Asbestos is a naturally occurring, fibrous mineral that was used extensively for a wide range of building applications until the 1970s when the health hazards became widely known and the progression to a complete ban on its use began. Asbestos was used in over 3000 different applications, primarily due to its electrical insulation, heat resistance and strengthening properties. The most common asbestos containing materials (ACMs) used in construction were asbestos insulation board (AIB), asbestos cement sheets, pipe insulation and lagging and vinyl flooring products. Until recently, common asbestos products were known to contain blue, brown and white asbestos, otherwise known as crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile.

While asbestos is relatively safe when in good condition and not being disturbed, it can release microscopic fibres into the air when broken, cut or when the containing product has been allowed to deteriorate through age, wear and tear. In such cases, these fibres can be released into the air and be inhaled by those in the vicinity, leading to severe respiratory diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. Depending on the type of use of the asbestos containing product, these products are determined to be either Licensed or Non-Licensed which then in turn determines the type of contractor required to remove or manage the products.