Removal is always the goal. Asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are degrading, and that process is continuous, inevitable and largely invisible. A material that looks intact on the surface may already be compromised internally. The only way to eliminate the risk is to remove it.
But removal isn’t always possible straightaway. If you need time to plan, budget or coordinate, here’s how to reduce the risk while you work towards removal.
Understand the risk
The materials that hold asbestos fibres in place (e.g. cement, vinyl, resin) break down over time through weathering, chemical processes and everyday wear. This happens whether or not the material is disturbed. You cannot reliably assess the condition of asbestos materials by looking at them. A <professional assessment> is the only way to understand the actual level of risk. [How to identify asbestos safely]
While you wait
These steps reduce the chance of fibre release, but they don’t stop degradation. They buy you time, not safety.
- Don’t disturb it: don’t drill, cut, sand, scrub or use high-pressure water on any material that may contain asbestos.
- Protect it from damage: keep furniture, equipment and foot traffic away from asbestos materials. Prevent accidental knocks and impacts.
- Don’t try to seal or paint over it: coating asbestos materials masks the problem and makes future removal harder.
- Monitor it: check regularly for signs of cracking, weathering, water damage or surface breakdown. Any change in condition increases the urgency of removal.
- Tell people: make sure anyone working on or visiting your property knows where asbestos materials are located. This includes tradies, contractors and tenants.
When removal becomes urgent
ACMs will eventually need to be removed. Removal becomes more urgent when:
- the material is visibly damaged, cracked or deteriorating
- it will be disturbed by renovation, maintenance or demolition
- a professional assessment identifies elevated risk
- the material is in a high-traffic or high-use area where accidental disturbance is likely.
Even if none of these apply, the binding materials are still degrading. Don’t wait for a crisis – plan for removal.
Victorian Government agencies can contact the Victorian Asbestos Eradication Agency for support with risk-rating asbestos materials, developing removal plans and procurement scoping.