Asbestos remains a serious health concern in many Australian homes and buildings, particularly those constructed before the mid‑1980s. In Georgetown, NSW, property owners and renovators face unique challenges when dealing with this hazardous material. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of asbestos removal—from identifying risk to legal responsibilities, best practises, and choosing a reputable service like Asbestaway.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre widely used for its insulating, fire-resistant and durable properties. In Australia, it was commonly employed in construction materials such as:
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Vinyl floor tiles
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Cement sheeting (fibro)
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Roofing materials and eaves
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Pipe lagging and insulation
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Textured ceiling coatings (“popcorn” ceilings)
Unfortunately, when asbestos-containing materials (ACM) are disturbed—through drilling, sanding, demolition, or even weathering—they release microscopic fibres into the air. If these fibres are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge in the lungs, leading to serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—often with long latency periods of 20–50 years.
Prevalence of Asbestos in Georgetown, NSW
Georgetown, like many suburbs in the Newcastle and Hunter region, features homes and commercial buildings dating back to the 1950s through the 1980s. These structures commonly used:
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Cement sheeting in exterior walls and ceilings
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Corrugated fibrous cement in roofs and sheds
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Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
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Pipe lagging in older plumbing systems
Even properties built into the late 1980s may contain “low‑risk” ACM—such as non‑friable fencing, eaves, or flat soffit panels. However, any ACM can become dangerous if disturbed.
Legal Requirements in NSW
NSW law classifies asbestos as a Category 1 or Category 2 hazard. The Department of Health and SafeWork NSW govern its removal:
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Licensed removalists:
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Required for friable ACM (easily crumbled, high risk) and most non‑friable ACM over 10 m².
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These professionals hold a Class A (friable) or Class B (non‑friable) asbestos removal licence.
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Householders:
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Permitted to remove small quantities (under 10 m²) of non‑friable ACM themselves, provided they comply with rigorous safety procedures.
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Regulations:
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SafeWork NSW mandates risk assessments, air‑monitoring (for friable removal), appropriate disposal, and certificates of clearance post‑removal.
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Failure to comply can lead to hefty fines and even criminal prosecution. It also puts occupants at risk.
How to Identify Asbestos in Your Property in Georgetown, NSW?
Identifying ACM is the first critical step. Common warning signs:
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Buildings erected or renovated before 1990
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Flat cement sheeting (“fibro”) in ceilings/walls
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Corrugated cement roofing, eaves or gutters
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Old vinyl floor tiles & adhesives (especially 1960s–70s)
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Pipe insulation or vinyl backing
The safest approach is to engage a licensed asbestos assessor who will inspect, sample, and report findings. DIY sampling is not recommended—incorrect handling or sampling can release dangerous fibres, leading to contamination and penalties.
Assessing Risk: Friable vs Non‑Friable ACM
Understanding the type of asbestos material helps determine the level of risk:
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Friable ACM: Easily crumbled or reduced to powder by hand. This includes ceiling insulation and pipe lagging—extremely high risk, fibre‑release prone, Class A licence required.
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Non‑friable ACM: Bonded into solid forms, e.g. cement sheeting, corrugated roofing, vinyl tiles. Generally lower risk when intact and undisturbed, but can become risky if cut, drilled, or broken. Class B licence often required for removals over 10 m².
Step-by-Step Asbestos Removal Process
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Initial inspection and risk assessment
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Conducted by a licensed asbestos assessor, resulting in a detailed report.
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Work plan and removal methodology
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Plans should outline safety measures, isolation, negative air pressure (if needed), wetting procedures, PPE, air‑monitoring, and waste disposal routes.
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Site preparation
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Isolate work area with plastic sheeting, use ‘Wet’ methods to suppress dust, display warning signs.
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Careful removal
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Licensed personnel remove ACM using hand tools; always damp to minimise airborne fibres.
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On‑site decontamination
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Use decontamination units (for friable removals), including airlocks, showers, wipe‑down areas for personnel and equipment.
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Waste packaging and disposal
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Place asbestos waste in yellow labelled bags or sealed rigid containers, then transport to licenced landfill in NSW.
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Clearance inspection and certificate
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Independent assessor samples air post‑clean to confirm safe fibre levels. Visual inspection ensures no debris remains. Civilian clearance certificate issued before area reoccupation.
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DIY Removal vs Hiring a Professional
DIY Removal (Non‑friable, under 10 m²)
✅ Reduces cost
✅ Allowed under regulations
❌ Labour‑intensive
❌ Risk of non-compliance and contamination
❌ Potential for accidental exposure
Licensed Removalist (Friable or >10 m² Non‑friable)
✅ Regulated, insured and trained professionals
✅ Efficient removal, ensures compliance
✅ Avoid legal issues
❌ Higher cost—offset by safety and peace of mind
In most cases, licensed removal is strongly recommended, particularly for larger jobs or when disturbance of high-risk asbestos is involved.
Choosing the Right Removal Service in Georgetown
When evaluating companies, consider:
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Licensing: Do they hold Class A or B licence with SafeWork NSW?
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Experience: Local expertise matters—Georgetown structures differ from other regions in their typical use of ACM.
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Safety culture: Do they provide documentation, PPE, and air monitoring as standard?
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Insurance & references: Insured and transparent about past projects.
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Pricing structure: Are costs clearly itemised? Does the quote include disposal fees, air testing, site reopening?
Ask for a detailed written quote with these elements:
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Scope of removal (areas and total m² estimate)
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Methodology summary
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Safety measures and insurance
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Hazardous waste disposal procedures
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Independent clearance certification
Cost Expectations 0f Asbestos Removal in Georgetown, NSW
Pricing varies depending on:
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Type of asbestos (friable/non‑friable)
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Area size and complexity
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Access (eaves, ceiling cavities, roofing)
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Disposal fees to licenced facilities
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Air‑monitoring requirements
Typical costs as of mid‑2025 (indicative):
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DIY non‑friable, small job: $500–$1,500
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Commercial B‑licensed non‑friable, 20–40 m²: $3,000–$7,000
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Friable Class A removal, small area: $4,000+ (high due to air monitoring and decontamination)
Get at least three quotes, and compare not merely on price but on compliance and safety.
Spotlight on Asbestaway – A Trusted Removal Partner
For homeowners in Georgetown and the broader Hunter Region, Asbestaway stands out as a reputable, licensed asbestos removal business with a strong local presence. Their key strengths include:
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Full licensing: Both Class A and Class B removal licences, enabling them to handle friable and non‑friable asbestos with compliance
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Local expertise: Deep familiarity with older-style fibro homes and region-specific ACM issues
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Transparent processes: Detailed written quotes, line‑item cost breakdowns, and summary of safety measures
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Comprehensive service: Conducting pre‑removal inspections, air‑monitoring, waste transport to NSW licenced facilities, and issuing independent clearance certificates
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Strong reputation: Positive reviews from past local clients, many highlighting punctuality, professionalism, cleanliness, and clear communication
While there are several asbestos removal providers in the area, Asbestaway’s combination of local know‑how, full licensing credentials and clear documentation makes them a strong contender for those seeking peace of mind and excellent service.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos removal in Georgetown, NSW, demands careful attention to legal, health, and safety considerations. From initial identification through final clearance, each stage plays a vital role in ensuring both compliance and protection.