If your Sydney home was built before 1990, there is a strong likelihood that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) were used somewhere in its construction. In fact, Australia was one of the highest per-capita users of asbestos in the world until it was fully banned in 2003.
Where Asbestos Hides in Sydney Homes
Asbestos was used in over 3,000 different building products. In typical Sydney residential properties, the most common locations include:
Exterior: Eaves and soffits, weatherboard cladding (fibro), roof sheeting, fencing panels, and garage walls.
Interior: Bathroom and kitchen wall linings, vinyl floor tiles and backing, behind ceramic tiles, electrical meter boards, and ceiling panels.
Hidden areas: Under-floor insulation, inside wall cavities, around hot water pipes, and in roof spaces.
Why It's Dangerous
Asbestos fibres become dangerous when materials are disturbed — during renovations, drilling, cutting, or when materials deteriorate with age. Once airborne, these microscopic fibres can be inhaled and lodge permanently in lung tissue, potentially causing mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer decades later.
What Sydney Homeowners Should Do
- 1.Don't disturb it — if you suspect asbestos, leave it alone until tested
- 2.Get a professional assessment — a licensed assessor can identify ACMs
- 3.Use licensed removalists — only holders of a SafeWork NSW asbestos removal licence should handle removal
- 4.Check credentials — verify your removalist holds a current licence (like our licence AD214680)
- 5.Obtain clearance certificates — after removal, an independent assessor should confirm the area is safe
The Legal Requirements in NSW
Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, removing more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos requires a licensed asbestos removalist. All friable asbestos removal must be performed by a Class A licence holder. Penalties for illegal removal can exceed $50,000 for individuals.
At Mr Asbestos, we hold Asbestos Removal Licence AD214680 and follow all SafeWork NSW requirements to protect your family and our workers.