1 in 3 Australian homes contain asbestos including brick, weatherboard, fibro, clad homes and apartments.
Asbestos was widely used before 1990 in various building materials so:
If the dwelling was built or renovated prior to 1987 it is ‘highly likely’ that it contains products incorporating asbestos.
If the dwelling was built or renovated between 1987 and 1990 it is ‘likely’ that it may contain some asbestos-containing materials.
However, if the dwelling was built or renovated after 1990 it is ‘unlikely’ that asbestos-containing materials will be present.
Disturbing asbestos materials during renovations, maintenance or demolition puts the health of Tradies, families and bystanders at risk, including children.
Dealing with asbestos is important and serious, but it’s not overwhelming – IT IS MANAGEABLE!
If sealed, in good, stable condition and left undisturbed, asbestos materials are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk and don’t need to be removed if they are in good condition.
Only qualified tradespeople with asbestos awareness training can work on materials identified as asbestos.
Tradies should undergo Asbestos Awareness and Management Training to increase their knowledge of asbestos-containing materials and to learn how to manage it safely! Visit your Government regulator website for links to Registered Training Organisations in your State or Territory.
Assume asbestos materials are present when renovating or working in and around residential properties and take every precaution.
A formal inspection and sample testing conducted by a licenced asbestos assessor or occupational hygenist is the only way to be sure if asbestos is present.
There are two types of asbestos building materials: “non-friable” and “friable”.
Non-Friable Asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Non-friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.
Products containing non-friable asbestos can be found anywhere! Common uses in residential buildings include: asbestos cement (AC) sheeting (fibro) which may be flat or corrugated that was used internally and externally as roofing, fencing, wall and floor coverings, for water drainage and guttering, flue pipes and in wet or high temperature areas.
Friable Asbestos is any material containing asbestos in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
Friable asbestos was mainly used in industrial applications but non-friable asbestos can become friable if damaged, unsealed and exposed to weather.
ONLY Class A Licenced Asbestos Removalists can remove friable asbestos.
All friable asbestos must be removed by a Class A Licenced Asbestos Removalist.
Loose-fill (Mr Fluffy) asbestos insulation was installed in ceilings in some homes in NSW and the ACT between 1968 and 1979. It was made of crushed, loose (friable) asbestos and then pumped (and possibly spread) into the ceiling space as insulation. If disturbed it could migrate to wall cavities and sub-floor areas. However the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings containing loose-fill asbestos is likely to be very low if the asbestos is undisturbed and sealed off.
If you are working in NSW or the ACT, NEVER enter ceiling or sub-floor space before contacting Council to see if the property is located in an area affected by Mr Fluffy.
Contact Council, NSW Fair Trading or the ACT Government to check if a property might be located in an affected Council region before entering ceiling or sub-floor space!
NEVER use high pressure water spray or compressed air on asbestos materials. It is prohibited as they can cause asbestos to become friable.
NEVER use power tools, equipment or any other implement on asbestos materials that may generate dust and release fibres UNLESS you’ve undergone Asbestos Awareness Training.
Power tools include drills, angle grinders, circular saws and sanders.
Other implements that may loosen fibres include brooms.
There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal which can vary from state to state. Be sure to check with Council or the relevant State or Territory Government for legal requirements.
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 those living and working on a residential property from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
The cost of professional removal by a licenced professional is comparable to most licenced tradesmen including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
The cost of disposal at a lawful site is often included with the cost of removal by a licenced professional.
If Tradies need to remove small amounts of asbestos, they must follow all safety precautions including:
Asbestos is safely removed and legally disposed of as ASBESTOS WASTE in a lawful waste management sites.
If asbestos is identified in residential properties, unless tradespeople have undergone asbestos awareness training to work safely with asbestos; 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!”
To learn what asbestos-containing products might look like and where they might be located in residential properties, visit our Asbestos Products Database that features photographs and lists multiple products and locations.
WHAT IS AN ‘ASBESTOS PPE KIT’ – PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
If you live in a property with large amounts of asbestos sheeting, it is recommended you put together your own Asbestos PPE Kit in case you need to make some emergency repairs. Download FS4: Fact Sheet 4 PPE & RPE for instructions.
WEAR all items listed in the PPE Kit whenever working with asbestos.
ALL items in a disposable PPE Kit must be disposed of as ASBESTOS WASTE after use.
Wear the PPE in the following order:
1. Disposable coveralls
2. Footwear
3. Shoe covers
4. Gloves
5. Mask
6. Protective eye-wear
DISPOSABLE COVERALLS
Should be rated Type 5, Category 3.
Be labelled for asbestos use.
Be one size too big to prevent breaking or tearing when worn.
Include a hood and elasticised cuffs.
Cuffs should be pulled over the edge of gloves.
If the cuffs of coverall arms are loose, seal them with tape to prevent fibres getting in.
After the shoe covers are fitted, ensure the coverall legs then go over the top of shoe covers.
After the mask and eye-wear are fitted, ensure the hood goes over the mask straps and arms of eye-wear, and covers all hair.
FOOTWEAR & SHOE COVERS TO BE WORN OVER SHOES
NEVER wear boots or shoes with laces as they can’t be decontaminated.
GUMBOOTS are the best option as they are easily wiped clean and have no laces. Once cleaned appropriately they can be re-used for non-asbestos work.
SHOE COVERS are worn OVER shoes and should cover all of the boot/shoe and be secured above the ankle.
WHEN shoe covers are secured, pull the cuffs of the coverall legs down to cover the top of shoe covers.
GLOVES
Use ONLY disposable Latex, Nitrile or neoprene gloves.
Tuck under the cuffs of coveralls and tape the cuffs if loose.
MASK (RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)
Your mask should be worn at all times when working with asbestos
Various styles of P2 disposable masks
containing materials.
Minimum P2 filter, half face disposable particulate respirator.
Half face non-disposable particulate respirator with cartridge is preferred but it must be decontaminated after each use.
Half face non-disposable particulate respirator with cartridge is a better option. (Silicon is better than rubber) as fits better and not as hot.
The wearer must be clean shaven in the area of the seal.
All respirators are different shapes
and sizes so it’s important that the size is
correct to properly
fit to the wearer’s face.
Ensure your mask fits perfectly by conducting a respirator fit check.
Close off inlet to filter with hands
Inhale gently
Hold for 10 seconds
Ensure the face piece remains slightly collapsed
PROTECTIVE EYE-WEAR
ALWAYS wear protective eye-wear when working with materials that might produce dust.
AFTER fitting your mask, fit your eye-wear and place the hood over the top of the mask straps and eye-wear arms.
It is recommended that all those likely to encounter asbestos on the job undertake ASBESTOS AWARENESS AND MANAGEMENT TRAINING to ensure they manage it safely!
If asbestos is identified in residential properties, unless tradespeople have undergone Asbestos Awareness Management training to work safely with asbestos; 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!”
1. PREVENTION
The most important thing in managing asbestos in the workplace is to minimise disturbing asbestos-containing materials to prevent releasing fibres that can be inhaled.
All asbestos-containing materials and PPE Kits must be disposed of as asbestos waste according to regulations.
Regulations on the removal of asbestos vary from state-to-state so for information on the requirements in your state or territory.
Not all council waste sites are authorised to accept asbestos waste. Check with the relevant council for the nearest authorised asbestos waste centre or visit the Environment Protection Authority in your state or the National Online Database of Disposal Facilities.
WHAT IF LOOSE-FILL (MR FLUFFY) HAS BEEN IDENTIFIED IN A PROPERTY?
ONLY tradespeople trained in asbestos awareness can work on a building site that has been identified as containing loose-fill asbestos.
NEVER enter ceiling or subfloor space in properties that have been identified as having loose-fill insulation.
If you’re not sure if a product contains asbestos, assume it is asbestos and take all safety precautions.
Before commencing work on a domestic property, create a Residential Asbestos Checklist For Tradies noting the various locations asbestos might be found, the types (fibro cement sheeting, vinyl floor tiles, eaves, roofing etc) and the condition it’s in so it can be managed safely.
Tell the property owner and other workers to ensure everyone knows where asbestos might be found on the work site so it’s not disturbed.
If working with asbestos, follow all recommended safety procedures to minimise the release of fibres.
WHAT IS AN ‘ASBESTOS PPE KIT’ – PERSONAL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT (PPE)
Make up your own Asbestos PPE Kit and think of it as your tools of trade. Download Fact Sheet T2 for full instructions.
WEAR all items listed in the PPE Kit whenever working with asbestos.
ALL items in a disposable PPE Kit must be disposed of as ASBESTOS WASTE after use.
Wear the PPE in the following order:
Disposable coveralls
Footwear
Shoe covers
Gloves
Mask
Protective eye-wear
DISPOSABLE COVERALLS
Should be rated Type 5, Category 3.
Be labelled for asbestos use.
Be one size too big to prevent breaking or tearing when worn.
Include a hood and elasticised cuffs.
Cuffs should be pulled over the edge of gloves.
If the cuffs of coverall arms are loose, seal them with tape to prevent fibres getting in.
After the shoe covers are fitted, ensure the coverall legs then go over the top of shoe covers.
After the mask and eye-wear are fitted, ensure the hood goes over the mask straps and arms of eye-wear, and covers all hair.
FOOTWEAR & SHOE COVERS TO BE WORN OVER SHOES
NEVER wear boots or shoes with laces as they can’t be decontaminated.
GUMBOOTS are the best option as they are easily wiped clean and have no laces. Once cleaned appropriately they can be re-used for non-asbestos work.
SHOE COVERS are worn OVER shoes and should cover all of the boot/shoe and be secured above the ankle.
WHEN shoe covers are secured, pull the cuffs of the coverall legs down to cover the top of shoe covers.
GLOVES
Use ONLY disposable Latex, Nitrile or neoprene gloves.
Tuck under the cuffs of coveralls and tape the cuffs if loose.
MASK (RESPIRATORY PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT)
Half face non disposable particulate respirator with cartridge
Your mask should be worn at all times when working with asbestos containing materials.
Minimum P2 filter, half face disposable particulate respirator.
Half face non-disposable particulate respirator with cartridge is preferred but it must be decontaminated after each use.
Half face non-disposable particulate respirator with cartridge is a better option. (Silicon is better than rubber) as fits better and not as hot.
The wearer must be clean shaven in the area of the seal.
All respirators are different shapes and sizes so it’s important that the size is
correct to properly
fit to the wearer’s face.
Ensure your mask fits perfectly by conducting a respirator fit check.
Close off inlet to filter with hands
Inhale gently
Hold for 10 seconds
Ensure the face piece remains slightly collapsed
Disposable P2 half face particulate respirator & safety glasses.
PROTECTIVE EYE-WEAR
ALWAYS wear protective eye-wear when working with materials that might produce dust.
AFTERfitting your mask, fit your eye-wear and place the hood over the top of the mask straps and eye-wear arms.
WORKING SAFELY WITH ASBESTOS
It is recommended that only licenced asbestos removalist remove ACMs from any site and dispose of it according to regulations. However, if Tradies, handymen or workers need to maintain or repair some forms of asbestos in the course of their work, they must follow safety precautions and regulations.
INFORM homeowners in advance before commencing work
HOMEOWNERS should remove washing from clotheslines. Remove pets and pet bowls from work area.
ENSURE no one else is near the area you are working in unless they’re wearing PPE.
CLOSE all doors and windows to prevent drafts.
TURN OFF all heating or cooling systems including fans and air-conditioning.
COVER any surface in the work area that could become contaminated with fibres, dust and debris with plastic sheeting (200um drop sheets) and secure with duct tape.
BEFORE STARTING WORK wear all your PPE gear!
KEEP asbestos materials wet using a light mist spray.
AVOID breaking asbestos materials during work.
DO NOT leave the work area once work has commenced. If you must leave while work is underway, you must decontaminate yourself as per the following procedures and recommence work using new PPE.
NEVER
USE high pressure water spray or compressed air on any asbestos product inducing walls, fences and roofing as they can cause asbestos to become friable and it is prohibited under the WHS regulations.
WORK in windy conditions
USE BROOMS OR BRUSHES except for sealing if using paint or a PVA glue solution.
USE HIGH PRESSURE water spray on ANY asbestos product including walls, fences and roofing.
USE HOUSEHOLD VACUUM CLEANERS. Only special H Class Asbestos vacuum cleaners are used by licenced removalists.
EQUIPMENT CHECKLIST WHEN WORKING WITH ASBESTOS
ENSURE your PPE kit includes ALL items listed here.
PLASTIC 200um in rolls for covering areas in the work space.
DUCT TAPE for sealing bags and securely joining pieces of plastic from rolls.
WET WIPES (preferred) or disposable cloths for decontaminating the area after the job is complete.
BUCKETfor wetting disposable cloths when decontaminating the area.
WATER sprayer (hose or bottle) for wetting down asbestos materials.
SEALANT (PVA glue) to mix 1 part per 5 parts with water to seal edges.
NON-ELECTRICAL tools for removal of fixings and materials if required.
PLASTIC BAGS to contain and seal in asbestos materials. These should be made of 200um (0.2mm) virgin plastic and be labelled/marked as ‘ASBESTOS WASTE’. If bags are unavailable, use 200um virgin plastic in rolls and label/mark as ‘ASBESTOS WASTE’.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY STEPS WHEN WORKING WITH ASBESTOS
NEVER use tools, equipment or any other implement on asbestos materials that may cause the release of uncontrolled airborne asbestos into the atmosphere including:
Power tools such as drills, angle grinders, circular saws and sanders.
Brooms or other abrasive implements.
ALWAYS where possible use manually operated (non-powered) hand tools in combination with wet methods for dust control including:
Dust control hoods in combination with wet methods.
Water spraying with PVA of asbestos material during work.
Use of gels and pastes.
Shadow vacuuming with a Class H approved asbestos vacuum.
ALWAYS ensure the use of tools and equipment on asbestos materials that may generate airborne asbestos is controlled by being:
Enclosed.
Designed to capture or suppress airborne asbestos.
Used in a way that airborne asbestos is not generated.
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 Databasefeaturing photographs of various asbestos containing products commonly found in homes.
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.
A workplace is a place where work is carried out for a business or undertaking and includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work. A workplace may be a home or property that is undergoing renovations, maintenance or demolition. A worker may be an owner-builder, DIY renovator, handy man or a tradesperson engaged to conduct work on a domestic property.
It’s vital that anyone working on domestic properties learn to identify areas where asbestos might be located and how to manage it safely and it’s recommended that Tradies and handymen undergo Asbestos Awareness and Management training.
WHEN DOES ASBESTOS BECOME DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE?
If well maintained and in a stable, good condition, asbestos products are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk. However, asbestos becomes a health risk when:
Fibres that become airborne and breathed in can cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, plural disease and asbestosis.
Asbestos fibres become airborne when asbestos containing materials are damaged or broken, cut, drilled, sawn, sanded scraped, waterblasted or disturbed during demolition.
Using tools, particularly power tools which can release a high concentration of fibres into the air that can be inhaled.
WHAT TYPES OF ASBESTOS MIGHT BE FOUND IN DOMESTIC PROPERTIES
There are two types of asbestos building materials: “non-friable” and “friable”.
Non-Friable Asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Non-friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.
Non Friable Asbestos: e.g. moulded AC architrave
Products containing non-friable asbestos can be found anywhere! Common uses in residential buildings include: asbestos cement (AC) sheeting (fibro) which may be flat or corrugated and used internally and externally as roofing, fencing, wall and floor coverings, for water drainage and guttering, flue pipes and in wet or high temperature areas.
Asbestos products don’t need to be removed if sealed, in good, stable condition and left undisturbed, because they are unlikely to release dangerous fibres posing health risks.
Friable Asbestos is any material containing asbestos in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
Friable asbestos was mainly used in industrial applications but non-friable asbestos can become friable if damaged, unsealed and exposed to weather.
ONLY Class A Licenced Asbestos Removalists can remove friable asbestos.
Friable Asbestos: e.g. Loose-fill ‘Mr Fluffy’
Loose-fill (Mr Fluffy) asbestos insulation was installed in ceilings in some homes in NSW and the ACT between 1968 and 1979. It was made of crushed, loose (friable) asbestos and then pumped (and possibly spread) into the ceiling space as insulation. If disturbed it could migrate to wall cavities and sub-floor areas. However the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings containing loose-fill asbestos is likely to be very low if the asbestos is undisturbed and sealed off.
If you are working in NSW or the ACT, NEVER enter ceiling or sub-floor space before contacting Council to see if the property is located in an area affected by Mr Fluffy.
Do not enter ceiling space or subfloor areas if a home is located in council regions that have been identified as loose-fill regions. Contact the local Council,NSW Fair TradingorACT Government Asbestos Task Force.
DO TRADIES NEED A FORMAL ASBESTOS REGISTER AND MANAGEMENT PLAN WHEN WORKING ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES?
Only when a premises has been defined as a workplace. For more information contact the Council or State or Territory Government to find out if you need to have a formal Asbestos Register and Management Plan.
ARE THERE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MANAGING ASBESTOS SAFELY?
Yes. There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal which can vary from state to state. Be sure to check with Council or the relevant State or Territory Government for legal requirements.
While some Tradies 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 those living and working on a residential property from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
The cost of professional removal by a licenced professional is comparable to most licenced tradesmen including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
The cost of disposal at a lawful site is often included with the cost of removal by a licenced professional.
WARNING
It’s vital that Tradies manage asbestos safely and follow the regulations in each State and Territory. There are potential clean-up costs and reputational damage that can be caused if asbestos is mishandled or if asbestos materials are illegally dumped.
WHO SHOULD REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIALS?
If asbestos products need to be removed, it’s recommended that Tradies use licenced asbestos removalists trained to remove and dispose of asbestos safely. The cost of engaging a professional licenced asbestos removalist is comparable to other licenced tradespersons including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
Which Licenced asbestos removalists should remove asbestos materials?
There are 2 types of Asbestos Removal Licences: Class A and Class B.
Class A Licence can remove all types of asbestos including Friable (crumbly material).
Class B Licence can only remove non-friable (solid) asbestos materials.
Regulations about asbestos removal vary from state-to-state. Contact the regulator in your State or Territory to ensure you follow regulations.
WHAT ARE THE HEALTH RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH ASBESTOS?
If left undisturbed and well-maintained asbestos-containing products generally don’t pose a health risk. However, if these products are disturbed and fibres are released during a renovation, a knock-down-rebuild or the redevelopment of an old fibro home site, this is when health risks can occur because asbestos fibres are released that can be inhaled.
Inhaling asbestos fibres can lead to asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. There is no cure for mesothelioma, a cancer that can develop between 20-50 years after inhaling asbestos fibres.
WHY DO TRADIES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ASBESTOS?
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:
Any domestic property built or renovated prior to 1987 is ‘highly likely’ to contain products incorporating asbestos.
Any domestic property built or renovated between 1987 and 1990 is ‘likely’ to contain some asbestos-containing materials.
For domestic properties built or renovated after 1990, asbestos-containing materials are ‘unlikely’ to be present.
To prevent unnecessary exposure to asbestos fibres, it’s vital that tradespeople working on homes and properties ensure they know where asbestos might be located and the steps to take when asbestos might be present to manage it safely in the workplace.
All tradespeople must to be aware of asbestos and know the key steps to managing it safely should they come across it in the workplace specifically; in homes, buildings including garages, carports, outside toilets, farm structures and in commercial properties if constructed or refurbished before 1990 and in commercial properties prior to 31 December 2003.
Asbestos was used in the manufacture of a broad range of products. It could be anywhere! Under floor coverings including carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (loose-fill insulation), eaves, garages, roofs, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, garages, outdoor toilets, backyard and farm structures, chook sheds and even dog kennels.
Without knowing what these types of asbestos-containing products might look like, where they’re likely to be located or how to manage and dispose of asbestos safely, Tradies could be putting their lives, the lives of their colleagues, families, friends and clients at risk.
To learn what asbestos-containing products might look like and where they might be located in residential properties, visit our Asbestos Products Database that features photographs and lists multiple products and locations.
WHICH TRADIES AND WORKERS ARE MOST LIKELY TO COME INTO CONTACT WITH ASBESTOS ON THE JOB?
Waste disposal facility workers as green waste and recycling waste can sometimes contain asbestos and land fill operators
What other workers might be affected by asbestos fibres?
In the case of natural disasters such as floods, bushfires and hail storms, emergency service workers and volunteers may encounter damaged ACM and other asbestos-containing materials. This group includes emergency service workers, police, ambulance, Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue workers, media and volunteers.
It is recommended that those who risk coming into contact with asbestos damaged as a result of a natural disaster should undergo Asbestos Awareness and Management training.
WHEN DOES ASBESTOS BECOME DANGEROUS TO PEOPLE IN THE WORKPLACE?
If well maintained and in a stable, good condition, asbestos products are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk. However, asbestos becomes a health risk when:
Fibres that become airborne and breathed in can cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma, lung cancer, plural disease and asbestosis.
Asbestos fibres become airborne when asbestos containing materials are damaged or broken, cut, drilled, sawn, sanded scraped, waterblasted or disturbed during demolition.
Using tools, particularly power tools which can release a high concentration of fibres into the air that can be inhaled.
WHAT TYPES OF ASBESTOS MIGHT BE FOUND IN DOMESTIC PROPERTIES
There are two types of asbestos building materials are: “non-friable” and “friable”.
Non-Friable Asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos) that contains asbestos. Non-friable asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry.
Non Friable Asbestos: Moulded AC architrave
Products containing non-friable asbestos can be found anywhere! Common uses in residential buildings include: asbestos cement (AC) sheeting (fibro) which may be flat or corrugated and used internally and externally as roofing, fencing, wall and floor coverings, for water drainage and guttering, flue pipes and in wet or high temperature areas.
Asbestos products don’t need to be removed if sealed, in good, stable condition and left undisturbed, because they are unlikely to release dangerous fibres posing health risks.
Friable Asbestos is any material containing asbestos in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
Friable asbestos was mainly used in industrial applications but non-friable asbestos can become friable if damaged, unsealed and exposed to weather.
ONLY Class A Licenced Asbestos Removalists can remove friable asbestos.
Friable Asbestos: Loose-fill ‘Mr Fluffy’
Loose-fill (Mr Fluffy)asbestos insulation was installed in ceilings in some homes in NSW and the ACT between 1968 and 1979. It was made of crushed, loose (friable) asbestos and then pumped (and possibly spread) into the ceiling space as insulation. If disturbed it could migrate to wall cavities and sub-floor areas. However the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings containing loose-fill asbestos is likely to be very low if the asbestos is undisturbed and sealed off.
If you are working in NSW or the ACT, NEVERenter ceiling or sub-floor space before contacting Council to see if the property is located in an area affected by Mr Fluffy.
Do not enter ceiling space or subfloor areas if a home is located in council regions that have been identified as loose-fill regions. Contact the local Council,NSW Fair TradingorACT Government Asbestos Task Force.
WHAT CONSTITUTES A WORKPLACE?
A workplace is a place where work is carried out for a business or undertaking and includes any place where a worker goes, or is likely to be, while at work. A workplace may be a home or property that is undergoing renovations, maintenance or demolition. A worker may be an owner-builder, DIY renovator, handy man or a tradesperson engaged to conduct work on a domestic property.
It’s vital that anyone working on domestic properties learn to identify areas where asbestos might be located and how to manage it safely and it’s recommended that Tradies and handymen undergo Asbestos Awareness and Management training.
DO TRADIES NEED A FORMAL ASBESTOS REGISTER AND MANAGEMENT PLAN WHEN WORKING ON RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES?
Only when a premises has been defined as a workplace. For more information contact the Council or State or Territory Government to find out if you need to have a formal Asbestos Register and Management Plan.
ARE THERE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS FOR MANAGING ASBESTOS SAFELY?
Yes. There are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal and disposal which can vary from state to state. Be sure to check with Council or the relevant State or Territory Government for legal requirements.
While some Tradies 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 those living and working on a residential property from the dangers of asbestos dust and fibres.
The cost of professional removal by a licenced professional is comparable to most licenced tradesmen including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
The cost of disposal at a lawful site is often included with the cost of removal by a licenced professional.
WARNING
It’s vital that Tradies manage asbestos safely and follow the regulations in each State and Territory. There are potential clean-up costs and reputational damage that can be caused if asbestos is mishandled or if asbestos materials are illegally dumped.
WHO SHOULD REMOVE AND DISPOSE OF ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIALS?
If asbestos products need to be removed, it’s recommended that Tradies use licenced asbestos removalists trained to remove and dispose of asbestos safely. The cost of engaging a professional licenced asbestos removalist is comparable to other licenced tradespersons including electricians, plumbers and tilers.
Which Licenced asbestos removalists should remove asbestos materials?
There are 2 types of Asbestos Removal Licences: Class A and Class B.
Class A Licence can remove all types of asbestos including Friable (crumbly material).
Class B Licence can only remove non-friable (solid) asbestos materials.
Regulations about asbestos removal vary from state-to-state. Contact the regulator in your State or Territory to ensure you follow regulations.
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.
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.
3 Steps to Learn How to Identify Products That May Contain Asbestos
Checkout the online Asbestos Product Databasefeaturing photographs of various asbestos containing products commonly found in homes.
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 takes 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.
To conduct a Residential Checklist for Tradies doesn’t take long but it will help Tradespersons identify possible risks so asbestos can be managed safely.
The Australian Federal Government has created a register to record the details of members of the community who think they may have been exposed to asbestos. If you think you may have been exposed to asbestos fibres either during the course of your employment, at home or in the community, please register your details online.
Asbestos Awareness Guide For Tradespeople Working On Residential Properties
With 1 in every 3 Australian homes containing asbestos, Tradies and handymen who work on domestic properties are more likely to come across asbestos every day of their working life so it’s vital they learn to identify and manage asbestos safely.
Even if you’ve worked with asbestos before and not been concerned about managing it safely, it’s time to TAKE THE WARNINGS SERIOUSLY and learn where asbestos might be located on the job and how to manage it safely!
Many tradespersons and workers including labourers and handymen can expect to encounter products made from asbestos-containing materials (ACM) in their day-to-day work. And while regulations on asbestos management can vary in each State and Territory, we have developed some guidelines to help Tradies and those working on domestic properties manage asbestos safely to minimise the risks to their health and the health of colleagues, families and bystanders.
There are multiple resources available to help Tradies learn about asbestos so they can manage it safely including:
Toolbox Talks to help employers better inform workers of asbestos risks on the worksites
Asbestos Awareness for Young Workers is an essential educational resource to help prevent the incidences of exposure to hazardous asbestos fibres that can lead to asbestos-related diseases.
Lindsay Wall: The day before his 21st Birthday, Lindsay Wall began his apprenticeship as a fitter and turner. He was exposed to asbestos fibres in his day-to-day work. Tragically, Lindsay passed away from mesothelioma on 8 November 2019. He was only 65 years-old. Lindsay wanted to share his story with other tradies in the hope that they would take the warnings seriously and avoid any exposure to asbestos fibres that can kill.
safely.
