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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
NameLDB Ceiling
CaptionLow density fibreboard ceiling panels chrysotile and amosite
LocationCommercial
SourceWorkSafe WA
Image Id60
Full Size
NameLow Density Board Ceiling close up
CaptionClose up of LDB Ceiling sheeting with beveled edges
LocationDomestic home
SourceQueensland Government
Image Id326

Low Density Asbestos Fibre Boards (LDB) - Asbestolux

Product description
Asbestolux was typically used as wall and ceiling panels, often in high humidity applications. It has been used for fire protection, thermal and acoustic insulation and for general building work in industrial and commercial buildings, education facilities and domestic premises.It was manufactured in the late 1950s to mid-1960s and is unlikely to be found in buildings constructed after 1983.
Product type Cement - sheets, moulded product
Sub-Product type
Trading name(s) Asbestolux
Durolux
Other name(s) AC board, LDB
Build element Walls and ceilings.
Product identification
Asbestolux is a low density asbestos fibre board, lightly compressed, it looks similar to asbestos cement sheeting or plaster board, but asbestos fibres are not bound in a cement matrix as with asbestos cement sheeting but in calcium silicate plaster, which makes Asbestolux quite soft and the pressure of a fingernail into the surface can leave an indentation. Samples of Asbestolux have shown it contains up to 70 per cent (by volume) asbestos fibres. It is usually painted white.It is very difficult to visually identify low density board from other constructionsheeting at first glance. Some indicators to assist with the visual identification of low density board (Asbestolux and Duralux) include:- If the rear side of the sheeting can be viewed, the trade name Asbestolux or Duralux may be found prominently stamped on the rear of the sheeting at regular intervals.- Low density board was commonly installed as interior fire resistant ceiling sheeting/tiles and upper wall linings, however it may have been used in other applications.- When compared to "normal" asbestos cement sheeting, low density board typically is "softer" in nature.- Joins are not usually covered by timber "cover strips" - Commonly the sheeting edges were roughly beveled- The heads of fasteners (nails/clouts) are often embedded or partially embedded (recessed) into the surface of low density board sheeting due to the "softness" of the sheeting. With "normal" asbestos cement sheeting the heads of the fasteners always sit proud of the surface, as any recessing would crack the sheeting.
Known uses Walls and ceilings
Asbestos fibre type Amosite (brown asbestos)
Chrysotile (white asbestos)
Friable or Non-Friable Friable
Known Supplier(s) James Hardie
Wunderlich
Known place of manufacture
Date / period of manufacture Late 1950s to mid 1960s
Building construction period 1951-1960,1961-1970,1970-1980,1981-1990
Location Domestic home
  • Bathroom
  • Ceiling / Ceiling space
  • Dining room
  • Dog kennels
  • Fireplace
  • Internal walls
  • Laundry
  • Toilet
Commercial
  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Wet Areas(Bathrooms/toilets etc)
Industrial
  • Ceilings
  • Walls
  • Wet Areas(Bathrooms/toilets etc)
    Other Educational Facilities

 

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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

 

 

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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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