Queensland's Asbestos Awareness Week brings attention to safety hazards posed by asbestos when using high-pressure water hoses

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Queensland's Asbestos Awareness Week brings attention to safety hazards posed by asbestos when using high-pressure water hoses, with Workplace Health and Safety Queensland confirming that risks associated with high-pressure water hoses on asbestos cement roofs, fences, and walls will be a central theme this year.

In short: using high-pressure water hoses on asbestos cement surfaces releases dangerous fibres into the air, and Queensland law prohibits this practice entirely. Homeowners and contractors who break these rules face significant penalties.

What Is Asbestos Awareness Week?

Asbestos Awareness Week takes place annually in November with a goal of raising community awareness about dangers linked to asbestos exposure during home renovations across Queensland.

The initiative also aims to promote a shift in attitudes towards prioritising work health and safety, encouraging tradespeople and property owners alike to think twice before starting renovation work near asbestos-containing materials.

Why High-Pressure Water Hoses Pose a Serious Risk

It's against the law in Queensland to utilise high-pressure water hoses on asbestos cement roofs, fences, and walls. Forceful water pressure can fracture ageing cement sheeting, releasing microscopic fibres that pose long-term health risks to anyone nearby.

Those who violate the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (WHS Act) risk facing hefty fines plus an obligation to cover cleanup costs. Penalties under this legislation reflect just how seriously regulators treat breaches involving asbestos cement material.

For further guidance on safe practices, see our warning from WorkSafe New Zealand against high-pressure water blasting on asbestos, which echoes concerns raised by Queensland regulators.

Enforcement and Prosecution Trends

In the past year, the Office of Work Health and Safety Prosecutor (OWHSP) has brought ten cases before court regarding violations of work, health, and safety laws linked to asbestos-containing materials.

These prosecutions highlight an ongoing commitment by Queensland authorities toward enforcing compliance across residential and commercial work sites. Businesses undertaking demolition or cleaning work involving cement surfaces should review relevant safe work method statements before starting any job.

• Never use high-pressure water cleaners on asbestos cement roofs, fences, or walls.
• Engage licensed professionals for any work involving suspected asbestos materials.
• Review your High Pressure Water Cleaner SWMS template before beginning cleaning work near older structures.
• Consult a Concrete Demolition Ultra High Water Pressure SWMS for demolition projects involving cement surfaces.

Watch: Understanding Asbestos Risks

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has released a short video explaining why high-pressure water hoses remain unsafe on asbestos cement surfaces, offering practical guidance for homeowners planning renovation work.

Broader Context Across Australia

Similar campaigns run across Australia each year, reinforcing consistent messaging about asbestos exposure risks regardless of state or territory. Our related coverage of National Asbestos Awareness Week highlights the critical issue of safety explores how this messaging translates nationally.

We've also reported on how Australians are urged to prioritise asbestos safety during National Asbestos Awareness Week, reflecting a shared national focus on reducing preventable harm from legacy building materials.

Resources for Safe Work Practices

Safety professionals seeking compliant documentation can access dedicated asbestos safety document templates covering various work scenarios, or explore complete asbestos safety packages designed for businesses managing ongoing compliance obligations.

An Asbestos Awareness SWMS template offers additional resources for teams needing structured guidance before undertaking work near cement sheeting or other asbestos-containing materials.

Explore further information here.

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