Dealing with Asbestos
More than a third of Australia homes contain asbestos. It is most commonly found in fibro. Given the age of our housing stock in Ashfield, it is advised to get your house checked for asbestos before doing any maintenance or renovations.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is also greater if you smoke. The symptoms of these diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestos.
There is a wealth of information on asbestos removal available on the web.
A good starting point is the site 'Think Asbestos' This site provides straightforward advice on what to do. For instance, when contracting someone to remove asbestos, make sure they have a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove any amount of asbestos. It is illegal to use unlicenced contractors to remove asbestos. Contractors must also obtain a site-specific permit from WorkCover NSW to carry out this type of work.
The dumping of asbestos material is a serious crime. Council is not allowed to take asbestos materials away either in your weekly collection or at a Council clean-up. Play it safe and only use licenced contractors.
For information on who can remove asbestos from your house have a look at the WorkCover NSW site or contact WorkCover on 13 10 50
Whatever you do, don't mess with asbestos - it's not worth the risk to yourself or your children.
Other useful sites are WorkCover's Renovators Guide and WorkCover's Working with Asbestos Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
I am buying an older house. How do I know if it contains asbestos?
Many houses built or renovated before the mid-1980s contain asbestos products. Have the house assessed by a qualified occupational hygienist or a licensed asbestos removalist.
Are houses with asbestos roofs safe?
If asbestos cement products are in sound condition and not disturbed, they do not pose a significant health risk. Replace roofing that is weathered, structurally unsound and no longer waterproof. Use a licensed asbestos removalist to remove and dispose of the roofing. A number of people have died or suffered serious injuries after falling through asbestos cement roofs. Never walk on an asbestos cement roof. They are brittle.
Some asbestos products have a low percentage of asbestos and are therefore safe for me to handle. Is that true?
If disturbed, treat all products containing any amount of asbestos as potentially dangerous. A licensed asbestos removalist should remove all asbestos containing material where possible.
Where do I dispose of asbestos sheeting?
The Environment Protection Authority (Phone: 13 15 55) can provide information on transporting and disposing of asbestos waste or look at this brochure from NSW Dept of Environment and Heritage
Can I bury asbestos on my property?
No. It is illegal – and poses a health risk. It must be taken to a facility that can lawfully receive asbestos waste. See this brochure from NSW Dept of Environment and Heritage
I am renovating my bathroom, kitchen and laundry. Should I be concerned about asbestos?
Asbestos products were often used in wet areas of older homes, built or renovated before the mid-1980s such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries. If in doubt, have the material tested by a qualified professional and/or removed by a licensed asbestos removalist.
If I am demolishing a fibro shed. What should I do?
If there is more than 10 square metres of fibro, get a licensed asbestos removalist. If there is less than 10 metres, refer to WorkCover’s guide, Working with asbestos (catalogue no. WC05484) at the WorkCover Site
Where do I find an asbestos removalist, and how do I know they are licensed?
Asbestos removalists are listed in the Yellow Pages. Ask them for a copy of their licence, or call WorkCover on 13 10 50 to confirm if they have the appropriate class of licence for the job.