Asbestos is a hidden hazard still present in many Australian homes and commercial buildings—particularly those built before 1990. Georgetown, a suburb in Newcastle, NSW, is no exception. With its mix of older fibro houses and post-war dwellings, the need for professional asbestos removal is a pressing concern for homeowners, renovators and property managers alike.
Choosing the right asbestos removal company isn’t just about cost—it’s about safety, compliance with NSW regulations, and long-term peace of mind. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most important tips for selecting a qualified, reliable asbestos removal specialist in Georgetown.
Tips to Choose the top Asbestos Removal Company in Georgetown
1. Confirm Proper Licensing and Accreditation
The first and most critical step is to verify that the company is licensed with SafeWork NSW. Asbestos removal licences come in two categories:
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Class A Licence – Allows the company to remove all types of asbestos, including friable (high-risk, crumbles easily).
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Class B Licence – Permits removal of non-friable asbestos (e.g., bonded asbestos cement sheets).
Make sure the company holds the correct licence for your specific project. Ask to see a copy of their licence or check them via the SafeWork NSW Public Register.
Tip: For friable or large-scale removals, only Class A licence holders can legally and safely complete the work.
2. Ask About Experience and Local Knowledge
A company may be licensed—but do they understand the unique challenges in Georgetown?
Georgetown’s homes often contain asbestos in areas like:
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Eaves and soffits
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Corrugated asbestos roofing
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Vinyl floor tiles and adhesives
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Bathroom and kitchen sheeting
Choose a company that has worked on similar properties in the local area. Their experience with typical building types, local council regulations, and waste facilities can make the process smoother and safer.
Ask questions such as:
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“How many removals have you done in the Newcastle/Georgetown area?”
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“What common asbestos materials do you find in local homes?”
3. Evaluate Their Safety Procedures
Asbestos removal is a high-risk operation. Reputable companies will have strict safety protocols in place, including:
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Use of personal protective equipment (PPE)
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Sealing off contaminated areas
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Use of negative air pressure systems
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Wet removal techniques to reduce airborne fibres
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Proper decontamination units
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Independent air monitoring and clearance certification
Ask to see a sample of their Safe Work Method Statement (SWMS). This outlines how they will control risk and protect both workers and occupants.
A professional company will be transparent and happy to discuss their safety measures in detail.
4. Ensure Waste Is Properly Disposed Of
Asbestos waste must be sealed, labelled, and transported to an authorised disposal facility in accordance with NSW regulations. Never work with a company that cannot confirm:
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How and where they dispose of asbestos waste
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Whether they provide waste transport certificates
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If they include disposal costs in their quote
Improper disposal is illegal and can lead to hefty fines—not to mention serious environmental damage.
Tip: Check whether the removalist uses an EPA-licensed waste transporter.
5. Insist on a Detailed Quote
A trustworthy company will provide a written, itemised quote. This should include:
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Inspection or testing fees
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Removal and labour costs
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Safety equipment and procedures
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Disposal and transport charges
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Air testing or clearance certificate fees (if applicable)
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Timeframe for completion
Avoid vague quotes with lump sums. You need to see where your money is going and what’s included. If something seems unclear, ask for clarification.
6. Check Reviews and References
Online reviews are a valuable source of insight. Search platforms such as:
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Google Business
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ProductReview.com.au
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Facebook or local community forums
Look for feedback regarding:
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Punctuality and communication
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Tidiness and cleanliness after work
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Transparency in quoting and invoicing
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Safety and professionalism
Also, ask the company if they can provide client references or case studies of past work in Georgetown or nearby.
7. Look for Insurance and Liability Cover
Asbestos removal companies must carry:
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Public liability insurance (to cover third-party damage)
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Workers’ compensation insurance
Make sure their policies are up-to-date and provide adequate coverage. If something goes wrong during the job—such as property damage or accidental exposure—you want to be sure you’re not financially liable.
8. Timeframes and Availability
In some cases—like during renovations or if asbestos has been unexpectedly uncovered—you may need fast turnaround. Ask the company:
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When can they start the work?
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How long will the job take?
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Are they available for emergency removal if required?
A good removalist will give you a realistic timeline, not just the fastest one.
9. Ask About Clearance Certificates
In NSW, a licensed asbestos assessor (independent from the removalist) must inspect the site after friable asbestos is removed. Even for non-friable work, a clearance certificate provides peace of mind.
Ensure the company includes this in the service, or can recommend an accredited third-party assessor. A proper clearance certificate confirms:
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All asbestos has been removed
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The site has been cleaned
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Air testing confirms safe fibre levels
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It is now safe to re-occupy the area
Local Expertise: Why Homeowners in Georgetown Trust Asbestaway
When it comes to asbestos removal in Georgetown, Asbestaway is a highly recommended local company with a strong reputation for safety, professionalism and transparency.
Here’s why they stand out:
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✅ Licensed & Insured: Asbestaway holds both Class A and Class B licences, allowing them to remove both friable and non-friable asbestos legally.
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✅ Newcastle Area Specialists: Their team has deep experience in older Hunter Region homes, including fibro constructions common to Georgetown.
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✅ Strict Safety Standards: They follow all SafeWork NSW protocols, provide air monitoring when required, and leave the site clean and hazard-free.
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✅ Clear, Competitive Quotes: Clients receive itemised breakdowns with no hidden charges—plus disposal and clearance are often included.
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✅ Positive Local Reviews: With dozens of 5-star reviews from customers across the Newcastle region, Asbestaway is known for being reliable, honest and courteous.
For homeowners, renovators or commercial clients in Georgetown, Asbestaway offers a dependable, fully compliant solution for asbestos concerns.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right asbestos removal company is not a decision to take lightly. It involves serious health risks, legal responsibilities, and potential long-term costs if done improperly.
Here’s a quick recap of what to look for:
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✅ Correct licensing (Class A or B)
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✅ Local experience and references
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✅ Strong safety and disposal protocols
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✅ Transparent pricing
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✅ Insurance and clearance certificates
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✅ Trusted local providers like Asbestaway
If you’re in Georgetown, NSW, and suspect your property may contain asbestos, don’t delay. Take the time to select a qualified, responsible removalist who puts your health and safety first.
Need expert advice? Contact a licensed professional today and get your property assessed safely and legally.