What is the maximum amount of asbestos I can remove?

Asbestos Removal: What Tradespeople Need to Know

Working with asbestos is a serious matter, especially for tradespeople and handymen who may encounter it on job sites. If you're dealing with non-friable asbestos—such as asbestos cement sheeting or roofing—the good news is that you can legally remove up to 10 square meters without requiring a licence, provided you follow safety regulations.

However, there’s a critical catch: friable asbestos is off-limits. This type, which can be easily crumbled by hand (like insulation around pipes or old boiler linings), poses a far greater health risk due to its ability to release dangerous fibers into the air. As a tradesperson, you are not allowed to remove *any* amount of friable asbestos. That work must be handled by licensed professionals using specialized containment and removal procedures.

Even when removing non-friable asbestos within the 10m² limit, proper precautions are essential. This includes wearing PPE (like respirators and disposable coveralls), keeping materials wet to minimize dust, and safely disposing of waste at approved facilities. Cutting or sanding asbestos materials without controls is never acceptable.

The rules exist for a reason—long-term exposure to asbestos fibers can lead to serious lung conditions, including asbestosis and mesothelioma. While it might be tempting to handle small jobs quickly, cutting corners isn’t worth the risk. Knowing your limits and when to call in licensed experts isn’t just about compliance; it’s about protecting your health and others on site.

In short: 10m² of non-friable? Yes—with care. Any friable asbestos? No—call a pro.