Can I Remove an Asbestos Roof Myself in Brisbane?

Do you need to remove and replace the asbestos in your roof, but are worried about the cost? Many homeowners wonder if they can reduce the costs of removing asbestos, but is it safe to do so? It is no secret that asbestos is dangerous, so can you remove it yourself, and how do you do this?

We have the answers for you today, walking you through how to safely remove asbestos from your roof in Brisbane and enjoy a new and safer roof on your home.

Removing asbestos yourself in Brisbane

Homeowners can remove asbestos themselves in Brisbane, but there are regulations you need to follow. You will need a certificate from Queensland Health to remove more than 10 square meters of bonded or non-friable asbestos materials.

If the amount of asbestos you are removing from your roof is less than this, you will not need the certificate and can remove it without any certificates. However, you will still need to remove it safely to reduce the risk of harm to you and others.

To obtain the certificate from Queensland Health and remove the asbestos yourself, you will need to complete one of the following courses:

Module CPCCDE3014 – Remove non-friable asbestos, offered by Registered Training Organisations
Homeowner and DIY asbestos removal course – provided by Keys Human Resources (delivered online or face-to-face)

When choosing the course to complete, ensure you set aside the correct time to complete it. You also need to ensure that you understand the information correctly and are able to safely carry out asbestos removal.

Not all asbestos can be removed by homeowners and DIYers, though. Friable asbestos must be removed professionally, regardless of how much is in your home. This is typically found in felt carpet underlay, and you will need a licensed asbestos removalist with a class ‘A’ license.

The area where the asbestos is being removed must also be free from dust and cleaned in a way that does not disperse fibres further. If you have friable asbestos in your home, you will need to contact a professional to ensure the asbestos is removed correctly and safely.

How to remove asbestos from a roof

How you remove asbestos from a roof can vary slightly, depending on the type of roof you have and how much asbestos has been used, but generally, you can follow the steps we have outlined below. Remember, removing asbestos can be dangerous, so you will need to follow the safety guidelines, protecting yourself and others from the fibres.

Step 1 – Ensure you have the right equipment

Before beginning, you want to have everything you will need at hand. This keeps you safe from the get-go and helps to reduce the time it takes to complete your removal. The following are needed before work can begin:

200 micron thick plastic sheeting (which is used to double wrap the asbestos and as drop sheets)
200 micron plastic bags for asbestos waste
PVA sealant and low-pressure spray equipment (made up as one part PVA, five parts water)
Spray bottle filled with water and detergent
Chisel, punch, or hammer to help remove screws and bolts
Disposable cleaning rags
Personal protective equipment (including a P1 or P2 respirator, safety goggles, shoe protectors, and disposable coveralls

Step 2 – Prepare the work area

Before beginning any removal, you need to prepare the work area correctly. Make sure you have a method for wrapping asbestos sheets in plastic for disposal, like using an asbestos skip lined with two layers of thick plastic sheeting. You should also let your neighbours know what you are planning to do and advise them that asbestos is being removed from your roof.

Before beginning any work, remove any loose items from the work area and cover the floor or ground with plastic sheets. Make sure these are secured to avoid them falling while you are handling the asbestos. You will want to restrict the work area too, and ensure that all of your equipment and respirators fit correctly and are functional. You should also ensure that all electricity in the house is turned off to prevent electrocution when you start working.

Step 3 – Remove the asbestos from your roof

To remove the asbestos from your roof, you should close all windows and doors to prevent dust from entering and not work in windy environments. There is a risk of falling off or through the roof when handling slippery or brittle asbestos, so make sure you have assessed the area and come up with a safe solution.

When removing the asbestos do not break it up into smaller pieces and do not drip it from heights, as this can cause it to splinter or break into smaller pieces. You should also not slide it across other sheets as this can release asbestos fibres. As you unscrew or remove any bolts that attach the asbestos sheets to the roof, take care not to damage the sheet as this can also cause fibres to be released.

Step 4 – Clean up

After you have removed the asbestos, you need to wet all the sheets using a fine water spray. You will then wrap each sheet in plastic sheeting, sealing with duct tape. Place these in plastic-lined asbestos waste containers, or you can double wrap them with the plastic sheets. Make sure you label all bags with a warning, reminding others not to open or damage the bag or inhale the dust.

To clean the area you are working in, use a H class industrial vacuum cleaner, ensuring it has a HEPA filter. This will remove any visible dust without pushing them into the air. You can use a wet rag to wipe all surfaces or equipment, disposing of them after every use.

Follow this by lightly spraying the debris or dust with a diluted mixture of water and PVA glue. This holds down any remaining dust and allows you to roll or fold the plastic drop sheeting without spreading asbestos into the air. All asbestos debris, plastic sheeting, and rags should be placed in disposal bags.

Make sure that you wet down your protective equipment and overalls using water and place them into a disposal bag. Seal all of these bags with duct tape before placing in another bag and sealing again, Make sure these are labelled correctly and disposed of in the right waste facility.

Book your asbestos roof replacement in Brisbane today

Removing asbestos from your roof is possible yourself in Brisbane, it can be dangerous and hiring a professional ensures the safety of you and others. AMJ Roofing are a respected roof removal company in Brisbane that can safely and efficiently remove the asbestos from your roof and replace it with safe materials. Contact AMJ Roofing for assistance in removing asbestos from your roof today.