If you decide to remove less than 10m² of non-friable asbestos-containing material, you should make sure you are fully prepared by following the steps below:

Training

Training is very important and will provide you with the information you need to know about asbestos and asbestos removal. It is recommended that home owners complete either:

These courses provide basic information on identifying asbestos, working with it safely, and also the decontamination procedures involved when working with asbestos.

For more information on the unit of competency or to find a training provider, visit www.training.gov.au

The agency has made a range of case studies to show the best way to manage asbestos in different situations. The ‘PRENSA - Putting people first’ case study shows the importance of best practice when it comes to training and safe removal of asbestos.

Equipment

Before you begin, make sure you have all of the equipment needed at hand so that you are prepared at every stage of the removal work. You will need the following:

  • Plastic sheeting (new, minimum 200 micron thick polythene)
  • Duct tape
  • Warning notices
  • Barricades
  • Bolt cutters (for sheets bolted in place)
  • Access to a garden hose with a fine spray nozzle or a spray bottle containing a wetting agent (water, or water with detergent)
  • Bucket of water and disposable rags
  • Solid asbestos-waste container, labelled appropriately
  • Asbestos waste bags (new, labelled, 200 micron thick polythene plastic)
  • All the necessary personal protective equipment

Before you start

  • Check with your local council what the requirements are relating to your project
  • Make arrangements for the storage and disposal of asbestos waste

Asbestos removal control plan

An asbestos removal control plan is an action plan that should be created before undertaking any asbestos removal work. The aim of the plan is to outline the specific methods and processes that will be used to ensure the removal is safe and effective.

An asbestos removal control plan is compulsory for licensed asbestos removal work and is highly recommended for any non-licensed removal work.

An asbestos removal control plan includes details of the following:

  • how removal will be carried out
  • the methods that will be used during removal
  • the tools, equipment and PPE that will be used
  • the location of the asbestos
  • the type of asbestos
  • the condition of the asbestos

Plans and drawings can be attached to the removal control plan to provide additional information.

Preparing the work area

  • Make sure that you have all of the necessary personal protective equipment and other materials ready on site before commencing any work.
  • Put up signs and barriers to isolate the area and make sure people avoid it.
  • Cover all vents and turn off air-conditioning and fans (avoid working outside on windy days).
  • Clear the area of personal belongings, loose items, soft furnishings and anything else that could become contaminated with asbestos fibres.
  • Cover the floor or ground area with new, heavy-duty 200 μm polythene plastic sheeting.