Can you be fined $8,400 for hiring a cash tile remover in Sydney?

Yes. As of late 2025, NSW silica and dust control laws allow on-the-spot fines of up to $8,400 for individuals when unsafe tile removal creates uncontrolled silica dust. Homeowners, strata managers, and builders can be exposed if unlicensed or non-compliant contractors fail to use H-Class dust extraction and lawful waste disposal.

What is the $8,400 silica dust fine and why does it exist?

The $8,400 fine is an on-the-spot penalty under NSW work health and safety enforcement powers for individuals who expose others to respirable crystalline silica. Tile removal is a high-risk activity because cutting, grinding, or breaking tiles and adhesives can release fine silica dust that is invisible and easily inhaled.

NSW regulators, including SafeWork NSW, have intensified enforcement following the formal ban and restriction framework on high-risk silica work. These penalties are designed to stop unsafe renovation practices before serious harm occurs.

How does this impact Sydney property owners or renovation projects?

In Sydney, many renovations involve apartments, strata buildings, and occupied dwellings. When a homeowner hires a cash-based operator without proper controls, the risk does not stop at the worker.

Dust can migrate into neighbouring units or common areas Strata committees may issue breach notices or stop-work orders Insurance claims may be rejected due to non-compliant works Owners can be investigated for allowing unsafe practices onsite Under NSW law, responsibility is shared. Allowing unsafe work can create exposure even if the homeowner did not personally perform the task.

Why is tile removal now considered a high-risk activity in NSW?

Tiles, adhesives, screeds, and levelling compounds commonly contain crystalline silica. When removed without proper controls, dust levels can exceed safe exposure limits within minutes.

NSW guidance now treats uncontrolled tile removal similarly to other high-risk construction activities, particularly in enclosed residential environments.

What does compliant, dust-free tile removal actually involve?

Compliant tile removal is a controlled process, not just demolition. At Elyment Property Services, renovation works are executed using documented, dust-managed systems designed to protect occupants and owners.

Use of industrial H-Class vacuum systems at the point of dust generation Physical isolation of work zones where required Trained operators familiar with silica risk controls Registered waste transport and lawful disposal Site documentation suitable for strata and insurers This approach contrasts sharply with informal operators who rely on handheld grinders, domestic vacuums, or dry removal methods that breach NSW guidance.

What does this typically cost or affect in Sydney?

Approach: Cash tile remover Upfront Cost: Low Compliance Risk: Very high Potential Exposure: Fines, stop-work orders, liability Approach: Compliant dust-free removal Upfront Cost: Moderate Compliance Risk: Low Potential Exposure: Documented, insurable works In practice, the cost difference is often marginal compared to the financial and legal consequences of a compliance breach in Sydney’s regulated renovation environment.

What are the risks or benefits of doing it properly?

Reduced health risks for occupants and neighbours Lower legal and insurance exposure Smoother strata and council approvals Clear documentation if disputes arise The primary risk of non-compliance is not just fines, but long-term liability tied to unsafe work practices.

Why choose Elyment Property Services in NSW?

Elyment Property Services operates as part of a broader holding and operating group that governs complex renovation, compliance, and property workflows across NSW.

Renovation and removal works are delivered through Elyment’s physical operations, supported by structured compliance processes designed to protect property owners, strata committees, and businesses.

Elyment is a 5-star rated business on Google and is trusted across Sydney for projects where risk, documentation, and execution matter.

Relevant capabilities include:

Concrete grinding and controlled surface preparation Renovation compliance and risk governance support Request a compliant renovation assessment

Sources & References

Here are the reference links as listed in the original article:

SafeWork NSW: https://www.safework.nsw.gov.au NSW Government: https://www.nsw.gov.au The University of Sydney: https://www.sydney.edu.au