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Asbestos remains one of the most serious health hazards in older Australian buildings, and Brisbane is no exception. Before any demolition work begins, a thorough inspection is not just good practice; it is a legal requirement. Total Demolition Brisbane has spent over a decade handling asbestos-related demolition projects across South East Queensland, and the same critical mistake appears time and again: asbestos is missed because key danger zones are overlooked. This guide identifies the eight locations in a property that demand careful inspection before a single wall comes down.
Australia banned the use of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in all building products from 31 December 2003. However, properties built or renovated before that date may still contain asbestos in a wide range of locations. In Queensland, the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 makes it a legal obligation for demolition contractors to identify and manage asbestos hazards before work commences. Failing to do so carries heavy penalties and, more importantly, serious long-term health consequences.
Asbestos fibres, once airborne, are invisible and odourless. Diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis can take decades to develop, making the risk easy to underestimate. In Australia, asbestos exposure remains the leading cause of work-related deaths.
Fibro (fibrous cement) roof sheeting was a staple of Australian home construction from the 1940s through to the late 1980s. Many Queensland homes still carry this material overhead. Asbestos cement sheeting was widely used because it was lightweight, durable, and cost-effective.
What to look for:
Roof sheets can become brittle with age. Cutting or breaking them without proper containment releases dangerous fibres into the air. A residential demolition assessment must include a close inspection of all roofing materials before any work begins.
Asbestos cement sheeting was used extensively as both external cladding and internal wall lining in Australian homes. It looks very similar to standard fibrous cement sheet, making visual identification unreliable without laboratory testing.
Common applications included:
Never attempt to sand, drill, or cut suspected asbestos sheeting. Even a small hole can release thousands of fibres. Always arrange professional testing first.
Vinyl floor tiles installed before the 1980s often contained chrysotile (white) asbestos. The adhesive used to bond these tiles, known as mastic, can also contain asbestos. This danger zone is frequently missed because flooring appears harmless.
Risk areas include:
Floor tiles that are intact and undisturbed pose a lower immediate risk. However, during commercial demolition, they will inevitably be disturbed. Pre-removal testing is essential.
Loose-fill asbestos insulation, sometimes called “Mr Fluffy” insulation, was used in homes across Australia during the 1960s and 1970s. This form is considered the most hazardous because the fibres are loose and readily become airborne. Beyond loose fill, pipe lagging and duct insulation also commonly contained asbestos.
Locations to check:
The underside of rooflines; eaves and soffits was a prime location for asbestos cement sheeting. These areas are often forgotten during visual inspections because attention naturally focuses on more obvious structural elements. Fascia boards made from fibrous cement also require testing.
Why this zone is overlooked:
Wet areas received heavy use of asbestos-containing products because of their fire-resistant and moisture-resistant properties. Renovation or demolition in these spaces is particularly high-risk. Research highlights that bathroom renovations in pre-1990 homes are among the highest-risk DIY activities for asbestos exposure.
Products commonly found in wet areas:
Outbuildings are frequently the last place anyone checks but often the first place asbestos appears. Garages and garden sheds built before 1990 were routinely constructed using asbestos cement sheeting for both walls and roofing. These structures are often in poor condition, increasing the risk of fibre release.
Key inspection points:
For industrial demolition projects, large-scale outbuildings such as warehouses and factory sheds require thorough site-wide asbestos registers before any work is approved.
Asbestos cement was a popular material for boundary fencing in Australian suburban properties. It is durable, cheap, and was widely available for decades. Garden features such as raised garden beds and retaining walls occasionally incorporated asbestos sheet material as well.
Signs to look for:
Weathered or damaged asbestos fencing is classified as “friable” meaning fibres are more easily released. The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency classifies friable asbestos as a Class A licensed removal task; no exceptions.
Once a suspect material is identified, a licensed asbestos assessor must collect a sample for laboratory analysis. If asbestos is confirmed, a site-specific Asbestos Management Plan is prepared in line with Queensland regulations.
The removal process typically involves:
Only then can demolition proceed safely. Cutting corners at this stage is not only illegal; it is life-threatening.
At Total Demolition Brisbane, we understand the gravity of asbestos risks better than most. Our fully licensed team carries out comprehensive pre-demolition inspections and manages all asbestos removal in strict accordance with Queensland law. Whether it is a small residential teardown or a large-scale industrial project, we ensure every danger zone is checked, documented, and handled safely. Contact us today to request a quote and get your project off to a safe, compliant start.
1. How do I know if my home contains asbestos?
If a property was built or renovated before 1990, it is likely to contain asbestos-containing materials somewhere. Visual identification is unreliable. A licensed asbestos assessor must collect samples and submit them for NATA-accredited laboratory testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.
2. Is it safe to leave asbestos in place during a renovation?
Intact and undisturbed asbestos that is in good condition may be managed in place under certain conditions. However, any demolition work will disturb the material. All asbestos must be professionally removed before demolition proceeds to prevent exposure to airborne fibres.
3. Who is licensed to remove asbestos in Queensland?
In Queensland, asbestos removal requires a licensed contractor. Class B licence holders can remove non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Class A licence holders are required for friable asbestos, which includes loose-fill insulation and damaged or deteriorated materials. Always verify a contractor’s licence before engaging them.
4. Can I remove asbestos myself in Brisbane?
Queensland law allows a homeowner to remove up to 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos from a residential property. However, professional removal is strongly recommended in all cases. For any commercial, industrial, or larger-scale removal, a licensed contractor is legally required.
5. How long does a pre-demolition asbestos inspection take?
A standard residential inspection typically takes two to four hours depending on the size and age of the property. Laboratory results generally return within two to five business days. The full process, from inspection to clearance, should be factored into the project timeline before demolition is scheduled.
6. What are the health risks of asbestos exposure?
Asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis; all serious and potentially fatal conditions. These diseases typically have latency periods of 20 to 40 years, meaning symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure. There is no safe level of asbestos exposure.