A STOP work order has been made at a beachfront demolition site until authorities are satisfied all asbestos has been properly disposed.

Residents at Club Beach resort in Alexandra Headland were evacuated at short notice on Monday afternoon due to building collapse concerns at a neighbouring unit block.

Workers from licensed firm Paterson Demolition and Recycling had been removing asbestos when the alarm was raised about the building's structural integrity.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland officers and a Sunshine Coast Council structural engineer watched on as a section of the building was bashed down with an excavator so it wouldn't fall of its own accord.

Residents returned to their homes about 6pm, about two hours after being asked to leave.

"All asbestos in the front of the building had been removed prior to the emergency demolition, which was necessary after an incident rendered the foundations unsafe and threatened a neighbouring property,” a Workplace Health and Safety Queensland spokesman said.

"Asbestos in other parts of the building is bonded and stable and will be removed as a priority.”

He said there was a minimal risk of exposure to asbestos and an inspector was monitoring the situation.

"Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has taken enforcement action against the persons conducting a business or undertaking (demolition company) and a prohibition notice has been issued to stop work on the site until all suspected asbestos is identified and removed.”

He said the demolition would continue once Paterson Demolition and Recycling had complied with enforcement actions.

Paterson Demolition and Recycling was contacted for comment but did not respond.