10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Asbestos Removal in Perth
Asbestos remains a serious health and compliance issue across Western Australia, particularly in older commercial, industrial and residential properties. Although its use has been banned for years, asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still frequently found during demolition, renovations, and site remediation works.
Whether you’re a property manager, developer, or homeowner, it’s important to understand the risks, regulations, and best practices surrounding asbestos removal in Perth.
In this article, we’ve answered some of your 10 most frequently asked questions:
- What is asbestos, and why is it dangerous?
- When was asbestos used in Perth?
- What types of asbestos are there?
- How do you identify asbestos?
- How is asbestos removed safely?
- How is asbestos disposed of in WA?
- Can I sell a property with asbestos?
- What are the licensing rules for asbestos removal in WA?
- Can I remove asbestos myself?
- How much does asbestos removal cost in Perth?
1. What is asbestos, and why is it dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was widely used in construction due to its strength, fire resistance and insulating properties. Unfortunately, it was later discovered that when its fibres become airborne and inhaled, they can cause serious health issues, including:
- Mesothelioma (a rare cancer linked only to asbestos)
- Asbestosis (lung scarring)
- Lung cancer
- Cancers of the larynx and ovaries (less commonly)
According to the Cancer Council WA, even low-level exposure over time can be harmful, particularly when materials are damaged or disturbed during renovation or demolition.
The risk also increases with the duration, frequency and intensity of exposure, as well as the type of asbestos fibre and the age at which you were exposed.
2. When was asbestos used in Perth?
Asbestos-containing products were commonly used in Western Australia from the 1920s until the late 1980s. Applications included cement sheeting, roof tiles, insulation, floor tiles, pipe lagging, and brake pads.
A national ban on the manufacture, import and use of asbestos came into effect on 31 December 2003.
In 2022, WA adopted the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022, which continue to govern asbestos removal practices today.
3. What types of asbestos are there?
There are three primary types of asbestos:
- Chrysotile (white) – Found in roofs, walls, and floors.
- Amosite (brown) – Found in insulation and cement products.
- Crocidolite (blue) – Typically used in high-temperature insulation; considered the most hazardous.
These are classified into:
- Non-friable (bonded) asbestos – Fibres are bound in a solid matrix (e.g. cement sheeting); relatively stable unless damaged or aged.
- Friable asbestos – Loose and crumbly; easily becomes airborne and presents a much higher health risk.
It’s important to note that non-friable asbestos can become friable if subjected to fire, deterioration or physical damage.
For more details, read our guide to understanding friable asbestos.
4. How do you identify asbestos?
Many asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) look identical to modern non-asbestos products, especially in older buildings, so visual identification alone isn’t enough.
In Western Australia, asbestos identification must be carried out by a competent person – someone with the necessary training and experience to assess materials based on age, location, and construction type.
Key steps include:
- Inspection by a licensed contractor or competent person familiar with ACM locations and historical product types.
- Sampling of suspect materials, following strict containment and PPE protocols
- Laboratory analysis at a NATA-accredited facility, which will confirm the presence and type of asbestos fibres.
- Updating your asbestos register, required under WHS regulations for all commercial or industrial properties where asbestos is identified or presumed.
Do not disturb materials for testing unless you’re trained to do so safely. Airborne asbestos fibres are extremely hazardous, and even a small release can create lasting contamination.
If asbestos is found or strongly suspected, it should be clearly labelled, recorded in an asbestos register, and either enclosed or removed in accordance with relevant codes of practice.
5. How is asbestos removed safely?
Once asbestos has been identified, licensed contractors follow strict procedures to remove it safely and in compliance with Western Australia’s work health and safety laws.
Key steps in safe removal include:
- Isolating the work area, with clear signage and restricted access
- Wearing certified PPE, including P2 respirators and disposable coveralls
- Using wet methods to suppress dust and prevent fibre release
- Avoiding cutting or breaking ACMs to limit airborne particles
- Sealing all waste in heavy-duty plastic, double-wrapped and clearly labelled
- Decontaminating equipment and personnel before leaving the work zone
Removal work is conducted under a detailed Asbestos Removal Control Plan (ARCP), with site-specific risk assessments. Clearance inspections and air monitoring may also be required, particularly for friable asbestos or sensitive environments.
Improper removal can cause widespread contamination, legal penalties, and long-term health issues. That’s why licensed removal is not only best practice, but a legal requirement for most situations.
6. How is asbestos disposed of in WA?
Asbestos waste must be:
- Double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic
- Labelled clearly as ‘Asbestos Waste – Do Not Inhale Dust’
- Disposed of at a licensed landfill facility authorised to accept asbestos
Transporting and disposing of asbestos without proper documentation is illegal and may result in penalties under the Environmental Protection Regulations 1987.
Please refer to official DWER resources for the most up to date information on asbestos disposal processes and approved disposal sites in WA.
7. Can I sell a property with asbestos in Perth?
Yes. There are no legal restrictions on selling a property that contains asbestos. However, under Australian Consumer Law, vendors must disclose any known presence of asbestos to prospective buyers.
Most buyers request an asbestos inspection if the property was built before 1990. If asbestos is found, it does not necessarily need to be removed before settlement, but it may affect valuation or buyer confidence.
8. What are the licensing rules for asbestos removal in WA?
In Western Australia, asbestos removal is regulated under the Work Health and Safety (General) Regulations 2022. These laws set strict requirements around who can perform removal work and under what conditions.
The key licensing rules are:
- Class A licence is required to remove friable asbestos.
- Class B licence is required to remove more than 10m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos.
- All removal work must comply with the Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces and relevant Safe Work Australia guidelines.
You can verify if a contractor holds the appropriate licence by checking the WorkSafe WA licence register.
9. Can I remove asbestos myself?
Under WA law, you may remove up to 10m² of non-friable asbestos without a licence, provided you follow safety precautions. However, this is not recommended due to the health risks and disposal obligations involved.
Any removal of friable asbestos or larger quantities must be performed by a licensed contractor.
At Focus Demolition, our team is fully licensed and insured for commercial asbestos removal in Perth, including regional and remote sites.
10. How much does asbestos removal cost in Perth?
Asbestos removal costs can vary significantly based on material type, access, regulatory requirements and risk level. There are no standardised rates across the industry. For accurate pricing, a licensed contractor must conduct a site-specific assessment.
Get a Quote or Site Assessment
Focus Demolition is one of WA’s most experienced contractors for large-scale, high-risk, and remote asbestos removal jobs. We’re fully licensed, insured, and able to respond quickly across Perth and regional Western Australia.
Learn more about our asbestos removal services or contact our team for a site-specific quote.
