Hiring the right asbestos removal service is critical because asbestos exposure can lead to severe health issues. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you hire the best asbestos removal service near you:
1. Research:
– Start by searching online for asbestos removal services in your area.
– Check online reviews, ratings, and customer testimonials.
– Ask friends, family, and colleagues for recommendations.
2. Check Qualifications and Licensing:
– Due to the hazardous nature of asbestos, most regions require professionals to be licensed or certified to handle asbestos removal.
– Verify the company’s license with the local regulatory body or department in charge of asbestos management.
3. Experience and Expertise:
– Ask about the company’s experience and how long they’ve been in the asbestos removal business.
– Determine if they have experience with projects similar to yours (e.g., residential vs. commercial, size of the project).
4. Safety Protocols:
– Ensure the company follows stringent safety measures, such as using proper protective equipment and containment methods.
– Ask about their procedures for safely disposing of asbestos materials.
5. Get Multiple Quotes:
– Seek quotes from at least three different services.
– Ensure the quotes are detailed, specifying the scope of work, materials, and labor costs.
– Be wary of unusually low quotes; they might cut corners, leading to unsafe removal or hidden charges.
6. Insurance:
– Ensure the company has liability insurance that covers potential damages or accidents during the removal process.
– Workers’ compensation insurance is also essential to cover any injuries to workers on your property.
7. Written Contract:
– Once you’ve chosen a service, ensure all details are outlined in a written contract. This should include the project’s scope, timeline, costs, and any warranties or guarantees.
– Read the contract thoroughly before signing.
8. Ask Questions:
– How will the asbestos materials be disposed of?
– How will they ensure asbestos fibers don’t spread to other parts of the property?
– What precautions will they take to protect the health of the occupants and their team?
– How will they confirm the complete removal of asbestos (some regions require air quality tests after removal)?
9. Check for Post-removal Services:
– Some companies offer restoration services after removal, which can be useful if walls, ceilings, or floors need to be repaired or replaced.
10. Payment Terms:
– Understand the payment terms. Is an upfront deposit required? When is the final payment due?
– Avoid paying the full amount upfront.
11. Stay Clear During the Removal:
– For safety reasons, ensure no one is in the area being treated while the asbestos removal process is underway.
12. Post-removal Inspection:
– Once the job is completed, inspect the area to ensure it’s clean and free from debris.
– Some regions might require an independent asbestos clearance certificate from a third-party to verify the safe removal of asbestos.
Remember, the cheapest service might not always be the best. Prioritize safety, expertise, and reliability when making your decision.

Asbestos Removal refers to the process of safely removing materials that contain asbestos. Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction materials (like insulation, flooring, roofing, and tiles) for its strength, fire resistance, and insulating properties. However, when asbestos fibers become airborne and are inhaled, they can cause serious lung diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. As a result, many countries have banned or severely restricted its use.
What can an Asbestos Removal service do?
1. Identification and Testing: Before any removal process, it’s crucial to identify materials suspected of containing asbestos. Professionals can collect samples and have them tested to confirm the presence of asbestos.
2. Safe Removal: This is the core service provided. Asbestos removal technicians are trained to safely remove asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) without causing the asbestos fibers to become airborne.
3. Containment: Before removal begins, professionals set up containment areas using plastic sheeting and negative air pressure machines to ensure fibers don’t escape into the surrounding environment.
4. Disposal: Asbestos waste must be disposed of safely. It’s usually placed in sealed, labeled bags and disposed of in designated hazardous waste facilities.
5. Air Monitoring: During and after the removal process, air monitoring might be conducted to ensure asbestos fibers aren’t present in the air. This is especially crucial in occupied buildings.
6. Demolition: In some cases, where buildings are heavily contaminated, it might be safer to conduct a controlled demolition rather than just removing the asbestos.
7. Consultation and Management Plans: Asbestos removal professionals can also offer consultations on managing asbestos in buildings where removal might not be immediately necessary. This can include establishing an asbestos management plan and periodic checks.
8. Training: Some services also offer asbestos awareness training for industries that might encounter asbestos in their line of work.
9. Post-removal Cleanup: After removal, the area needs to be thoroughly cleaned, ensuring no asbestos fibers are left behind.
10. Documentation: After the job, professionals typically provide documentation of the work performed, waste disposal receipts, and, if required, air quality test results.
Because of the health risks associated with asbestos exposure, it’s essential to hire trained professionals to handle any suspected asbestos-containing materials. DIY or untrained handling can lead to significant health hazards and potential legal issues.

An asbestos removal service is specialized in handling tasks related to the identification, removal, and disposal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). Here are the specific jobs that they can assist with:
1. Inspection and Identification:
– Conducting site inspections to identify the presence of asbestos in buildings, structures, or soil.
– Collecting samples of suspected materials for laboratory testing.
2. Asbestos Removal:
– Safely removing asbestos-containing materials from residential, commercial, and industrial sites.
– This might include removing asbestos from roofing, tiles, insulation, floor tiles, pipe insulation, and other materials.
3. Encapsulation:
– Applying sealants to ACMs to prevent the release of asbestos fibers. This method is sometimes used as a temporary measure or when removal is not immediately feasible.
4. Demolition:
– Safely demolishing structures that contain significant amounts of asbestos.
5. Transport and Disposal:
– Safely packaging and transporting asbestos waste to designated disposal sites, following legal and environmental regulations.
– Providing appropriate documentation to confirm proper disposal.
6. Air Monitoring:
– Monitoring air quality during and after the asbestos removal process to ensure no asbestos fibers become airborne.
– This is essential for the safety of both the workers and the building occupants.
7. Decontamination:
– Ensuring that the area is thoroughly cleaned after removal, using specialized vacuum cleaners and other equipment designed for asbestos work.
8. Reporting and Documentation:
– Providing a comprehensive report detailing the work done, locations of asbestos, amount removed, and disposal methods.
– Offering documentation like air monitoring reports and waste disposal receipts.
9. Asbestos Management Plans:
– Developing and maintaining an asbestos management plan for properties where asbestos remains in place.
– This involves regular inspections, labeling of ACMs, and ensuring that building occupants or workers are informed.
10. Training and Consultation:
– Offering asbestos awareness training for businesses and homeowners.
– Providing consultation on the best practices for managing or removing asbestos.
11. Soil Remediation:
– Removing and decontaminating soil that has been contaminated with asbestos, often due to the breakdown of old building materials or improper disposal.
12. Emergency Services:
– Responding to emergencies where asbestos has been unexpectedly disturbed, ensuring quick containment and remediation.
Given the serious health risks associated with asbestos exposure, these jobs should be conducted by trained and licensed professionals following all necessary safety precautions.

The cost of asbestos removal in Australia can vary based on several factors, such as the size of the area, the type of asbestos material, the accessibility of the site, and the location (rural vs. urban, state regulations, etc.). As of my last update in September 2021, here are some general ballpark figures to give you an idea:
1. Asbestos Inspection & Testing:
– Asbestos inspection and testing can range from $250 to $750 or more, depending on the complexity of the inspection and the number of samples taken.
2. Removal Costs:
– Roofing: Between $35 to $100 per square meter.
– Fencing: Approximately $50 to $120 per meter.
– External Cladding: Between $35 to $100 per square meter.
– Internal Cladding (like ceilings and walls): Approximately $50 to $100 per square meter.
– Floor Tiles: Around $25 to $50 per square meter.
3. Disposal Costs:
– Disposal of asbestos-containing materials might add an extra $50 to $150 per cubic meter, depending on the local regulations and landfill fees.
4. Air Monitoring:
– If air monitoring is required, this can add several hundred dollars to the overall cost, depending on the project’s duration.
5. Encapsulation:
– If you opt for encapsulation rather than removal, this can cost between $10 to $80 per square meter, depending on the method used.
6. Miscellaneous Costs:
– Other potential costs include setting up decontamination facilities, hiring skip bins, or additional safety precautions.
When seeking quotes, it’s always a good idea to get multiple estimates from different service providers to compare and understand the price breakdown. Make sure that the estimates include all potential costs, from inspection to disposal.
Please note that prices can change over time and might vary significantly depending on specific circumstances, such as the structural integrity of the building, the condition of the asbestos, and any other hazards that might be present. Always prioritize safety and ensure that the service provider is licensed and compliant with Australian standards and regulations.

When hiring a local asbestos removal service, it’s essential to gather all the necessary information to ensure the job is done safely, professionally, and in compliance with all regulations. Here are some key questions you should consider asking:
1. Licensing and Certification:
– Are you licensed to perform asbestos removal in this state/territory?
– Can you provide a copy of your license and any other relevant certifications?
2. Experience and References:
– How many years of experience do you have in asbestos removal?
– Can you provide references or testimonials from past clients?
– Have you handled projects similar to mine?
3. Safety Protocols:
– What safety measures will you implement during the removal process?
– How do you ensure the safety of the building occupants and your workers?
– Do you conduct air monitoring before, during, and after the removal process?
4. Removal Process:
– Can you explain the removal process in detail?
– How will you contain the area and prevent asbestos fibers from spreading?
– What equipment and methods will you use?
5. Disposal:
– How and where will the asbestos waste be disposed of?
– Will you provide documentation or receipts for the disposal?
6. Insurances:
– Do you have liability insurance in case of any accidents or damage?
– Are your workers covered under worker’s compensation?
7. Duration and Timing:
– How long do you estimate the project will take?
– When can you start the project, and what will be the working hours?
8. Costs and Payment:
– Can you provide a detailed written estimate of the costs?
– Are there any potential additional costs not included in the estimate?
– What are your payment terms?
9. Post-removal Process:
– Will you conduct a post-removal inspection to ensure all asbestos is removed?
– How will you handle the cleanup after the removal process?
10. Legal and Regulatory Compliance:
– Are you up-to-date with the local and national regulations regarding asbestos removal?
– Will you provide all the necessary documentation and reports upon completion?
11. Emergency Protocols:
– How do you handle unforeseen situations or emergencies during the removal process?
12. Warranty or Guarantee:
– Do you offer any warranty or guarantee on your services?
By asking these questions, you can gauge the professionalism, reliability, and competency of the asbestos removal service. Always remember that with a task as critical as asbestos removal, it’s essential to prioritize safety and quality over cost.