Found Asbestos Mid-Renovation? Here's What to Do

It is one of the most common asbestos scenarios in Geelong: a renovation is underway, a wall or ceiling or floor comes up, and there is grey sheeting that does not look like modern plaster or fibre-cement. The good news is that finding it is not an emergency if you respond correctly. Here is the sequence.

1. Stop work in that area

The moment you suspect asbestos, stop disturbing it. Undisturbed asbestos is generally low-risk; it is cutting, drilling, sanding, breaking and sweeping that release fibres. Put the tools down and keep people out of the immediate area.

2. Do not clean up

Instinct says grab a broom — don't. Sweeping and vacuuming with a normal vacuum spreads fibres rather than containing them. Leave any dust and debris where it is. Don't hose it into a drain either.

3. Don't put it in the bin

Broken sheeting is not general rubbish. It cannot go in your household bin or a hired skip. It has to be disposed of lawfully at an EPA-licensed landfill, which is part of what a licensed removalist arranges.

4. Get it identified

You cannot be certain by eye. The quick, cheap step is a sample test: a small piece is taken safely and sent to a NATA-accredited laboratory, with results usually back in a couple of days. The test confirms whether it is asbestos and — crucially — whether it is bonded or friable, which determines what happens next.

5. Have it removed lawfully

If it is asbestos, the amount and type decide the rules. In Victoria, more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos must be removed by a licensed removalist (Class B); any friable asbestos is Class A work with air monitoring and an independent clearance. Below 10 m² of non-friable, a homeowner may remove it with safe work practices and lawful disposal — but many people would still rather it was handled professionally, especially mid-renovation when the material is already broken.

6. Get a clearance, then continue

Once the material is out, a clearance confirms the area is clean and safe, and your renovation continues on a decontaminated site. Keep the disposal record and clearance paperwork with your property documents.

Why the calm approach matters

The two ways people get this wrong are panicking — and doing nothing. Panic leads to rushed, unsafe DIY removal. Doing nothing leads to living or working around disturbed, fibre-shedding material. The middle path — stop, don't disturb, test, remove lawfully — is straightforward and it is what protects your household and your budget.

Renovation activity across Newtown, Highton, Belmont and Geelong's older suburbs turns up asbestos constantly, so this is well-trodden ground. Always confirm current requirements with WorkSafe Victoria and EPA Victoria, and when in doubt, get it assessed before you touch it again.