Asbestos was commonly used in building materials before the 1990s. If your home or building was built or renovated before this time, it may contain asbestos.
Asbestos can become a health risk when materials are disturbed and fibres are released into the air. Activities such as renovating, demolishing, drilling, sanding, cutting or pressure washing can increase this risk.
If asbestos-containing materials are in good condition and left undisturbed, the risk to health is generally very low.
Asbestos is a controlled waste and must be managed, removed and disposed of correctly.
Frequently Asked Questions
What if I find a suspicious material on public land?
If you find a material that you think may contain asbestos on public land, please contact us.
To help us assess the report, provide:
- The location
- Photos of the material
- Photos showing the surrounding area
- A brief description of what you found
My house was built before the 1990s. What should I do before renovating or demolishing?
Before starting any renovation, demolition, sanding, drilling, cutting or pressure washing, it is strongly recommended that you have the materials assessed by a qualified asbestos professional.
You can:
- Engage a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist, or
- Arrange testing through a NATA-accredited laboratory.
Testing typically costs around $70–$90 per sample, although prices may vary.
Depending on the type of work, an asbestos assessment may also be required as part of a Building Permit application. If you are working with a building surveyor, they can advise you on any requirements.
I found a material in my home that might contain asbestos. What should I do?
Do not disturb the material.
Avoid cutting, drilling, sanding, breaking or moving it until it has been assessed.
A licensed asbestos professional can inspect the material and advise whether it should be managed, tested or removed. You can also arrange testing through a NATA-accredited laboratory.
How do I dispose of asbestos from my home?
Small amounts of non-friable asbestos (less than 10 square metres) can generally be removed without a licence. However, strict safety precautions must still be followed.
Before disposal:
- Double-wrap or double-bag all asbestos waste.
- Contact your local waste facility to confirm they accept asbestos.
- Follow any packaging and transport requirements provided by the facility.
Use the disposal facility map to find an asbestos disposal site near you.
I am concerned about asbestos at a construction site.
If you believe asbestos is being handled unsafely or illegally at a construction site, contact WorkSafe Tasmania on 1300 366 322 or submit a report through their online reporting service.
More Information
For practical information about identifying and managing asbestos, visit: