Storm-damaged asbestos

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Storms can crack or shatter fibro sheeting, eaves, fences and asbestos cement roofs. Queensland's guidance for cleaning up after floods and storms (asbestos.qld.gov.au (opens in a new tab)) says, in summary:

Do

• assume material in a pre-1990 building may contain asbestos
• turn off electricity to the work area before starting
• keep asbestos materials damp while working with them
• wet broken pieces, double-bag them in thick plastic, seal the bags, and label them Caution – Asbestos
• contact council about disposal

Don't

• walk on corrugated asbestos roofs, which may collapse
• use high-pressure water cleaners (it's illegal on asbestos cement roofs, fences and walls, with fines for homeowners of up to $10,000) (Prohibited activities (opens in a new tab))
• use power tools or abrasives, or break pieces further
• put asbestos in wheelie bins or out for kerbside collection

When you need a licensed removalist

If more than 10 m² has to be removed, the state guidance is that you need either an asbestos removal certificate or a licensed asbestos contractor. Any friable material needs a Class A removalist.

Disposal in the Toowoomba Region

Domestic asbestos, up to 175 kg per load, can go to the Greater Toowoomba Waste Management Facility at Wellcamp. It must be double-bagged in bags at least 200 microns thick (each no more than 1200 × 900 mm) or double-wrapped in 200-micron plastic, taped, labelled, and light enough for you (and one other person) to unload. Staff can't help unload. Fees apply (Toowoomba Regional Council (opens in a new tab)).

Insurance

If the damage is from a storm, contact your insurer before arranging removal. They may have requirements about quotes or contractors.