Demolition and Asbestos Removal PPE: What Workers Need in Australia
Written and reviewed by the Max Global Products team · Updated October 2026
Quick answer: asbestos removal needs a fit-tested respirator (P2 minimum, P3 or powered air for higher exposures) and Type 5/6 disposable coveralls with hood, disposable gloves, and laceless boots or gumboots that can be decontaminated. Demolition adds an AS/NZS 1801 hard hat, goggles or a face shield, hearing protection, heavy gloves and AS 2210.3 boots. In Australia, removing more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos, or any friable asbestos, requires a licensed removalist.
The asbestos removal kit list
| Item | What to look for | Where to start |
|---|---|---|
| Respirator | AS/NZS 1716 half-face with P2 or P3 filters, fit tested. Disposable P2 only for minor, short tasks. | JSP Typhoon 8 asbestos/silica half mask |
| Replacement filters | P3 filters for higher exposures; replace per manufacturer guidance. | JSP press-to-check P3 filters |
| Disposable coveralls | Type 5/6 with hood, worn one size up so seams don't split. Dispose of as asbestos waste. | Portwest BizTex Type 5/6 coverall, Pro Choice Provek taped Type 5/6 |
| Gloves | Disposable nitrile, taped to coverall sleeves where needed. | Pro Choice heavy-duty disposable nitrile |
| Footwear | Laceless safety gumboots that can be washed down; laces trap fibres. | Blundstone 025 safety gumboot, gumboots |
Extra demolition kit
- Head: AS/NZS 1801 hard hat. Head protection.
- Eyes and face: sealed goggles or a face shield for breaking and cutting. Pro Choice Ambush spec/goggle.
- Hearing: jackhammers and demolition saws need earmuffs or plugs. Hearing protection.
- Hands: cut and impact-rated gloves for rubble and sheet. Pro Choice cut F impact rigger.
- Silica: concrete and masonry demolition releases silica dust, so the same respirator controls apply.
Licensing and the law
Under Australian WHS law, a Class A licence is needed to remove friable asbestos and a Class B licence to remove more than 10 m² of non-friable asbestos. Asbestos must be identified before demolition or refurbishment of structures built before 31 December 2003. See Safe Work Australia on asbestos and demolition.
Frequently asked questions
Is a P2 mask enough for asbestos?
A fit-tested P2 respirator is the minimum for minor non-friable asbestos work. Licensed removal and higher-exposure tasks use P3 filters or powered air respirators. Disposable masks should only be used for short, minor tasks.
What type of coveralls are needed for asbestos?
Disposable Type 5/6 coveralls with a hood, worn with cuffs sealed. They are single use and disposed of as asbestos waste.
Can I remove asbestos myself?
Up to 10 m² of non-friable asbestos can be removed without a licence in most states, following strict safety controls. Friable asbestos or larger areas require a licensed removalist. Check your state's rules.
Outfitting a team
Demolition or remediation business? Apply for a trade account. See the full guide by trade.
Last reviewed October 2026. This guide covers common kit; your employer's risk assessment, asbestos control plan and site rules decide what is mandatory.