HOW DO TRADESPEOPLE KNOW IF A PRODUCT OR MATERIAL CONTAINS ASBESTOS?
- You can’t tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it.
- Only testing by a NATA accredited testing facility can determine if asbestos is present.
- If you’re not sure if a product may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the appropriate precautions.
- All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A Licenced Asbestos Removalist.
3 Steps to Learn How to Identify Products That May Contain Asbestos
- Checkout the online Asbestos Product Database featuring photographs of various asbestos containing products commonly found in homes.
- Watch a short video, Asbestos in the Home: The Ultimate Renovator’s Guide that takes you through a typical Aussie home to demonstrate where and what to look for.
- Download the Residential Asbestos Checklist for Tradies: A Tradesperson’s Guide To Asbestos-Containing Materials In Domestic Properties
HOW TO IDENTIFY PRODUCTS THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS IN HOMES
Although a complete ban on asbestos came into force in Australia in 2003, prior to that there were hundreds of products used in the building and refurbishment of many homes built or renovated prior to 1990.
Even older homes and properties built prior to the mass production of asbestos products might contain asbestos. In these properties asbestos may have been introduced when new floor coverings were laid, bathrooms re-tiled, insulation, hot water systems, electrical meter boards, roofing and plumbing were installed or replaced. The erection of garages and carports constructed from AC sheeting was also common for older properties as car ownership became more common.
Although only scientific testing of a sample can confirm if asbestos is present in these building and decorator products, there are still some tell-tale signs that asbestos might be present that Tradies should look for.
For details about the regulations in your state contact your State Regulator.
Resources Available to Aide Identification of Products That May Contain Asbestos
- Asbestos Product Database featuring photographs of various asbestos containing products commonly found in homes.
- Short video, Asbestos in the Home: The Ultimate Renovator’s Guide will takes you through a typical Aussie home to demonstrate where and what to look for.
- The Residential Asbestos Checklist for Tradies: A Tradeperson’s Guide To Asbestos-Containing Materials In Domestic Properties
WHAT IS THE RESIDENTIAL ASBESTOS CHECKLIST FOR TRADIES?
The Residential Checklist for Tradies – A Tradesperson’s Guide To Asbestos-Containing Materials In Domestic Properties is an easy-to-follow guide on what to look for in residential properties.
The Guide helps Tradies identify the many products that may contain asbestos by taking them through a property one area at a time providing a Checklist of the possible locations where asbestos may be found. Each checklist provides images of possible products and locations.
Conducting a Residential Checklist for Tradies doesn’t take long but it will help Tradespersons identify possible risks so asbestos can be managed safely.
Tradies will find a User Guide and a variety of Checklists available online that can be downloaded including Total Property Checklists and Trade Specific Checklists for multiple trades.
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