Asbestos Removal Melbourne Vic

 

With full licensing, specialised equipment, and extensive industry experience, Asbestos Removal delivers professional asbestos removal services to commercial, residential, and industrial clients across Melbourne and Victoria.

Whether you require Class A (friable) or Class B (non-friable) asbestos removal, you can rely on our team to provide the highest standard of professionalism, safety, and compliance.

Our experienced and highly trained asbestos removal specialists are committed to exceeding client expectations by delivering safe, efficient, and fully compliant asbestos solutions tailored to every project.

We carry comprehensive public liability insurance for all asbestos removal works, which gives our clients complete peace of mind.

Asbestos Removal is fully licensed and authorised by the EPA Victoria and WorkSafe Victoria, ensuring that all work is completed in accordance with Victorian safety and environmental regulations.

 

What asbestos is

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres once widely used in building materials (cement sheeting, insulation, flooring, and roofing). It becomes dangerous when it is damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air.

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres once widely used in building materials (cement sheeting, insulation, flooring, roofing). It becomes dangerous when it is damaged or disturbed, releasing microscopic fibres into the air.

 

Why removal is strictly controlled in Australia

In Victoria, asbestos work is regulated by WorkSafe Victoria under national WHS laws.

Key rules:

  • Friable asbestos (crumbly/dusty material): must be removed by a licensed Class A asbestos removalist
  • Non-friable asbestos (bonded materials like fibro sheeting): usually requires a Class B licensed removalist if over certain quantities
  • Improper handling or DIY removal can lead to fines and serious health risks
  •  

When asbestos is commonly found

In Melbourne and older Australian homes (pre-1990), asbestos may be in:

  • Bathroom/laundry wall sheeting (“fibro”)
  • Roofs and eaves
  • Vinyl floor tiles and backing
  • Pipe insulation
  • External cladding and fences
  •  

What to do if you suspect asbestos

  1. Do not cut, sand, drill, or break the material
  2. Avoid sweeping or vacuuming (especially with a household vacuum)
  3. Keep the area undisturbed
  4. Arrange testing through a licensed asbestos assessor
  5. If confirmed, hire a licensed asbestos removalist

 

How professional removal works (high level)

Licensed contractors typically:

  • Seal off the work area (containment)
  • Use protective equipment and respirators
  • Wet down materials to reduce fibre release
  • Remove and double-bag waste in approved containers
  • Dispose of it at licensed hazardous waste facilities
  • Conduct air monitoring/clearance testing (for higher-risk jobs)

 

Cost (rough guide in Melbourne)

Costs vary widely depending on the type and amount of service.

  • Small non-friable jobs: a few hundred to a few thousand dollars
  • Larger or friable removals: several thousand+ (can escalate quickly due to safety requirements)

 

In Australia, asbestos removal is split into two main licence classes because the health risk depends heavily on whether the material can easily release fibres into the air.

Class A (friable asbestos)

Friable asbestos means it can be crumbled or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This is the most dangerous form because fibres become airborne very easily.

Typical examples:

  • Sprayed insulation (e.g. fireproofing on steel beams)
  • Lagging on pipes and boilers
  • Old loose-fill insulation

Requirements:

  • Must be removed by a Class A licensed asbestos removalist
  • Can remove both friable and non-friable asbestos
  • Requires strict containment (negative air pressure enclosures, decontamination units, air monitoring)
  • Clearance inspection by an independent licensed asbestos assessor is mandatory

Class B (non-friable asbestos)

Non-friable asbestos is bonded into a solid material like cement or vinyl, so fibres are less likely to be released unless it is broken, cut or sanded.

Typical examples:

  • Asbestos cement sheets (“fibro”)
  • Vinyl floor tiles with asbestos backing
  • Roof sheeting and eaves

Requirements:

  • Must be removed by a Class B licensed asbestos removalist
  • Can only remove non-friable asbestos (unless upgraded to Class A licence)
  • Still requires controlled removal, wet methods, and disposal at approved facilities

Key legal requirements (Victoria, Australia)

In Victoria, asbestos removal is regulated strictly due to health risks like mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Relevant authorities:

  • WorkSafe Victoria – enforces asbestos removal licensing and workplace safety rules
  • Safe Work Australia – sets national model codes of practice and guidance

Important takeaway

  • Class A = friable = highest risk = highest control requirements
  • Class B = bonded/non-friable = lower risk but still strictly regulated
  • DIY removal is generally illegal or heavily restricted in most situations

 

Price Guide

In Melbourne (and across Australia), asbestos removal costs vary mainly by type, quantity, and accessibility, but here are realistic 2026 price ranges:

 

💰 Typical asbestos removal costs (Melbourne)

🧱 Bonded asbestos (most common in fibro homes)

  • $50 – $150 per m²
  • Examples: fibro walls, fences, sheds, eaves, vinyl tiles

☣️ Friable asbestos (dangerous, crumbly material)

  • $150 – $300+ per m²
  • Examples: loose insulation, pipe lagging, ceiling dust

🏠 Typical job costs

  • Small removal (shed, fence, small area): $800 – $2,500
  • Room (bathroom/laundry): $1,500 – $6,000
  • Garage or shed: $2,500 – $6,000
  • Roof removal: $8,000 – $25,000
  • Full house (fibro home): $15,000 – $50,000+

📊 What affects the price most

  • Type of asbestos (friable = much more expensive)
  • Area size (m²)
  • Access difficulty (roof, height, tight spaces)
  • Disposal fees (EPA-approved sites required)
  • Licensing requirements (Class A or B contractors in Victoria)

⚠️ Important Melbourne-specific note

  • You must use licensed asbestos removalists in Victoria.
  • Even small jobs often have a minimum call-out fee (~$1,000–$2,000).
  • DIY removal is only legal for tiny amounts of bonded asbestos and is strongly discouraged.