestos testing → Asbestos assessment → Management or remediation → Clearance

This approach supports safe renovation, regulatory compliance and protection of occupants and workers.