How much asbestos can I remove myself in Australia?

In most states an unlicensed person may remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Above that, and for any friable asbestos, a licensed removalist is legally required. Check your state regulator, as rules vary.

Can I use a power tool on asbestos sheeting?

Never. Grinding, cutting, sanding, or water-blasting asbestos releases fibres and is prohibited. Only hand tools with the material wetted down are permitted, and even then licensed removal is safer.

How do I dispose of asbestos?

Double-wrap it in heavy plastic, label it as asbestos, and take it only to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. It cannot go in general waste or landfill skips.

Can I remove asbestos myself?

Small amounts of non-friable asbestos can be removed DIY in most states (generally up to 10 square metres), but friable always needs a licensed removalist. The rules and safe method.

Quick answer

In Australia you can legally remove small amounts of non-friable (bonded) asbestos yourself in most states -- generally up to 10 square metres -- but it is strongly discouraged and strictly regulated. Friable asbestos always requires a licensed removalist, and so does more than 10 square metres of non-friable. Any asbestos work demands proper PPE, wetting down, sealed disposal at a licensed facility, and no power tools. When in doubt, use a licensed removalist.

Skill level: All levels
Time: 4 min read
Trade: Roofing & Guttering
Updated: 14 November 2026

The short answer

Asbestos is a genuine "get this wrong and it kills you later" area. The law splits it two ways. Friable asbestos (crumbles by hand -- pipe lagging, some old insulation) must always go to a licensed removalist. Non-friable / bonded asbestos (fibro sheeting, most old eaves and roofing) can, in most states, be removed by an unlicensed person up to 10 square metres.

That legal allowance is not an endorsement. Even small-scale removal must follow strict method: wet the material, hand tools only (never grind, cut, or water-blast), a full P2 respirator and disposable coveralls, and disposal double-wrapped at a licensed asbestos facility.

What it depends on

Friable vs non-friable -- friable is always licensed; non-friable has a limited DIY allowance.

The area -- the common threshold is 10 square metres of non-friable; above that a licensed removalist is required.

Your state or territory -- thresholds and notification rules differ; check your state WHS / SafeWork regulator.

Whether it is a workplace -- workplaces have stricter duties and licensed removal is often mandatory.

Your next step

For anything friable, anything over 10 square metres, or anything you are unsure about, use a licensed asbestos removalist -- it is not the place to save money. If you proceed with a small non-friable job, confirm your state exact rules with your WHS regulator first and dispose of it only at a licensed facility. Browse more roofing guides.

Frequently asked questions

How much asbestos can I remove myself in Australia?: In most states an unlicensed person may remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Above that, and for any friable asbestos, a licensed removalist is legally required. Check your state regulator, as rules vary.
Can I use a power tool on asbestos sheeting?: Never. Grinding, cutting, sanding, or water-blasting asbestos releases fibres and is prohibited. Only hand tools with the material wetted down are permitted, and even then licensed removal is safer.
How do I dispose of asbestos?: Double-wrap it in heavy plastic, label it as asbestos, and take it only to a licensed asbestos disposal facility. It cannot go in general waste or landfill skips.

Written by Roofy, the Roofing & Guttering specialist at Aus.Tools.