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click here to find out where asbestos might be found in your home

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What You Need to Know!

• You can't tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at them!

• If you are in doubt, it is best to assume that you are dealing with asbestos and take every precaution

• The safest way to manage the removal of asbestos is to hire a licenced asbestos removal contractor

• Where asbestos fibres are loose and not bonded into building materials, you must use a professional licenced asbestos removal service

• There are government regulations and your local council may also have policies regarding the removal of asbestos

If you are thinking about renovating, you must be aware of asbestos. It is important for home owners and renovators to be aware of how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.

Importantly, if you suspect you have asbestos in your home, Dont cut it! Dont drill it! Dont drop it! Dont sand it! Dont saw it! Dont scrape it! Dont scrub it! Dont dismantle it! Dont tip it! Dont waterblast it! Dont demolish it! And whatever you do... Dont dump it!

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UNDERSTANDING ASBESTOS

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Asbestos related disease information What is Asbestos?Until the mid-1980s, asbestos was widely used in a range of home building materials. If your house was built or renovated before 1985, it is likely you have asbestos in your home. Asbestos is a naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral. It was considered a versatile product, because it is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire and water resistant properties.Homeowners need to know what asbestos is and what precautions you must take if you are planning to renovate or make repairs around your home, just in case you are dealing with asbestos. Removing asbestos is a dangerous and complicated process best carried out by professionals who are licenced having completed the required training. If you were to consider removing a small amount of asbestos yourself, at the very minimum you would need to meticulously follow ALL of the steps described on this site in order to protect your health and that of those around you. It becomes a health risk when asbestos fibres are released into the air and breathed in. Asbestos is described as either "bonded" or "friable".Bonded asbestos fibres are mixed into another material which binds or bonds them within the material. Bonded asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Common uses for bonded asbestos in buildings include: flat (fibro), corrugated (roofing) or compressed asbestos cement sheets; water, drainage and flue pipes; and floor tiles. If fire, hail, or direct activities such as water blasting and drilling damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material.Friable asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. Friable asbestos was not commonly used in the home; it was mainly used in industrial applications such as pipe lagging, sprayed limpet and asbestos cloth and rope. Friable asbestos can only be removed by a licenced asbestos removalist with a friable asbestos licence.It is Important Everyone Knows About Asbestos Health Risks and Safety RequirementsWhile some people may ensure they follow the regulations and safety requirements to remove small amounts of asbestos themselves, we recommend retaining a licenced asbestos removal professional who is equipped to protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos dust.When working in and around the home or renovating, if in doubt, assume you are dealing with asbestos and take every precaution The safest way to manage the removal of asbestos is to hire a licenced asbestos removal contractorWhere asbestos fibres are friable (loose and not bonded into building materials), only licenced friable asbestos removalists are allowed to remove itIf you do need to work with any material that may contain asbestos, ensure you take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and minimise the release of dust or small particles from the asbestos materials that may affect others including childrenThe NSW Ministry of Health has fact sheets about asbestos and health risks. For more information visit www.health.nsw.gov.au

Find Out More About Managing

Asbestos in NSW

• WorkCover NSW has produced a Bonded Asbestos Fact Sheet

• WorkCover NSW has produced a Guide to Working With Asbestos

• The NSW Government has produced a website and a brochure: Fibro and Asbestos - A Renovator and Homeowner's Guide

• The NSW Government DIY Safe website contains information about the hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestos

•Other states: There is currently a national review on the management of asbestos being conducted and is scheduled for release in mid 2012.

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Safety Facts

understanding asbestos

DANGERS OF ASBESTOS

dangers of asbestos

Dangers of Asbestos
Asbestos related disease information
Safety Facts

Dangers of Asbestos

NSW Government Links

• The NSW Ministry of Health has fact sheets about asbestos and health risks.

• The Workers’ Compensation Dust Diseases Board has information about obtaining workers’ compensation for workers who have developed an asbestos related dust disease from being exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

•The NSW Government DIY Safe website contains information about the hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestos.

Why Can Asbestos Dust or Fibres be Dangerous to Your Health?There is NO safe level of exposure to asbestos fibres!You must observe safety precautions when removing or working with asbestos, otherwise you risk exposing yourself and your family to long-term health risksIf asbestos is disturbed it can release dangerous fine particles of dust containing asbestos fibresBreathing in dust containing asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesotheliomaMesothelioma is a cancer which most often occurs in the lining of the lung. There is no cureThe rates of malignant mesothelioma (an incurable cancer) are expected to rise from 2012 to 2020The risk of contracting asbestos related diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled and the length of time that you inhaled asbestos fibres (number of years exposed)The risk of lung cancer from inhaling asbestos fibres is greatly increased if you smokeSymptoms of asbestos dust related diseases do not usually appear until about 20 to 30 years after the first exposure to asbestosThe average time between exposure and developing mesothelioma is about 45 years
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Asbestos related disease information Asbestos Related Diseases Information Imbedded asbestos fibres irritate lung tissue around them, causing a number of diseases:Pleural DiseaseInflammation and irritation of outer lining of lung, the pleura. The pleura stiffens and thickens widely (diffuse thickening) or in patches (plaques), and can fill with fluid. This thickening can restrict breathing.AsbestosisThis is scarring of the lungs: the airways become so inflamed and scarred that the uptake of oxygen from the lungs into the blood is diminished. The lungs become stiff and inelastic, making breathing progressively difficult. Symptoms include tightness in the chest, dry cough, and in the later stages, a bluish tinge to the skin caused by lack of oxygen. Asbestosis is usually seen in former asbestos miners, asbestos manufacturing workers and insulation workers, and usually takes a decade or more to develop.Lung CancerExposure to asbestos fibres greatly increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer, particularly if they are also a smoker.MesotheliomaMesothelioma is a cancer arising from the cells lining the thoracic and abdominal cavities. It typically grows quickly and spreads widely before symptoms appear, making an early diagnosis and effective treatment very difficult. The average survival time after diagnosis is only 6 -18 months. A very small exposure to asbestos can be enough to trigger the cancer, however only a small percentage of people exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma. There may be a lag of 20 to 40 years after asbestos exposure before mesothelioma results.
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Safety Facts The Importance of Safely Managing Asbestos in and Around the Home1 in 3 Australian homes contains building materials with asbestosThe risk to families is when building materials containing asbestos are disturbed or damaged and this can release dangerous dust and fibres that can be inhaledPeople put themselves and their children at risk if they are not aware of the hazards of working with asbestos materials including fibroThere are legal and safety requirements for the management of asbestos. Follow the regulations. It’s not worth the risk!The cost of asbestos removal by a licenced professional is comparable in price to most licenced tradesmen including electricians, plumbers and tilersThe cost of disposal at a lawful landfill site is usually included when using a licenced professional removalistHomeowners and renovators can visit WorkCover for a guide on asbestos management - Working With Asbestos Guide 2008 Catalogue Number WC05484 Important Safety Facts To Know When Working With AsbestosThere are a number of safety precautions you will need to take including wearing approved protective clothing, the correct mask (not every mask is safe) or breathing apparatus. To learn more information about working safely with asbestos and links to councils, WorkCover, the Environment Protection AuthorityA safety checklist, ‘Fibro and Asbestos - First Steps Checklist’
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ASBESTOS IN THE HOME

asbestos in the home

asbestos in the home
Where is it found?
Home Renovations, DIY & Asbestos
Asbestos Detection in your home

asbestos in the home Grunge

Asbestos in the HomeAsbestos fibres were used widely in building materials before the mid-1980s. If your house was built or renovated before the mid-1980s, it is likely to contain asbestos cement building materials.You may be surprised at the various types of products that were made from bonded asbestos cement included fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and guttering, even the backing of vinyl sheet floor coverings.In NSW, the use of asbestos was discontinued in all fibro sheets and products by the mid-1980s. After this, asbestos continued to be used principally in friction products, for brake and clutch linings. The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally in Australia from 31 December 2003.The Importance of Safely Managing Asbestos in and Around the HomeMost people can't tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at themUnless you take the required safety precautions and follow regulations, Dont cut it! Dont drill it! Dont drop it! Dont sand it! Dont saw it! Dont scrape it! Dont scrub it! Dont dismantle it! Dont tip it! Dont waterblast it! Dont demolish it! And whatever you do... Dont dump it!If you do need to work with any material that may contain asbestos, always work so there is minimal dust or small particles released from the asbestos materialsOnly scientific testing of a sample of material by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) asbestos testing laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos. For information on testing and accredited laboratories in your area, visit www.nata.com.au or call 1800 621 666 Asbestos materials that are in good condition are unlikely to release asbestos fibres if left undisturbedIf asbestos materials are in good condition, paint them and leave them aloneFor important information about working with asbestos see WorkCover NSW's Guide to Working With Asbestos, visit workcover.nsw.gov.au or contact 13 10 50The NSW Government DIY Safe website contains information about the hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestosThe NSW Government has produced a website and brochure: Fibro and Asbestos - A Renovator and Homeowner's Guide

Where is it found?

Master Bedroom

Bedrooms

Carpet underlayInternal angle mouldingsInternal walls and ceilings - low density asbestos fibre board ceiling and wall sheeting

Blank

Study

Carpet underlay or backing of sheet vinylInternal angle mouldingsInternal walls and ceilings - low density asbestos fibre board ceiling and wall sheeting

Living Room

Carpet underlayInternal angle mouldingsFlues to fireplacesInternal walls and ceilings - low density asbestos fibre board ceiling and wall sheeting

Kitchen

Hot water piping "chased into walls"Kitchen splashbackSheeting under the floor tilesTilux splashbackLagging to hot water pipesBacking of sheet vinylBacking behind ceramic wall and floor tiles Vinyl floor tilesTextile seal to the ovenInternal angle mouldings

Water Heater

Hot water piping "chased into walls"Lagging to hot water pipes and lining to the hot water unitSub floor packers under water heaterInsulation for hot water pipes and tank

Laundry

Hot water piping "chased into walls"Sheeting under floor tilesLagging to hot water pipesBacking behind the ceramic wall and floor tiles Compressed asbestos sheet cement flooringInternal angle mouldingsVinyl floor tiles

Storage and Basement

Storage & Basement

Power Box backing to electrical meter boardsBrake and clutch linings and battery boxes in older cars comprised of pitch, rubber and crocidoliteWall sheetingUsed form workDownpipes

Outdoors Kennel

Outdoors

Outdoor dog and animal kennelCar portFencesSheds and external toiletsWater and stormwater pipesTelecommunications pits waterproofing membraneBuried asbestos

Outdoors Fences

Walls

House Structure

Wall sheeting - flat or weatherboard styleExternal cladding Hardiplank or imitation brickRoof corrugated asbestos-cement roofingRidge capping for roofInternal walls and ceilingsInternal and external ventilatorsEaves and gables endsLoose fill insulation in roof cavityGuttersDownpipesInfill panels above windows and doorsPutty in old metal framed windows and glass doorsWater and stormwater pipes

Roof

Roof – corrugated asbestos-cement roofingRidge capping for roofInternal and external ventilatorsEaves and gables endsLoose fill insulation in roof cavityGuttersDownpipes

Guttering and Downpipes

Guttering & Downpipes

Ridge capping for roofEaves and gables endsGuttersDownpipes

Power Box

Power Box – backing to electrical meter boardsWall sheeting

Garage

Garage and Sheds

Power Box – backing to electrical meter boardsBrake and clutch linings and battery boxes in older cars comprised of pitch, rubber and crocidoliteWall sheetingRoof – corrugated asbestos-cement roofingRidge capping for roofEaves and gables endsGuttersUsed form workDownpipes

Bathroom

Hot water piping "chased into walls"Sheeting under floor tilesLagging to hot water pipesBacking behind the ceramic wall and floor tilesBacking behind the vinyl wall and floor tilesCompressed asbestos sheet cement flooringTilux marble finish wall panel - laminated flat asbestos cement sheet with various decorative pattern designs. Generally used in wet areas such as shower recesses and bathroomsInternal angle mouldingsWall liningCeiling liningPipes - asbestos cement pipes used for fresh water supply and sewerage systems

Fireplace

Flues to fireplaceWood heater rope in door of wood heaterInsulation and sheeting under brick hearth base

Where Might Asbestos Be Found in Your Home?If your home was built or renovated before 1985, you may be surprised where asbestos products have been used in your home.Products made from bonded asbestos cement that may have been used in your home include:Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) in walls and ceilingsWater drainage and flue pipes Roofing shingles and guttering The backing of floor coveringsIMPORTANT: If fire, hail, or water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material and must be managed and removed by a licenced friable asbestos removalist.Inside HouseBacking of vinyl sheet floor covering Carpet underlayCement flooringCompressed asbestos sheetFlues to fireplacesInsulation below wood heaterInternal and external ventilatorsInternal angle mouldingsInternal walls & ceilingKitchen splashbackLoose fill insulation in roof cavityTilux marble finish wall panelVinyl floor tilesWall sheeting internal Outside HouseBacking for electrical meter boardsDog kennelDownpipesEaves and gables endsExternal angle mouldingsFenceGarageGuttersInsulation for hot water pipes and tankInternal and external ventilatorsRidge cappingSheds & external toiletsWall sheeting external

Hover your mouse over areas of the house to see where asbestos may be found

House - Asbestos Use Diagram WebSml.pdf

Home Renovations, DIY & Asbestos About to Renovate and Not Sure If there is Asbestos in Your Home?Asbestos fibres were used widely in building materials before the mid-1980sIf your house was built or renovated before the mid-1980s, it is likely to contain asbestos cement building materialsProducts made from bonded asbestos cement included fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water, drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and gutteringIf you are not sure if asbestos is in your home or in need of replacement, you can have your home inspected for unsafe asbestos by a licenced removalist or occupational hygienist Has Asbestos Exposure Been Linked to DIY Renovating?In 2008, a study by Professor Anthony Johnson et al into The prevalence of self reported asbestos exposure during home renovation in NSW residents showed: 60.5% of do it yourself (DIY) renovators reported being exposed to asbestos during home renovations53% reported their partner and 40% reported their children were also exposed to asbestos during home DIY home renovationsNon DIY renovators were less likely to be exposed or have their families exposed58% of DIY renovators cut AC Fibro Sheeting this was the most common activity resulting in asbestos exposure37% of DIY renovators reported using a power tool to cut asbestos productsThe study concluded that asbestos exposure was common during home renovations particularly in DIY and found a significant number of people were planning further renovations in the next five years.What NOT to Do With Asbestos in Your HomeIf you find asbestos in your home, Dont cut it! Dont drill it! Dont drop it! Dont sand it! Dont saw it! Dont scrape it! Dont scrub it! Dont dismantle it! Dont tip it! Dont waterblast it! Dont demolish it! And whatever you do... Dont dump it!Never use tools on asbestos materials as they will make asbestos fibres airborne including:Power tools such as electric drills, angle grinders, circular saws and electric sandersNever use high pressure water blasters or compressed airWhen is Asbestos in the Home NOT a Significant Health Risk?Studies have shown that asbestos products, if in sound condition and left undisturbed, are not a significant health riskIf the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in a solid cement sheet or structure, generally you do not need to remove the asbestosIf your home contains bonded asbestos products that are in good condition, leave them alone but remember to check them occasionally for any signs of wear and tear

Asbestos Detection in your home Important Asbestos FactsMost people can't tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at themOnly scientific testing of a sample of material by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) asbestos testing laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos. For information on testing and accredited laboratories in your area, visit www.nata.com.au or call 1800 621 666 Asbestos materials that are in good condition are unlikely to release asbestos fibres if left undisturbedIf you do need to work with any material that may contain asbestos, always work so there is minimal dust or small particles released from the asbestos materialsIf asbestos materials are in good condition, paint them and leave them aloneUnless you take the required safety precautions and follow regulations, Dont cut it! Dont drill it! Dont drop it! Dont sand it! Dont saw it! Dont scrape it! Dont scrub it! Dont dismantle it! Dont tip it! Dont waterblast it! Dont demolish it! And whatever you do... Dont dump it!For important information about working with asbestos see WorkCover NSW's Guide to working with asbestos, visit workcover.nsw.gov.au or contact 13 10 50The NSW Government DIY Safe website contains information about the hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestosThe NSW Government has produced a website and brochure: Fibro and Asbestos - A Renovator and Homeowner's Guide

ASBESTOS DISPOSAL & LEGALITIES

asbestos disposal and legalities

Asbestos Disposal and Legalities
Licenced Removalists
ASBESTOS LEGALITIES
DIY Removal
Safety Facts

FAQ & LEARN MORE DOWNLOADS

downloads

GALLERY

gallery

Gallery

This gallery shows an assortment of images of areas where you may find asbestos in your own home.

ABOUT

about

Asbestos Education CommitteeFunding of the website is by the Asbestos Education Committee. The Asbestos Education Committee is funded under the Amended and Restated Final Funding Agreement between James Hardie and the NSW Government where James Hardie is to contribute to an education campaign for the benefit of the Australian public on the dangers of asbestos.The Asbestos Education Committee will focus on home renovators by:Alerting those people to the dangers of asbestos;Alerting those people as to what products may contain asbestos and where those products may be found in existing household or other environment; andAdvising those people as to the steps that ought be taken by people planning home renovations or who otherwise identify asbestos products in their home or other environment.
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PARTNERS

LINKS

links

Practical GuidesThe NSW Government has produced a safety checklist, Fibro and Asbestos - First Steps Checklist WorkCover NSW Guide to Working With AsbestosWorkCover NSW Fibro and Asbestos for Renovators and Homeowner's Guide WorkCover NSW Bonded Asbestos Fact SheetThe NSW Government has produced a website and a brochure: Fibro and Asbestos - A Renovator and Homeowner's GuideThe NSW Government DIY Safe website contains information about the hazards and risks that home renovators may face from a range of chemicals and materials, including asbestos All asbestos removal is to be in accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos NOHSC [2002(2005)]Identifying AsbestosThe most accurate way to find out if your fibro building product contains asbestos is to have it tested at a NATA laboratory approved for asbestos identification. You can't tell by looking at it. If in doubt, assume asbestos is present and take the necessary precautions.Any inquiries for analysis of suspected asbestos should be directed to NATA - The National Association of Testing Authorities. For a NATA Lab List call 1800 621 666 or refer to their website at www.nata.com.au.Asbestos Health & Environment RelatedThe NSW Dust Diseases BoardNSW Ministry of Health for asbestos and health risks The Environment Protection Authority has a fact sheet called Safely disposing of asbestos waste from your home contact them on 13 15 55 or visit www.environment.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/index.htm for more information The Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists has a list of consultants in occupational hygiene on its website who deals with asbestos issues. You can also call the institute on (03) 9336 2290 for further informationLegislation & Local GovernmentSee WorkCover NSW website for details about NSW asbestos removal legislation Contact your local council for information relating to legalities of asbestos disposal in your areaVisit WorkCover NSW website for forms to apply for or renew licences to remove bonded asbestos or friable asbestos. For licence information, ring the WorkCover NSW Licensing Process Unit on (02) 4321 5507For other enquiries, contact the Asbestos Demolition Unit on (02) 8260 5885 Research & Support GroupsAsbestos Diseases Research Institute - www.adri.org.au Asbestos Diseases Foundation Australia Inc - www.adfa.org.au Licenced Asbestos RemovalistsDemolition & Contractors Association (DCA) NSW - http://demolitioncontractorsassociation.com.auAsbestos Removal Contractors Association NSW (ARCA) - www.arca.asn.auWorkCover NSW Choosing an Asbestos Consultant - www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/formspublications/publications/Pages/Choosinganasbestosconsultant.aspxYellow Pages - www.yellowpages.com.auAsbestos Removal TrainingTAFE NSW - www.tafensw.edu.auHousing Industry Association (HIA) - http://hia.com.au/ Local Government Training Institute - www.lgti.com.auComet Training - www.comet-training.com.au/site Masters Builders Association (MBA) - www.masterbuilders.com.au/ Asbestos Removal Contractors Association NSW (ARCA) - www.arca.asn.auWho To Contact?Safe Management of Asbestos in Your Home:General asbestos safety issues- Local CouncilDerelict properties - Local CouncilComplaints About Unsafe Work at a Residential PropertyWork conducted by a neighbour -Local CouncilWork conducted by a contractor or worker - WorkCover NSWLicensed removal work at a residence - WorkCover NSWRemoval work carried out by the homeowner or tenant as part of renovations or demolition work - Local CouncilSmall removal and maintenance jobs able to carried out by homeowner/tenant- Local CouncilFurther InformationWorkCover NSW 13 10 50 or www.workcover.nsw.gov.auHeads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities 13 10 50 or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au Environment Protection Authority 13 15 55 or www.environment.nsw.gov.auMinistry of Health www.health.nsw.gov.auNSW Government www.nsw.gov.au/fibroSafe Work Australia www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au
TERMS OF USE

terms of use

Terms of UseWhile every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and currency of the information on the Asbestos Awareness website (Website), the NSW Government, James Hardie and the ACTU (together, We, Us) make no guarantees or warranties in this respect. The information on the Website (Content) is a summary and general overview. It is for general information only. It is not legal or other professional advice. The Content should not be relied upon by you as legal or other professional advice. You should seek specific legal or other professional advice before acting or relying on any of the Content to ensure that your specific individual circumstances are taken into account. None of Us is responsible to you or anyone else for any loss suffered in connection with the use of the Website or any of the Content. This includes, but is not limited to, the transmission of any computer virus. Each of Us exclude, to the maximum extent permitted by law, any liability which may arise as a result of the use of the Website, its Content or the information on it. In particular, We will not be liable for any incidental, special or consequential damages, including damages for loss of business or other profits arising from the use of the Website or relating to the Content. The Website is linked to other websites over which We have no control. We make no representations about the accuracy of information contained on those websites. We are not liable for the content on those websites.Copyright and all other intellectual property rights in all works within this website belong to or are licenced to Asbestos Education Committee, and all rights conferred by the law of copyright are reserved. Documents published on the Asbestos Awareness website may not be copied, without prior written consent, other than for non-commercial individual reference with all copyright or other proprietary notices retained, and thereafter may not be recopied, reproduced or otherwise redistributed.
CONTACT US

Contact

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:WorkCover NSW 13 10 50 contact_workcover.nsw.gov.auAustralian Council of Trade Unions, 1300 362 223 6/365 Queen St, Melbourne VIC 3000James Hardie Industries Sean O'Sullivan (02) 8274 5246 sean.osullivan_jameshardie.com.au

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