Does Your Demolition Contractor Handle Asbestos Removal? What Homeowners Need to Know

Asbestos and demolition often go hand in hand in NSW. Homeowners planning a knockdown need to understand both before work begins. Many older homes across the Central Coast contain hazardous materials that must be professionally managed before demolition contractors can start. Getting this right protects your health, your timeline, and your legal standing.

Why Asbestos Matters Before Any Demolition Work Begins

Any home built or renovated before 1987 may contain asbestos products, including brick, weatherboard, fibro, and clad construction. That covers a significant number of properties from Gosford and Wyong through to Terrigal and Woy Woy.



Ignoring asbestos before demolition is not just dangerous; it is illegal. Under the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2017, a person conducting a business or undertaking must not carry out demolition or refurbishment work on a structure built before 2004 unless it has been assessed for asbestos. If your contractor does not ask about asbestos before starting, that is a red flag.

What Is the Difference Between Friable and Non-Friable Asbestos?

The type of asbestos present determines how it must be removed. Friable asbestos can be crumbled or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Non-friable asbestos contains fibres reinforced with a bonding compound and is commonly found in cement sheeting used from the 1940s to the late 1980s.

Friable asbestos is more hazardous because fibres become airborne easily. Non-friable asbestos is less risky when intact, but demolition activity can damage it and release fibres, requiring heightened control measures.

What Are the Licencing Requirements in NSW?

NSW law sets clear rules about who can remove asbestos. A non-friable asbestos removal licence is required to remove more than 10 sqm of non-friable asbestos. A friable asbestos removal licence is required to remove any amount of friable asbestos. A Class B licence covers non-friable removal only. A Class A licence covers both friable and non-friable removal.

Licensed removalists must notify SafeWork NSW at least five calendar days before removing any friable asbestos or more than 10 sqm of non-friable asbestos. Once removal is complete, an independent licensed assessor must inspect the site and issue a clearance certificate before any further work can proceed. This is a legal requirement.

How Does Integrated Asbestos and Demolition Reduce Risk?

Using one contractor for both asbestos removal and demolition keeps your project simpler and safer. If asbestos is present, it must be removed by a contractor holding the appropriate licence before demolition sequencing continues. Choosing demolition contractors who hold both licences allows both stages to be planned as a single compliant scope, reducing the risk of costly stop-work orders.

What Should You Ask a Demolition Contractor Before Hiring?

Before engaging anyone for a knockdown, ask these questions:

• Are you licensed for both demolition and asbestos removal in NSW?
• Will you arrange the pre-demolition asbestos survey and hygienist report?
• Can you manage SafeWork NSW notification requirements on my behalf?
• Will I receive a clearance certificate once asbestos removal is complete?
• Do you handle council permit paperwork as part of the service?

Ready to Plan Your Central Coast Demolition?

CJE Excavation & Demolition is a fully licensed, family-owned team with over 20 years of experience managing demolition and safe asbestos removal across Sydney and the Central Coast. The team holds both licences, organises hygienist reports and council paperwork, and keeps owners informed at every step. Call 0412 250 906 page to request a free quote.