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Video: Asbestos In Your Home

Asbestos In Homes: A Guide to Identification, Testing & Removal

Asbestos in Homes: A Guide to Identification, Testing and Removal demonstrates the entire process of safe asbestos management by professionals from assessment, identification and removal of asbestos-containing materials to obtaining a clearance certificate to ensure they meet government requirements. Industry experts explain asbestos safety, the legalities and shows property owners the simple steps they need to take BEFORE starting renovations so they know how to protect themselves, their families, tradies and anyone who might risk exposure to asbestos fibres during renovations, demolition and maintenance.

Featuring industry leaders Cherie Barber, Australia’s Renovation Queen™ and Asbestos Awareness Ambassador and members of the Asbestos Education Committee; Bret Baker, President of the Asbestos & Hazmat Removal Contractors Association of NSW (AHRCA); John Batty, President of the Asbestos & Hazardous-Materials Consultants Association (AHCA); and Mathew Klintfält, homeowner and renovator who continues the work of his late mother Carol Klintfält OAM in asbestos awareness advocacy, together we’re continuing to provide essential, informative tools that can help save lives.

The Asbestos In Homes: A guide to Identification, Testing & Removal video was proudly sponsored by EDP – an RSK Company, Renovating For Profit, Beasy PTY Ltd, The Asbestos Education Committee & Advocacy Australia.

Asbestos In Homes: Identification, Testing & Removal (Full Length)

Asbestos In Homes: Identification, Testing & Removal (Overview)

Our heartfelt thanks to Cherie Barber for producing this informative video for the National Asbestos Awareness campaign. Cherie has been an Asbestos Awareness Ambassador since 2013 and is widely known as Australia’s Renovation Queen and the nation’s leading authority on profitable home renovating.  Thanks to Cherie’s undying dedication to increasing awareness of the dangers of asbestos among homeowners and renovators, together we’re helping to prevent the incidences of asbestos-related diseases across Australia.

Asbestos In Your Home: The Ultimate Renovators Guide

NOTE: Since this video was produced, in accordance with revised national data, the year for the end of residential asbestos use has been extended from 1987 to 1990.

 

 

Asbestos Database A-Z

Full Size
NameVinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
CaptionCommercial Vinyl Floor Covering which contains asbestos in the backing
LocationCommercial
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id93
Full Size
NameVinyl Floor Covering - Kitchen 1
CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering in a kitchen - it is lifting at the base of the cupboard
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id94
Full Size
NameVinyl Floor Covering - Kitchen 1b
CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering in a kitchen and laundry which pictures the underside of a loose section
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id95

Vinyl floor tiles and covering

Product description

Solid, brittle material in a variety of colours used in control rooms, bathrooms, common rooms andamenities rooms of zone substations and Field Service Centres. Sometimes used in bigger distribution substations.


Can also be referred to as lino or linoleum.
Product type Floor Covering
Sub-Product type Floor Tiles
Trading name(s)
Other name(s) Floor tiles, vinyl floor, plastic tiles, lino or linoleum.
Build element Construction
Product identification
Asbestos-containing vinyl floor tiles can have a variety of colours and shapes, but they will look exactly the same as non-asbestos-containing vinyl floor tiles. Reliable identification can only be achieved by laboratory analysis.
Known uses Durable flooring
Asbestos fibre type Chrysotile (white asbestos)
Friable or Non-Friable Non-Friable
Known Supplier(s)
Known place of manufacture
Date / period of manufacture Pre 1987
Building construction period 1931-1940,1941-1950,1951-1960,1961-1970,1970-1980,1981-1990
Location Domestic home
  • Bathroom
  • Dining room
  • Dog kennels
  • Fencing
  • Fireplace
  • Flooring & covering
  • Kitchen
  • Laundry
  • Toilet
Commercial
  • Flooring
  • Wet Areas(Bathrooms/toilets etc)
Industrial
  • Flooring
Plant
      Other Public

     

    More Images

    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor meets Capet
    CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering which meets carpet.
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceAsbestos Education Committee
    Image Id96
    Full Size
    NameLino Floor Tiles
    CaptionComercial lino floor tiles
    LocationCommercial
    SourceTownsville Asbestos
    Image Id97
    Full Size
    NameLino Floor Tiles
    CaptionCommercial lino floor tiles - damaged
    LocationCommercial
    SourceTownsville Asbestos
    Image Id98
    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor Covering - Kitchen 2
    CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering in a kitchen which has been partially removed exposing asbestos cement floor and adhesive.
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceJim's Building Inspections
    Image Id230
    Full Size
    NameDomestic Vinyl Floor Covering
    CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceJim's Building Inspections
    Image Id231
    Full Size
    NameDomestic Vinyl Floor Covering - toilet
    CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering in a toilet and bathroom
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceJim's Building Inspections
    Image Id232
    Full Size
    NameRemnants of Asbestos backed vinyl flooring
    CaptionAsbestos backed vinyl sheet flooring. The green material indicates the backing which contains asbestos.
    LocationIndustrial
    SourceSHAPE Group
    Image Id267
    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    CaptionVinyl floor tile with backing that contains asbestos.
    LocationCommercial
    SourceSHAPE Group
    Image Id268
    Full Size
    NameClose up Vinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    CaptionAsphaltic cutback adhesive under vinyl tiles
    LocationCommercial
    SourceWorkSafe Tasmania
    Image Id269
    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor Covering in public building
    CaptionVinyl Floor Covering in public building
    LocationOther
    SourceWorkSafe Tasmania
    Image Id270
    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor Covering
    CaptionAsphaltic cutback adhesive under vinyl tiles
    LocationCommercial
    SourceWorkSafe Tasmania
    Image Id271
    Full Size
    NameClose up Vinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    CaptionClose up Vinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    LocationCommercial
    SourcePrensa
    Image Id357
    Full Size
    NameVinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    CaptionVinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    LocationCommercial
    SourcePrensa
    Image Id358
    Full Size
    NameClose up Vinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    CaptionClose up Vinyl Floor Covering - Commercial
    LocationCommercial
    SourcePrensa
    Image Id359
    Full Size
    NameVinyl flooring as liner
    CaptionVinyl flooring used as shelf liner in bathroom
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceAsbestos Awareness
    Image Id368
    Full Size
    NameAsbestos paper under lino
    CaptionAsbestos paper under lino
    LocationDomestic home
    SourcePrensa
    Image Id369
    Full Size
    NameLino Tiles - BW
    CaptionDomestic lino floor tiles
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceAsbestos Awareness
    Image Id370
    Full Size
    NameLino Tiles - lifting
    CaptionCommercial lino floor tiles - lifting
    LocationCommercial
    SourceAsbestos Awareness
    Image Id371
    Full Size
    NameCommercial Lino Tiles
    CaptionCommercial lino floor tiles - lifting
    LocationCommercial
    SourceAsbestos Awareness
    Image Id372
    Full Size
    NameDomestic Vinyl Floor Covering
    CaptionDomestic vinyl floor covering
    LocationDomestic home
    SourceAsbestos Awareness
    Image Id373

     

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    Awards – 2014 Winners

     

    Betty Awards Logo

    In 2014 there were 28 winners in the national ‘Betty Awards’ for their significant contribution to community education during national Asbestos Awareness Month. Organisations who actively participated and registered in the Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign were eligible to enter The Bettys.

    Key to the campaign’s success is the invaluable contribution of stakeholders and community leaders who are able to reach out directly to their communities to help them understand asbestos products and educate them on safe practices. Of the 563 councils nationally, 343 (61%) registered their participation, an increase of 181% – the highest number of council participants since the campaign launched in 2012. In NSW, 131 (86%) of councils participated – a 98% increase on 2013, and with the exception of WA (59 Councils – 42%) over 50% of councils in all states and territories joined with the AEC to educate their communities.

    Thank you for all the incredible support from all the organisations who participated.

    Best Asbestos Awareness Month Campaigner: Government Department or Organisation

    Winner: The Western Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils
    Highly Commended: Local Government New South Wales

    Most Innovative Asbestos Awareness Month Council Campaigner

    Winner: Mornington Shire Council (QLD)
    Highly Commended: Wollongong City Council (NSW)

    Most Active Asbestos Awareness Month Council Campaigner Awards

    Metropolitan New South Wales
    Winner: Campbelltown City Council
    Highly Commended: Pittwater Council & Camden Council
    Commended: Holroyd City Council

    Metropolitan Victoria
    Winner: Nillumbik Shire Council

    Regional New South Wales
    Winner: Wollongong City Council
    Highly Commended: Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Mid-Western Regional Council & Queanbeyan City Council
    Commended: Bega Valley Shire Council & Cooma-Monaro Shire Council

    Regional Queensland
    Winner: Mornington Shire Council
    Highly Commended: Cook Shire Council

    Regional South Australia
    Winner: Wakefield Regional Council
    Highly Commended: District Council of the Copper Coast

    Honourable Mentions:
    New South Wales: Parramatta City Council, Wagga Wagga City Council & Albury City Council
    Queensland: Maranoa Regional Council
    Tasmania: Glamorgan Spring Bay Council
    Victoria: East Gippsland Shire Council, Knox City Council, Maroondah City Council
    Western Australia: City of South Perth, City of Greater Geraldton, City of Kwinana

    Enter now!

    Betty Awards HomeDownload Entry FormDownload Infomation Kit

     

     

    Fill out my online form.

    20 Point Safety Check

    AsbestosAwarenessIMG_5786RGet to kNOw Asbestos – The 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check

    1. At least 1 in 3 Australian homes contain asbestos including brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes and apartments.
    2. Asbestos was widely used in the manufacture of building materials and other products prior to being phased out by 1990 and banned in 2003. Therefore:
      1. If your home was built or renovated prior to 1987 it is ‘highly likely’ that it contains products incorporating asbestos.
      2. If your home was built or renovated between 1987 and 1990 it is ‘likely’ that it may contain some asbestos-containing materials.
      3. However, if your home was built or renovated after 1990 it is ‘unlikely’ that asbestos-containing materials will be present.
    3. If asbestos is disturbed during renovations or maintenance your health and the health of your family could be at risk.
    4. DIY is not recommended where asbestos is present.
    5. When renovating or working in and around homes, if in doubt assume asbestos materials are present and take every precaution.
    6. Dealing with asbestos is important and serious, but it’s not overwhelming – IT IS MANAGEABLE!
    7. If you’re not sure if asbestos is in your home you can have it inspected by a licenced removalist or a licensed asbestos assessor.
    8. Products made from asbestos cement include fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water, drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles, guttering and floor and wall coverings. It could be anywhere! Visit the Asbestos Products Database to find out more.
    9. If you find asbestos in your home; Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do… Don’t dump it!”
    10. If left undisturbed asbestos materials in good, stable condition are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk. Generally, you don’t need to remove the asbestos. Paint it and leave it alone but remember to check it occasionally for any signs of wear and tear.
    11. There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal.
    12. While some might follow the regulations and safety requirements to remove small amounts of asbestos, the safest way to manage its removal is to retain a licenced professional asbestos removalist equipped to protect you and your family from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
    13. Where asbestos fibres are friable (loose and not bonded into building materials), ONLY licenced friable asbestos removalists are allowed to remove it.
    14. Professional removal of asbestos is affordable. You can’t afford not to use a professional!
    15. The cost of asbestos removal by a licenced professional is comparable to most licenced tradesmen including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
    16. The cost of disposal at a lawful site is often included with the cost of removal by a licenced professional.
    17. If you must work with any material that may contain asbestos or remove asbestos yourself, protect yourself and your family and follow the legal and safety requirements for the management of asbestos to minimise the release of dust or small particles from the asbestos materials.
    18. There are a number of safety precautions you will need to take including wearing specific protective clothing, the correct mask or breathing apparatus and ensure you minimise dust and dispose of it legally. Download Fact Sheet 1 or 2 for instructions on how to do this.
    19. 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 sanders.  Never use high pressure water blasters or compressed air.
    20. Don’t play renovation roulette! Think Smart. Think Safe. Think asbestosawareness.com.au – Because it’s not worth the risk!

     

    Important Safety Facts To Know When Working With Asbestos_MG_0029

     

    Find Out More About Managing Asbestos Safely

    Multiple Fact Sheets and downloadable resources have been developed for homeowners, tradies, farmers and commercial properties on how to manage asbestos in the their homes and workplaces safely including:

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