Renovating an older property in Melbourne can be an exciting project, but it also comes with its challenges, especially when asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are present. Asbestos was commonly used in construction materials until the late 1980s and early 1990s due to its durability, fire resistance, and affordability. However, it was later discovered that inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to serious health issues, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
If you are planning a renovation in a property that may contain asbestos, it is crucial to understand how to manage these materials safely. This guide will take you through the steps for safely renovating a property with asbestos in Melbourne, from testing and hiring professionals to legal compliance and ongoing safety measures.
1. Identify the Presence of Asbestos
The first step in safely renovating a property with asbestos is to determine whether the material is present. Asbestos is often found in homes built before the 1990s in materials such as:
- Textured ceiling coatings (popcorn ceilings)
- Fibro (fibrous cement) sheeting used for walls and ceilings
- Floor tiles and linoleum
- Roofing materials and insulation (particularly around pipes and ducts)
To identify whether asbestos is present, hire a licensed asbestos assessor to inspect the property. They will visually inspect suspected materials and take samples to be tested in a laboratory. Only professional testing can confirm the presence of asbestos. Once you know which materials contain asbestos, you can plan the safest course of action for your renovation.
2. Understand the Risks of Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos-containing materials are dangerous when disturbed. If ACMs are damaged during renovation work, asbestos fibres can be released into the air. Inhalation of these fibres poses significant health risks, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. The risks of exposure are especially high during activities such as sanding, cutting, drilling, or demolishing materials that contain asbestos.
It is essential to understand that asbestos-related diseases often take many years to develop, so even brief exposure can lead to severe health complications down the line. Therefore, the key to a safe renovation is managing and removing asbestos properly.
3. Hire Licensed Professionals for Asbestos Testing and Removal
Once you’ve identified that asbestos is present, it’s essential to hire a licensed asbestos removalist for the safe removal of any materials that will be disturbed during the renovation. Licensed professionals are trained to handle and dispose of asbestos safely, using industry-standard practices to minimise the risk of exposure to harmful fibres.
An experienced asbestos removalist will:
- Assess and develop a plan for safely removing the asbestos-containing materials.
- Contain the work area to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading.
- Use proper PPE (personal protective equipment) such as respirators, gloves, and coveralls.
- Ensure safe disposal of asbestos waste at an approved disposal facility.
Attempting to remove asbestos yourself or hiring unlicensed contractors can result in significant health risks and legal consequences.
4. Legal and Regulatory Requirements
In Melbourne, the removal of asbestos is heavily regulated to ensure that it is done safely and according to the law. You must adhere to the following regulations:
- WorkSafe Victoria oversees asbestos removal and enforces strict safety protocols.
- Licensing: Only licensed asbestos removalists can handle, remove, and dispose of asbestos materials. A Class A license is required for the removal of friable asbestos (materials that can easily release fibres), while a Class B license is required for non-friable asbestos (materials that are more stable but can still pose risks when disturbed).
- Notification: Before beginning asbestos removal, you may need to notify WorkSafe Victoria, especially if large amounts of asbestos are being removed. This helps ensure proper inspections are carried out to guarantee safety.
- Disposal: Asbestos-containing materials must be disposed of at a licensed hazardous waste facility. Improper disposal can lead to contamination and significant penalties.
Always ensure that all asbestos removal work complies with the relevant regulations and is carried out by licensed professionals.
5. Contain and Isolate the Work Area
One of the most important aspects of a safe asbestos removal process is containment. During the renovation, the work area where asbestos materials are being removed must be isolated to prevent asbestos fibres from spreading to other areas of the property. This includes:
- Sealing off doors and windows with plastic sheeting and tape to prevent airborne fibres from escaping.
- Creating negative air pressure in the work area to ensure that any asbestos fibres are captured and filtered out by air filtration systems.
- Placing warning signs around the containment area to ensure no one enters the work area without proper protection.
The aim is to prevent contamination of other areas of the property and to protect anyone nearby from potential exposure.
6. Air Quality Testing and Site Clearance
After the removal of asbestos-containing materials, air quality testing must be conducted to ensure that the worksite is safe. This involves collecting air samples in and around the work area to check for the presence of airborne asbestos fibres.
A licensed asbestos assessor will typically handle this testing. If the air quality is found to be acceptable, the work area will be deemed safe for further work. If asbestos fibres are still present, additional cleaning and decontamination will be required.
Once the area is cleared of asbestos, the clearance certificate is issued, confirming that the site is safe for further renovations or occupancy.
7. Safe Disposal of Asbestos Waste
Proper disposal of asbestos waste is an essential part of the renovation process. Asbestos-containing materials must be carefully sealed in heavy-duty plastic bags or containers and transported to an approved disposal facility. This ensures that the materials are processed in compliance with safety regulations and that they do not pose a risk to public health.
8. Ongoing Safety Measures During Renovation
After the asbestos removal is complete, you can continue with your renovation, but ongoing safety measures are still necessary. Ensure that any remaining asbestos materials in the building are properly labelled and monitored for damage. If further renovation work is planned in these areas, consult with a licensed professional to ensure that they are handled safely.
Also, make sure to keep documentation of the asbestos testing, removal, disposal, and air quality testing. This will be useful not only for your safety but also for any future property sales or inspections.
Renovating a Property with Asbestos is a Delicate and Potentially Dangerous Process
Renovating a property with asbestos is a delicate and potentially dangerous process, but with the right precautions, it can be managed safely. By understanding the risks, getting your property tested for asbestos, hiring licensed professionals for removal, and following legal and safety protocols, you can ensure that your renovation project is carried out safely and in compliance with the law.
Always remember, if you discover asbestos during a renovation, do not attempt to remove it yourself. Hire a licensed asbestos removalist to handle the job, and take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of everyone involved. This will not only protect your health but also help you complete your renovation with peace of mind.
For more information on asbestos testing, removal, and safe renovation practices, read our Complete Guide to Asbestos Safety During Renovations.
