Finding asbestos on a building site in Brisbane is common, especially in homes and buildings constructed before the late 1980s. If you are a builder or tradie, understanding your legal obligations and the correct steps to take is essential to ensure compliance, protect health and safety, and avoid costly project delays. Worried about asbestos in your worksite? Contact our team at ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane. We can help. Safe asbestos management is about more than compliance—it is about protecting your team, reducing health risks, and ensuring your project is completed without disruption.

Your Legal Obligations When You Find Asbestos

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In Queensland, asbestos is classified as a hazardous material under the Work Health and Safety Regulations. Builders, contractors, and tradespeople must comply with strict obligations when asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos are suspected:

  • Stop any renovation or demolition work immediately if you suspect asbestos-containing building materials.

  • Arrange testing or inspection services by a licensed asbestos removal professional.

  • Ensure asbestos is encapsulated, identified, or safely removed before continuing any construction, renovation, or demolition job.

  • Keep workers, property owners, and the public safe by ensuring asbestos dust and fibres are contained.

If there is any uncertainty about whether a material contains asbestos, always act as though it does until proper identification and testing confirm otherwise. A licensed asbestos removal service can provide audits, inspections, and air monitoring.

ICON Asbestos Removal is the trusted team for safe asbestos services across the Brisbane coast. From roofing work to demolition support, our licensed removal service ensures every job meets Queensland regulations. Contact us today to get a detailed quote and expert asbestos removal services you can rely on.

Penalties and Fines for Non-Compliance

Failing to follow asbestos regulations in Queensland carries significant penalties.

  • On-the-spot fines can start from $3,600 for individuals and $18,000 for companies.

  • Court-imposed fines can reach $30,000 for individuals and up to $150,000 or more for businesses.

  • In extreme breaches, imprisonment may apply when negligence leads to serious harm.

These fines highlight the importance of compliance. Asbestos exposure has been linked to severe diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Compliance is not optional—it is an obligation.

Avoid costly fines and health risks with ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane. Our team delivers licensed asbestos services, from roofing to demolition support, ensuring every job meets strict regulations. Contact us today to get a detailed quote and trusted removal services that keep you compliant.

Where Asbestos Is Commonly Found on Job Sites

Historically, asbestos was used extensively in building materials across Australia until the late 1980s. Builders, tradies, and contractors in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast may encounter asbestos in:

  • Roofing and cladding, including corrugated asbestos sheets, tiles, and older roofing replacement projects.

  • Wall sheeting, ceilings, insulation, and cladding used in bathrooms and laundries.

  • Flooring, particularly vinyl tiles and adhesives.

  • Fences and sheds built with asbestos cement sheets.

  • Fire-proofing materials, such as sprayed insulation around beams.

  • Soil contaminated with asbestos during past demolition or construction.

There are two primary forms of asbestos: bonded and friable. Bonded asbestos is generally safer if intact, but friable asbestos is more dangerous because it crumbles easily and releases fibres into the air. Bonded and friable asbestos removal must always be undertaken by licensed asbestos specialists.

From demolition sites to aging roofing materials, asbestos can be found in many unexpected places. ICON Asbestos Removal provides licenced services to identify and remove these risks safely and in full compliance. Contact our team today to ensure your site is asbestos-free.

What to Do Immediately Before You Start Work

If you suspect asbestos before starting any project (construction, renovation, demolition, etc.):

  • 1

    Stop work and do not disturb the area.

  • 2

    Request testing and identification through a licensed asbestos service.

  • 3

    Contain the area with barriers and signage to prevent access.

  • 4

    Contact and notify the property owner, contractor, or project manager.

  • 5

    Get a detailed quote from licensed asbestos removal contractors with public liability insurance.

Taking these steps demonstrates compliance, protects all parties, and avoids unnecessary risk.

The PPE and Safety Gear Every Tradie Must Use

When asbestos is present, all personnel must wear correct personal protective equipment:

  • P2 respirator masks to prevent inhalation of fibres.

  • Disposable coveralls with a hood to prevent contamination of clothing.

  • Gloves and safety boots that are disposable or decontaminated after work.

  • Safety goggles to protect the eyes from dust.

All PPE must be removed and disposed of safely after an asbestos removal service in sealed bags or a dedicated container labelled for asbestos waste. Contaminated gear must not be washed and reused.

Why Accredited Asbestos Training is Essential

Accredited asbestos awareness training is critical for builders and tradies. It provides the knowledge required to:

  • Identify building materials that may contain asbestos.

  • Follow correct practices for containment, encapsulation, or decontamination.

  • Recognise when it is necessary to stop work and contact licensed asbestos removal professionals.

  • Reduce the risk of exposure on residential, commercial, and industrial projects.

ICON Asbestos Removal specialises in asbestos removal across Brisbane and southeast Queensland, offering advice, assessments, and asbestos services for all project sizes. Our team is equipped to handle complex removals and provides safe and efficient solutions. Contact us today to get a free, detailed quote.

Safe Removal and Disposal Practices You Can't Ignore

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Unlicensed contractors cannot remove asbestos legally in Queensland. Class asbestos removal, especially friable asbestos, must be undertaken only by accredited asbestos removal professionals. Safe practices include:

  • Using approved disposal bags or containers for asbestos waste.

  • Wetting asbestos materials before removal to prevent dust release.

  • Sealing, double-bagging, and labelling asbestos waste clearly.

  • Transporting waste to government-approved disposal facilities.

Professional asbestos removal ensures compliance and efficiency. Services provided by licensed asbestos removalists include thorough clean-up, decontamination, monitoring, and final inspections that leave the property safe and compliant.

When to Stop and Call a Licensed Asbestos Professional

Builders and tradies must stop work and engage licensed asbestos specialists if:

  • Friable asbestos is identified.

  • More than 10m² of bonded asbestos must be removed.

  • Adequate PPE, training, or disposal equipment is not available.

  • The asbestos is located in roofing, wall cavities, ceilings, or insulation.

  • Proper disposal options are not accessible.

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane provides asbestos removal service options with detailed quotes, transparent pricing, and full public liability insurance coverage. The licenced asbestos removal team offers peace of mind by ensuring compliance and safety for property owners and contractors.

The Simple 3-Step Process for Builders and Tradies

Step 1: Identification and Assessment
Arrange asbestos audits, inspections, and testing before starting work.

Step 2: Safe Containment and Removal
Licenced asbestos removalists remove hazardous material using safe, compliant, and industry-approved practices.

Step 3: Clearance and Compliance
Final air monitoring, inspections, and certification confirm that the property is safe and the project can continue.

Stay Compliant, Stay Safe

ICON Asbestos Removal

Asbestos is a hazardous material that requires immediate attention and strict compliance with health and safety regulations. Builders and tradies working in Brisbane, the Sunshine Coast, and the Gold Coast must understand the risks and responsibilities involved in managing asbestos on site. By following obligations, using proper PPE, and engaging licenced asbestos removal professionals, you can ensure safe and compliant projects for residential, commercial, and industrial clients.

ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane offers professional asbestos removal services, bonded and friable asbestos removal, asbestos testing, and remediation solutions across Queensland. The team provides detailed quotes, transparent pricing, and safe, reliable solutions tailored to your project.

Call ICON Asbestos Removal in Brisbane today on 0409 593 779 or request a free quote online to get started. Our licenced asbestos removal specialists are ready to provide professional, affordable, and compliant solutions for any job.