How to tell if you have asbestos – where it hides and what to do

TL;DR

• Asbestos was widely used in Australian building materials before it was banned in 2003.
• It’s still commonly found in older homes and commercial properties built or renovated before the mid-1980s.
• Asbestos can hide in walls, ceilings, floors, roofing, and even fences.
• You can’t always tell if a material contains asbestos by sight – only laboratory testing by licensed professionals can confirm it.
• If you suspect asbestos, don’t disturb it. Contact a qualified removalist for safe assessment and disposal.

For decades, asbestos was a standard ingredient in Australian construction – prized for its strength, insulation, and fire-resistant qualities. The problem is, we now know how dangerous asbestos exposure can be. Yet, it still lingers in thousands of homes, schools, and commercial buildings across Australia.

Knowing how to tell if you have asbestos and how to identify asbestos can help protect your property, your workers, and your family. This article explains what asbestos looks like, the asbestos-containing materials it’s often mixed into, and what to do if you think your building contains asbestos.

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What is asbestos, and why is it still a risk?

Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals made up of microscopic fibres. These fibres were once mixed into a huge range of building materials – from wall sheeting to insulation – because they were cheap, durable, and resistant to heat.

When asbestos materials are disturbed, those fine fibres can be released into the air and inhaled, leading to serious health conditions such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. That’s why there’s no safe level of asbestos exposure.

In Australia, the use of asbestos was banned in 2003, but it’s still present in older homes and commercial properties built or renovated prior to that date.

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What does asbestos look like?

The tricky part is that asbestos doesn’t always look like what people expect. You won’t usually see loose fibres or visible warnings. Instead, asbestos is often mixed into cement, vinyl, plaster, or roofing products – giving it the same appearance as many modern materials.

Common forms include:

• White asbestos (chrysotile): Often found in ceilings, vinyl tiles, and walls.
• Blue asbestos (crocidolite): Used in cement pipes, roofing, and spray coatings.
• Brown asbestos (amosite): Common in insulation boards and furnace linings.

If a material contains asbestos, it might look perfectly ordinary – which is why experts advise to assume asbestos is present in any building constructed before the mid-1980s unless proven otherwise.

“Asbestos can’t always be identified visually,” says Beau Murphy, Project Manager. “Even experienced tradespeople can mistake asbestos-containing materials for safe materials. The only way to confirm is through professional testing.”

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Where asbestos is commonly found in homes

In residential properties, asbestos may hide in unexpected places. It’s not only in the roof or walls – it can be anywhere materials were designed to resist heat or moisture.

Here are some locations where asbestos is commonly found:

• Wall sheeting and ceilings (particularly in bathrooms and kitchens)
• Eaves, gutters, and downpipes made from fibre-cement sheeting
• Roofing and garage linings
• Vinyl floor tiles and backing adhesives
• Fences made from corrugated asbestos-cement sheets
• Insulation around hot-water systems or old furnace rooms

If your home was built or renovated prior to 1990, there’s a good chance some asbestos products remain. When left in good condition and undisturbed, they’re generally low-risk. Problems occur when these materials become damaged, sanded, drilled, or removed during DIY repairs or renovations.

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Hidden asbestos in commercial and industrial buildings

Commercial and industrial sites pose a different challenge. Large structures often used asbestos for fireproofing, acoustic insulation, and thermal protection. Many asbestos-containing materials are still present in:

• Ceiling tiles and acoustic panels
• Boiler and pipe lagging
• Plant-room insulation and ductwork
• Wall and floor sheeting in office buildings or factories
• Lift shafts, electrical switchboards, and partition walls

These materials might not be visible – they’re often sealed behind walls or ceilings – but can still release fibres if disturbed. That’s why most asbestos laws require commercial property owners to maintain an asbestos register and management plan, updated by licensed professionals.

Failing to comply with these regulations can expose workers to risks and lead to significant penalties.

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How to identify asbestos safely

If you’re wondering how to identify asbestos, the key thing to know is that looks alone aren’t enough. While there are clues – such as the age of the building, the presence of cement sheeting, or older vinyl floors – the only way to be sure is through testing.

The process usually involves:

1. Inspection – A qualified assessor visually inspects and notes areas of concern.
2. Sampling – A small sample is carefully collected without disturbing surrounding materials.
3. Laboratory analysis – Accredited laboratories test the sample under a microscope to confirm if it contains asbestos.

This procedure is the safest and most accurate way to determine if a material contains asbestos. It should always be done by a professional – never attempt to collect samples yourself.

“We advise clients to avoid touching or disturbing suspected materials,” says an Initial Services Operations Manager. “The best approach is to assume it’s asbestos until testing proves otherwise.”

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How to tell if you have asbestos

If you suspect your property has asbestos materials, stay calm – the first step is to leave it undisturbed. Avoid drilling, cutting, sanding, or vacuuming the area.

Then:

• Contact a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist (such as Initial Services).
• Request an inspection and, if needed, professional testing.
• Keep others away from the area until results are confirmed.
• If asbestos is found, plan for safe removal and disposal following local regulations.

Remember, there’s no need to panic – asbestos in good condition can sometimes be sealed or encapsulated rather than removed entirely. A qualified expert will guide you on the safest and most cost-effective process.

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Managing asbestos safely during renovations

If you’re planning to renovate or extend an older home, it’s smart to organise a pre-works asbestos inspection. Any building renovated before the early 2000s could still have asbestos-containing materials behind walls, in floors, or under paint layers.

During renovation, it’s critical to:

• Protect yourself and workers with the right PPE.
• Stop work immediately if suspicious materials are exposed.
• Engage licensed professionals for testing and safe removal.
• Dispose of asbestos waste responsibly through approved facilities.

Attempting to handle or dispose of asbestos yourself is illegal in most states. Always follow the proper regulations to keep your site compliant and safe.

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Understanding asbestos laws in Australia

Strict asbestos laws are in place across Australia to protect workers, homeowners, and the public from the risks of asbestos exposure. These laws make it clear who is responsible for identifying, managing, and removing asbestos-containing materials in buildings.

Under national regulations, all workplaces and commercial properties built before 31 December 2003 must:

• Keep an up-to-date asbestos register that records where asbestos materials are present.
• Conduct regular inspections by licensed professionals to assess the condition of these materials.
• Display warning signs and labels where asbestos is known to exist.
• Develop an asbestos management plan outlining safe procedures for maintenance or removal.

Homeowners aren’t legally required to maintain a register, but they are encouraged to follow the same principles, especially if their property was renovated before the ban or built using older building materials.

The asbestos laws differ slightly between states and territories, but the same core rule applies nationwide: only trained and licensed professionals can legally remove or dispose of asbestos-containing materials.

“In Queensland, we work under strict compliance with Work Health and Safety Regulations,” explains [Client name and title]. “Our team ensures every project meets the legal requirements for testing, safe removal, and final clearance certification.”

For more information, you can refer to Safe Work Australia’s Code of Practice or visit your state’s local workplace health and safety website for detailed resources on compliance.

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Why professional help matters

Professional removalists are trained to manage asbestos exposure risks, maintain air monitoring, and issue clearance inspections once a site is safe. They have access to specialised resources, equipment, and containment systems to ensure every step is handled under strict safety controls.

DIY removal not only breaches asbestos laws, but also puts health, neighbours, and the environment at risk. Hiring a team with ISO-certified safety systems – like Initial Services – provides peace of mind that the job meets every legal requirement.

“Every site is different,” explains Sean Lattin, Director. “We treat each property as unique, from the initial inspection to clearance certification. Our focus is always on safety, efficiency, and compliance.”

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Think you might have asbestos in your building?

If you suspect your home, office, or development contains asbestos, don’t take chances. Learn more about our Asbestos Removal Services or speak with one of our specialists about safe inspection, testing, and clearance documentation.

We operate across Queensland, helping builders, developers, and homeowners manage asbestos risks confidently – from inspection to removal and disposal.

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