Asbestos and other types of decontamination can raise a lot of questions, and understandably so. This page covers the most common enquiries we receive about asbestos removal and decontamination including safety and compliance. If you don’t see what you’re looking for, please get in touch for tailored advice.
Yes, AR Environmental holds a Class A licence, allowing us to remove both friable and non‑friable asbestos in accordance with Victorian OHS Regulations and WorkSafe Victoria
Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals once widely used in building materials; when disturbed, it releases fibres that can cause mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis if inhaled.
AR Environmental provides both residential and commercial asbestos removal and environmental services including decontamination, soil remediation and abatement for complex sites.
We develop an asbestos control plan, notify WorkSafe Victoria where required, establish controlled work areas, use appropriate PPE and equipment, undertake air monitoring and arrange an independent clearance certification before re‑occupation where required.
Yes, for licensed removal work an independent competent person must issue a clearance certificate confirming the area is free of visible asbestos and safe for re‑occupation or further building works.
Air monitoring measures asbestos fibre levels during and after removal; for Class A work, independent air monitoring and a clearance certificate are mandatory to confirm the area is safe for normal use.
For notifiable removal work, we submit the required notice to WorkSafe Victoria at least five business days before starting, ensuring the project meets all legal obligations.
Asbestos waste is sealed, labelled and transported by licensed carriers to EPA‑approved disposal facilities; it is illegal to dispose of asbestos in general waste or at unapproved tips.
We follow EPA Victoria guidance for packaging, transport and disposal of asbestos waste, use only approved facilities and maintain full waste tracking records for regulatory compliance.
Yes, upon request.
In older properties it is often found in eaves, walls and ceiling linings, vinyl tiles and linoleum, adhesives, roofing, external cladding, pipe lagging and insulation around services. Asbestos is also found in imported products.
You cannot reliably tell by sight; a licensed asbestos professional must inspect and arrange laboratory testing of suspected materials to confirm whether asbestos is present.
Avoid disturbing the material, stop any demolition or renovation in the area and contact us at AR Environmental to inspect and advise on safe management or removal options.
In all states including Victoria, only limited non‑friable asbestos can be removed by unlicensed persons; most removal work, especially friable asbestos, must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist under strict controls.
Friable asbestos crumbles easily and releases fibres into the air, while non‑friable asbestos is bonded in solid materials such as cement sheeting or vinyl tiles, but can become friable if damaged or weathered.
Costs depend on the type of asbestos (friable or non‑friable), quantity, accessibility, site conditions and compliance requirements like scaffolding and air monitoring; we provide tailored quotes after inspection rather than generic price per square metre.
AR Environmental provides asbestos removal services across metropolitan Melbourne and Victoria‑wide, including regional and remote locations for residential, commercial, industrial, education, health and government clients. We also have the ability to deliver projects in other states. Please request a tailored quote.
Yes, we manage asbestos‑contaminated soil, external cladding and site decontamination, working to WorkSafe and EPA Victoria expectations for excavation, handling, stockpiling and disposal.
We arrange asbestos inspections, sampling and registers, and can support clients with documentation required for demolition, refurbishment or ongoing building management.
Yes, we regularly deliver projects in sensitive occupied environments, coordinating tightly with facility management and following strict safety, security and stakeholder communication protocols.
Photos, plans if available, the age and use of the building, scope of planned works, quantities of material to be removed and any previous asbestos reports all help us provide a faster, more accurate quotation.
Yes we can respond rapidly to incidents such as storm damage, accidental disturbance or WorkSafe/EPA notices, and will prioritise making the area safe before planning any follow‑up work.
Yes we provide guidance on when professional involvement is required and can organise inspections or removal before you commence demolition or renovation in pre‑2000s properties.
Asbestos abatement refers to the management, removal or containment of asbestos-containing materials to eliminate exposure risks. This may involve full removal or alternative control measures depending on the condition and location of the asbestos.
In some cases, encapsulation may be suitable where asbestos is stable and unlikely to be disturbed. In other situations, full removal is required to meet compliance or redevelopment requirements. We provide clear advice based on risk, regulation and long-term outcomes.
AR Environmental uses modern tools, controlled removal methods and EPA-approved processes to deliver safe, compliant abatement solutions across commercial and industrial environments.
Air monitoring, clearance inspections and certification confirm that asbestos risks have been effectively managed and the site is safe for ongoing use. During our assessment of your project we will determine and advise if this is required.
Indicators may include visible contamination, odours, previous site use, infrastructure failures or requirements identified through inspections or regulatory advice.
Yes. When undertaken by licensed professionals using controlled methods, decontamination can be managed safely and effectively.
Timeframes vary depending on the contaminant type, site size and scope of works. Clear guidance is provided following inspection.
All contaminated materials are managed and disposed of at licensed facilities in accordance with regulations.
Costs depend on site conditions and project scope. Our free inspection allows us to accurately assess, advice and quote.
Soil contamination is not always visible. It may be identified through site history, previous land use, environmental reports, unusual odours or testing undertaken during planning or construction. A professional site assessment is the most reliable way to confirm whether contamination is present.
AR Environmental manages soil affected by a wide range of hazardous and regulated substances. This includes asbestos affected soil, chemical residues, industrial contaminants and other environmental hazards requiring controlled removal and disposal.
Contaminated soil can pose health and environmental risks if disturbed or handled incorrectly. Professional removal and disposal helps reduce exposure risks and ensures contaminants are managed safely and in accordance with regulations.
Yes. Contaminated soil removal may be required at residential properties, particularly during renovations, landscaping or redevelopment. Our team tailors removal methods to suit residential environments while minimising disruption.
All contaminated soil is classified, transported and disposed of at licensed facilities using EPA approved methods. Documentation and disposal certification are provided where required to confirm compliant handling.
Timeframes vary depending on site size, contamination type and project complexity. Following inspection and assessment, AR Environmental provides clear guidance on expected timelines.
Regulatory requirements depend on the type of contamination and site conditions. AR Environmental works in accordance with EPA and local authority requirements and can advise on approvals and compliance obligations.
Costs depend on factors such as contamination type, volume of soil, site access and disposal requirements. A site assessment allows us to provide accurate advice and pricing.
