If you live in an older property, there’s a good chance you’ve come across asbestos materials somewhere around your home. One of the most common examples in Australia is the asbestos cement fence, a seemingly harmless structure that was once praised for its durability, affordability, and fire resistance.
However, what many homeowners don’t realise is that these fences can pose serious health risks if they are disturbed or removed without professional help. While DIY projects can save money and be rewarding, asbestos removal is not one of them. Attempting to handle it yourself can endanger your health, your family, your neighbours, and even the environment.
Let’s break down why you should never remove an asbestos fence yourself and what you should do instead.
What Is an Asbestos Fence?
From the 1950s through the 1980s, asbestos cement sheets were widely used to build fences, garages, sheds, and roofing materials. These fences are typically made from fibro cement, a mix of cement and asbestos fibres designed to strengthen the material.
While these fences are usually safe if left intact and undisturbed, problems arise when they begin to deteriorate, crack, or break. At that point, asbestos fibres can be released into the air, where they can be inhaled or ingested, leading to potentially deadly diseases decades later.
The Hidden Danger: Asbestos Exposure
Asbestos fibres are microscopic, lightweight, and easily inhaled. Once inside the lungs, they can remain there permanently, causing scarring and inflammation over time. Exposure can lead to several life-threatening diseases, including:
- Asbestosis: Chronic lung scarring that makes breathing difficult.
- Lung Cancer: Strongly linked to asbestos exposure, particularly among smokers.
- Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Even small amounts of asbestos exposure can be hazardous and because symptoms can take 20 to 50 years to appear, many victims have no idea they were ever exposed.
Why DIY Asbestos Removal Is So Dangerous
1. You Can’t See or Smell the Risk
Unlike mold or dust, asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye. You won’t know when you’re releasing them into the air, which makes DIY removal extremely risky. Even a small crack or break in a fence sheet can release thousands of fibres.
2. Standard Protective Gear Isn’t Enough
Many DIYers think a simple dust mask or gloves will protect them but they won’t. Proper asbestos removal requires specialised PPE (personal protective equipment) such as P2 respirators, disposable coveralls, and controlled work environments. Without this gear, you risk contaminating your clothing, car, and home.
3. You Could Contaminate Your Property
Asbestos fibres cling to surfaces and can spread easily. Once released, they can contaminate soil, gardens, or indoor areas through your shoes or tools. Cleaning up these microscopic fibres without professional equipment is nearly impossible.
4. It’s Illegal in Many Areas
In Australia, removing asbestos without a licence is against the law. Authorities impose strict regulations on asbestos handling, transportation, and disposal. DIY removal can lead not only to health risks but also to hefty fines and legal consequences.
5. Disposal Isn’t Straightforward
Asbestos waste cannot be thrown in a regular bin or taken to a standard landfill. It must be double-bagged, labelled, and delivered to an approved asbestos disposal facility. Professionals are trained to handle this safely and legally, something the average homeowner simply can’t do on their own.
How Professionals Remove Asbestos Fences Safely
Licensed asbestos removalists follow a detailed, safety-first process to protect both people and property:
- Inspection and Testing: Confirming asbestos content before any removal begins.
- Site Preparation: Establishing safety barriers, signage, and decontamination zones.
- Careful Dismantling: Using low-dust, low-disturbance techniques to prevent fibre release.
- Containment and Disposal: Wrapping and sealing all waste in approved materials for transport.
- Final Clearance Inspection: Ensuring the site is safe and air quality meets regulations.
This process requires experience, certification, and specialised tools, all designed to keep everyone safe.
What You Should Do Instead
If you suspect your fence contains asbestos:
- Don’t touch or disturb it. Leave the material as it is.
- Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist. They can test and confirm whether the fence is hazardous.
- Get quotes from certified professionals. Ensure they are licensed by your local authority and provide a detailed removal plan.
- Follow legal disposal requirements. Keep documentation for future property sales or inspections.
The Cost of Safety vs. The Cost of Risk
Professional asbestos removal might seem expensive upfront, but consider what’s at stake: your health, your family’s wellbeing, and your community’s safety. The cost of dealing with asbestos-related illness or legal penalties is far greater than the price of hiring a certified expert.
In short: you can’t put a price on peace of mind.
Final Thoughts
Asbestos fences may look harmless, but they conceal a very real danger. DIY removal is never worth the risk not for your lungs, your wallet, or your legal record. Always call a licensed asbestos removal professional who can handle the process safely and in compliance with the law.
Your health and safety should always come first. So next time you’re thinking about pulling down that old fence yourself, stop and pick up the phone instead.