Asbestos remains one of the most dangerous materials still found in Australian homes and workplaces. While laws in NSW technically allow homeowners to remove up to 10m² of bonded asbestos themselves, the truth is that even the smallest job carries serious health, legal, and financial risks. At Hazardous Removal, we’ve seen countless cases where “do-it-yourself” attempts ended up costing far more than professional removal, not just in dollars, but in long-term safety.
This guide explains why you should think twice before tackling asbestos yourself, even under the 10m² rule, and why professional asbestos removal is always the safest path.
What the Law Says About DIY Asbestos Removal in NSW
According to SafeWork NSW, homeowners can legally remove up to 10m² of bonded asbestos without holding a license. The rule was designed to cover very small, low-risk maintenance jobs. However, this “allowance” is often misunderstood as a green light for DIY asbestos removal.
The law itself includes strict warnings:
- It only applies to bonded asbestos (such as flat cement sheets).
- It does not cover friable asbestos — which requires a Class A removalist.
- All work must follow safety procedures, including PPE, wetting down materials, and waste disposal at licensed facilities.
Yet the reality is that most homeowners don’t have the training, equipment, or knowledge to carry out asbestos removal in a safe and compliant way. Even SafeWork NSW repeatedly advises against DIY removal, instead recommending that all asbestos work be carried out by licensed professionals.
If you want to better understand the legislation, we’ve outlined it clearly in our guide to the rules and regulations for removing asbestos in NSW.
The Hidden Dangers of DIY Asbestos Removal
Asbestos doesn’t announce itself. You can’t see its fibres, you can’t smell them, and you can’t tell whether a material is safe just by looking at it. When asbestos sheeting is cut, drilled, or broken, it releases microscopic fibres that remain airborne for hours. These fibres are:
- 50–200 times thinner than a human hair
- Invisible without a microscope
- Easily inhaled deep into the lungs
Exposure to even a small number of fibres can lead to deadly diseases, including:
- Mesothelioma – an aggressive cancer linked exclusively to asbestos exposure
- Asbestosis – chronic lung scarring that causes breathing difficulties
- Lung cancer – asbestos greatly increases the risk, particularly for smokers
- Pleural plaques – thickening of the lung lining
These diseases often take 10–50 years to develop, meaning a single DIY mistake today can result in lifelong consequences decades later. For this reason, we always advise clients to rely on licensed asbestos hazardous removal services instead of taking the risk themselves.
Why Even “Under 10m²” Isn’t Safe
On paper, 10m² doesn’t sound like much. But in practice, that’s the size of a small bedroom wall or bathroom ceiling — more than enough to release thousands of fibres into the air if disturbed.
Key risks of small-scale DIY asbestos removal:
- Cutting or breaking sheets: Asbestos fibres are released when the surface is damaged.
- Improper PPE: Dust masks from hardware stores are not the same as certified P2 respirators.
- Contamination spread: Dust clings to clothing, tools, and shoes — spreading asbestos fibres into cars and homes.
- Friable risk: Some “bonded” materials degrade over time, becoming friable asbestos, which is far more dangerous and illegal to handle without a license.
This is why the 10m² allowance is misleading. Just because something is legal doesn’t make it safe. Our team at Hazardous Removal often performs jobs where homeowners attempted DIY removal under the allowance, only to discover the material was friable and far more dangerous than expected.
To understand why friable asbestos is so high risk, see our detailed guide on friable asbestos removal.
Professional Asbestos Removal vs DIY: Key Differences
Homeowners often consider DIY removal because they believe it’s cheaper. But the differences between DIY and professional asbestos removal are stark — and often, DIY ends up costing more.
Factor | DIY Removal | Professional Removal |
Equipment | Basic hand tools, plastic sheets | HEPA vacuums, negative air units, professional tools |
PPE | Hardware store masks and gloves | Full P2 respirators, HAZMAT suits, decontamination units |
Rarely performed | NATA-accredited asbestos sample testing before removal | |
Waste Disposal | Often mishandled, fines for illegal dumping | Licensed asbestos waste facilities |
Legal Compliance | Limited knowledge of NSW laws | Complete compliance with SafeWork NSW standards |
Clearance | None | Independent clearance certificates issued post-removal |
Safety | High exposure risk | Controlled, contained, and monitored |
Professionals don’t just remove asbestos, they manage the entire safety process, from air monitoring during removal to clearance certification afterward.
The Real Costs of DIY vs Professional Removal
On the surface, DIY asbestos removal seems like a money-saver. But hidden costs quickly add up:
- PPE purchases (disposable suits, respirators, gloves)
- Waste transport fees (must be double-wrapped, labeled, and taken to approved facilities)
- Council permits or fines (illegal dumping attracts penalties in NSW)
- Decontamination costs if fibres spread into the home
- Long-term health costs if exposure occurs
In contrast, professional removal provides one fixed price covering everything, safe removal, legal disposal, and compliance certification. That’s why we always encourage clients to compare the true cost of asbestos removal in Sydney before taking on the risk themselves.
Legal and Compliance Risks of DIY Removal
DIY asbestos removal isn’t just unsafe — it can also land you in legal trouble. Councils across Sydney and NSW regularly fine homeowners for:
- Dumping asbestos in general waste bins
- Transporting asbestos without correct wrapping and labelling
- Failing to dispose of asbestos at approved facilities
Penalties for improper asbestos handling in NSW can exceed $7,500 for individuals and far higher for businesses. Hiring a licensed professional avoids these risks entirely, as disposal is handled under strict compliance with EPA and SafeWork NSW regulations.
For ongoing property management, especially in commercial or strata settings, we also help clients maintain accurate asbestos registers to stay compliant.
The Safer Path: Licensed Asbestos Removal in Sydney
At the end of the day, the question isn’t whether you can remove asbestos yourself — it’s whether you should. And the answer is clear: you shouldn’t. Even under the 10m² allowance, DIY removal puts your health, your family, and your property at risk.
When you engage a licensed removalist like Hazardous Removal, you get:
- Certified assessors and removalists trained to handle asbestos safely.
- NATA-accredited testing to confirm asbestos presence before removal.
- Encapsulation options where removal isn’t required — see our asbestos encapsulation services.
- Full safety monitoring with asbestos air monitoring.
- Independent clearance certificates so you can reoccupy your property with confidence.
Whether you’re renovating, demolishing, or simply concerned about older building materials, the safest step is to contact our team for professional asbestos removal services across Sydney and surrounding regions.
Don’t Risk It — Leave Asbestos to the Experts
DIY asbestos removal might look simple on paper, especially under the 10m² rule, but the risks far outweigh the rewards. From invisible fibre exposure to hefty fines for improper disposal, homeowners are putting themselves and their families in danger by attempting asbestos removal without a license.
At Hazardous Removal, we handle asbestos the way it should be handled: safely, legally, and with full compliance under SafeWork NSW standards. Whether you need testing, encapsulation, or complete removal, our team is here to protect your health and your property.
Take the safer path — book your asbestos removal in Sydney today and protect what matters most.
Frequently Asked Questions About DIY Asbestos Removal
Is it legal to remove asbestos yourself in NSW?
Yes, you can legally remove up to 10m² of bonded asbestos. But SafeWork NSW strongly advises against it due to the health risks involved.
What is the 10m² asbestos removal rule?
It allows homeowners to remove small amounts of bonded asbestos without a license. However, friable asbestos can never be handled without a professional license.
What PPE do I need for asbestos removal?
At minimum, a P2 respirator, disposable coveralls, gloves, and safety goggles. However, even with PPE, exposure is still possible.
What happens if I dump asbestos illegally?
You can face fines of thousands of dollars from your local council or the EPA. Only licensed removalists can transport asbestos safely.
What’s the safest alternative to DIY?
Hiring a licensed removalist ensures complete compliance, safety, and peace of mind. Learn more about our hazardous asbestos removal services.
