Asbestos materials can be disturbed very easily when doing home renovations. Even something as simple as drilling a hole in the wall to hang a picture could release asbestos containing materials.

All home renovators and DIY enthusiasts should be asbestos aware before starting any work around the house. However, it is recommended that asbestos removal should be left to a professional.

Although asbestos is no longer used, notifications alerting SafeWork SA to asbestos removals across South Australia each year are increasing.

In 2019, SafeWork SA received 3708 notifications covering the removal of 414,845 square metres of asbestos.

In 2024, the number of notifications were up 57 per cent from 2019 to 5848 with a total of 642,666m² of asbestos removed.

More than half of the asbestos removed in 2024 was from residential properties.

Asbestos-related diseases cause about 4,000 deaths a year in Australia. Like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or renovations that might disturb asbestos – are jobs best left to the experts.

When was asbestos used in building materials?

The use of asbestos has been banned in Australia since 2003. However, as a result of the widespread use of asbestos in the past, there remains a large amount of asbestos containing materials (ACM) in older buildings.

If your house was built or renovated before the mid-1980s, it is likely to contain some form of asbestos.

As a general rule, if your home was built or renovated:

• before the mid-1980s - it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing products
• between the mid-1980s and 1990 - it is likely that it has asbestos-containing products
• after 1990 - it is unlikely that it has asbestos-containing products.

Use the find and identify tool and the residential asbestos checklist to help identify where asbestos might be present.

Leave asbestos removal to the experts

While home renovators do not need a licence to remove asbestos-containing material by law, it is a dangerous task best completed by a professional to avoid putting the homeowner and any family members at risk.

Due to the risk of exposure during removal, it is recommended that homeowners engage a licensed asbestos removalist who will have the proper training and equipment to safely remove the asbestos.

SafeWork SA publishes a list of qualifies asbestos removalists.

Where in the home is asbestos found?

If you are thinking of undertaking any repairs, renovation or demolition work in your home (built or renovated prior to the late 1980s), please take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of products that may contain asbestos and where to find them.

Outside, asbestos materials can be found in:

• roof
• eaves
• electrical box
• old fence
• shed
• outbuilding.

Inside, asbestos materials are commonly found in:

• bathroom
• laundry
• kitchen
• under floor (especially linoleum or tiles).

Top 10 ways to stay safe around asbestos

1. Know where it is. If in doubt, get the material tested or assume it is asbestos.
2. Do not disturb or damage any material containing asbestos. If it is in good condition, leave it alone.
3. If you decide to undertake asbestos removal work yourself, follow safe work procedures and safety precautions(external site) to minimise risk to your health or the health of your family and neighbours.
4. Wear an approved respirator and disposable PPE including gloves and coveralls.
5. Do not saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos materials.
6. Replace it if damaged. If broken, weathered or damaged, fibres can be released risking your health.
7. If you are removing friable asbestos you should use a licensed asbestos removalist(external site). It is also recommended that you use a licensed asbestos removalist(external site) if disturbing a large quantity of non-friable asbestos.
8. Seek professional help to remove it. It could cost less than you think.