What is Bonded Asbestos?
Bonded asbestos, also known as non-friable asbestos, refers to asbestos fibres that are firmly bound within a solid material such as cement. Unlike friable
asbestos which can be easily crumbled by hand, bonded asbestos remains solid and stable under normal conditions, making it less hazardous
when undisturbed.
The cement or resin matrix that binds the asbestos fibres prevents them from becoming easily airborne, reducing the immediate risk of inhalation.
However, bonded asbestos becomes dangerous when damaged, broken, cut, drilled or disturbed during renovation or demolition work, as these
actions can release harmful fibres into the air.
Common Examples of Bonded Asbestos
Central Coast properties built before the late 1980s commonly contain bonded asbestos in various building materials. You may find bonded asbestos in:
- Fibro cement wall sheeting and cladding (often called “fibro”)
- Corrugated roof sheeting and Super Six roofing
- Asbestos cement flooring and vinyl floor tiles
- Eaves and soffit sheeting
- Fencing materials, including buried fence posts
- Guttering and downpipes
- Toilet and vent pipes
- Water and stormwater drainage pipes
- External wall cladding and hardiplank
- Garage and shed linings
- Imitation brick sheeting
- Electrical switchboard backing (Zelimite boards)
Properties constructed or renovated between the 1940s and 1990 across the Central Coast have the highest likelihood of containing bonded asbestos materials.
DIY Bonded Asbestos Removal (Under 10 Square Metres)
NSW regulations permit homeowners to remove up to 10 square metres of bonded asbestos themselves, provided they follow strict safety procedures. Whilst this is legally allowed, Around the House Asbestos Removal strongly recommends using licensed professionals even for small removal projects to ensure your safety and compliance.
Why Choose Professional Removal
Professional removal provides significant advantages over DIY methods, even for projects under 10 square metres:
Proper training and experience
Licensed removalists have completed specialised training and demonstrated competency in safe asbestos removal techniques
Professional equipment
We use commercial grade Class H HEPA vacuum cleaners, air monitoring equipment and specialised protective gear
Complete containment
We establish proper work area containment with barriers, negative air pressure systems and decontamination zones
Legal compliance
Professional removal ensures full compliance with SafeWork NSW regulations and Central Coast Council requirements
Insurance coverage
Licensed removalists carry appropriate insurance to protect your property and provide liability coverage
Clearance certification
We arrange independent clearance inspections and provide official certificates confirming your property is safe
Safe disposal
We ensure asbestos waste is transported and disposed of only at licensed facilities with full EPA tracking
Our Bonded Asbestos Removal Process
Around the House Asbestos Removal follows a comprehensive, safety-focused process for all bonded asbestos
removal projects across the Central Coast.
Initial Assessment and Testing
Our licensed assessors visit your Central Coast property to identify suspected asbestos containing materials. We collect samples and arrange NATA accredited laboratory testing to confirm the presence of bonded asbestos before beginning any removal work.
Detailed Planning and Notification
We develop a safe work method statement specific to your project, outlining all safety procedures and risk controls. For projects requiring notification, we submit the required documentation to SafeWork NSW before commencing work.
Site Preparation and Containment
Our team establishes proper work area containment using physical barriers, warning signage and decontamination facilities. We notify your neighbours about the scheduled work to ensure community awareness.
Personal Protective Equipment
Our licensed removalists wear comprehensive protective equipment throughout the removal process:
- Full-face P3 respirators with HEPA filters
- Disposable protective coveralls sealed at wrists and ankles
- Double-layer gloves for hand protection
- Safety goggles and face shields
- Non-slip protective footwear
- All equipment is decontaminated before leaving the work area
Waste Packaging and Transport
All removed bonded asbestos is double wrapped in heavy duty plastic, clearly labelled with asbestos warning signs and sealed for transport. We maintain full chain-of-custody documentation from your property to the licensed disposal facility.
Site Cleaning and Decontamination
After removal, we thoroughly clean the work area using HEPA-filtered vacuum cleaners and wet wiping methods. All equipment is decontaminated before leaving your Central Coast property.
Independent Clearance Inspection
We arrange for an independent assessor to conduct air monitoring and visual inspection of the work area. Upon successful clearance, you receive an official certificate confirming your property is safe for occupancy.
Final Clearance
Once all asbestos is safely removed, and the site is clear, we engage an asbestos hygienist to come and complete a site inspection and then issue a final clearnance certificate, providing you with peace of mind that the job is done properly.
Why Choose Around the House Asbestos Removal?
Local Central Coast Specialists
As a locally based business serving the Central Coast for over 20 years, we understand the specific asbestos challenges facing properties in Gosford, Wyong, Terrigal and surrounding areas. Our team knows the common building materials and construction methods used across the region, allowing us to provide tailored solutions for your property.
Class B Licensed Professionals
All our bonded asbestos removal technicians hold current Class B asbestos removal licences issued by SafeWork NSW. We maintain rigorous training standards and undergo regular health monitoring to ensure our team remains at the forefront of safe removal practices.
Transparent Pricing with No Hidden Costs
We provide detailed, itemised quotes for all bonded asbestos removal projects on the Central Coast. Our pricing includes testing, removal, disposal, site cleaning and clearance certification, with no surprise charges or hidden fees after work begins.
Fast, Efficient Service
We understand that asbestos removal disrupts your daily routine, which is why we prioritise efficient project completion without compromising safety. Most bonded asbestos removal projects are completed within one to five days, getting you back to normal as quickly as possible.
Complete Documentation and Certification
We provide comprehensive documentation for every bonded asbestos removal project, including waste transport records, disposal receipts and official clearance certificates. This documentation proves invaluable for property sales, insurance claims and regulatory compliance.
Specialist Equipment and Techniques
Our bonded asbestos removal specialists use commercial grade equipment, including Class H HEPA vacuum cleaners, air monitoring systems and professional-grade wetting agents. These specialised tools ensure we can safely remove bonded asbestos without creating hazardous dust or fibre release.
Peace of Mind Guarantee
We stand behind our work with comprehensive insurance coverage and a commitment to regulatory compliance. When you choose Around the House Asbestos Removal, you can rest assured that your bonded asbestos removal is completed safely, legally and to the highest industry standards.
