TAS

Fact Sheets & Checklists

 HOMEOWNERS

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FACT SHEET 1: WORKING SAFELY WITH ASBESTOS AROUND THE HOME

A simple guide to ensure homeowners manage asbestos safely. Download Size 3MB
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FACT SHEET 2: SAFE PRACTICES FOR HOMEOWNERS REPAIRING OR REMOVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF ASBESTOS MATERIALS

A detailed guide to ensuring homeowners manage asbestos safely when repairing or removing small amounts of asbestos safely. Download Size 4MB
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FACT SHEET 3: SAFE PRACTICES FOR RURAL & REGIONAL HOMEOWNERS & FARMERS REPAIRING OR REMOVING SMALL AMOUNTS OF ASBESTOS MATERIALS

A simple guide ensuring safe practices for the management of asbestos in rural and regional communities and on farms. Download Size 4MB

THE RESIDENTIAL CHECKLIST: A HOMEOWNER’S GUIDE TO IDENTIFYING ASBESTOS-CONTAINING MATERIAL TO MANAGE IT SAFELY

‘The Residential Checklist‘ is designed to empower homeowners and renovators with a better understanding of the possible locations of asbestos-containing materials in homes and the knowledge they need to ensure it is managed safely. These Checklists include product images and lists each possible location where asbestos-containing materials might be found both inside and outside homes.  By following simple step-by-step instructions, in less than an hour homeowners can have a better understanding of the types of products that might be in their home and if it’s in need of maintenance, repair or removal. Download Size 4MB

BLANK CHECKLIST TABLE FOR ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS & PRODUCTS

Additional blank tables for checklists if you require additional space. Download Size 1MB

BLANK SCHEDULE TABLE

Additional blank schedule table if you require additional space. Download Size 1MB
   

TRADIES

FACT SHEETS

T1: 20 POINT SAFETY CHECK FOR TRADIES

Download Size 2MB

T2: A TRADIE’S GUIDE TO SAFE PRACTICES IN MANAGING ASBESTOS IN RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

A detailed guide to ensure tradies manage asbestos safely when working in residential properties. Download Size 4MB

 

CHECKLISTS

T3: A Trades-person’s Guide to Asbestos Containing Materials in Domestic Properties 

An instruction guide for the Tradies Residential Asbestos Checklist Download Now

Total Property Checklist – Generic 

A total property guide to ensure tradies manage asbestos safely when working in residential properties. Download Now

Blank Checklist Tables For Tradies

Additional tables for checklists if you require additional space. Download Now

Blank Repair Schedules For Tradies

Additional repair schedules for checklists if additional space is required. Download Now

TRADE SPECIFIC CHECKLISTS

Instruction Guide: Residential Asbestos Checklist For Tradies – Download Checklist 4mb  
   
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   

TOOLBOX TALKS

National Asbestos Awareness Month Toolbox Talk

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Unexpected Asbestos Finds 

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Types of asbestos common in construction 

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Naturally Occurring Asbestos 

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Managing asbestos in the workplace 

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Exploding Asbestos Myths 

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Commercial Non-residential Properties

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Asbestos Management Plans & Registers

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Asbestos in residential properties 

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Rural and regional properties 

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Download All 10 Toolbox Talks in single PDF Download All 10 Toolbox Talks in zip file
 

COMMERCIAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL 

 

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT HANDBOOK FOR COMMERCIAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES

The Handbook is a comprehensive guide providing information on the roles and responsibilities of property owners, managers, contractors, sub-contractors, foreman and workers.  It features easy to follow step-by-step instructions on how to develop and implement policies and procedures to assist in identifying and managing asbestos safely and in accordance with regulations.  It includes a list of property types across multiple sectors including government, business (high rise, mid-rise, low rise), industrial, agriculture, recreation, education and more.  The Handbook that explains complex information in user-friendly, accessible terms is complemented by Fact Sheets and Templates. The Handbook also features images of asbestos-containing products commonly found in commercial and non-residential properties. 

ASBESTOS REGISTER TEMPLATE

The Asbestos Register is one of the most important documents required to manage asbestos safely.  The Template can be downloaded in Excel enabling users to note the locations and types of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in properties, the areas where ACM is suspected but not confirmed, if and when testing has been conducted; and, if ACM has or is to be removed.

MODEL ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN (AMP) GUIDE TEMPLATE

While the Handbook provides instructions and recommendations for developing an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP), this Template is a user-friendly guide that lists the various steps required to meet mandatory requirements.  The Template is pre-prepared in Word and incorporates all the information required to ensure asbestos is managed safely and in accordance with regulations.

ASBESTOS REMOVAL RECORD TEMPLATE

The Asbestos Removal Record Template enables users to record the removal of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) found in properties.

WORKERS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS & RECORDS TEMPLATE

It is a mandatory requirement that all workers who may come into contact with asbestos must be trained to identify and manage asbestos and ACMs in accordance with regulations, and to ensure they understand the risks and procedures required to manage asbestos safely.  All training of workers must be recorded and maintained for five years after employment has ceased.  The Template can be downloaded in either Excel or Word to assist managers in recording all staff training in accordance with regulations.

MODEL ASBESTOS POLICY FOR CONTRACTORS & BUILDERS TEMPLATE

The Model Asbestos Policy Template is designed to assist contractors and builders to initiate asbestos safety policies in their workplace.  The Template can be downloaded in Word to enable managers or business owners to incorporate a logo, company name and any additional information they wish to include as part of their Asbestos Policy.

MODEL ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PROCEDURES FOR CONTRACTORS & BUILDERS TEMPLATE

Asbestos Management Procedures are an essential part of an AMP.  The Template is designed to provide contractors and builders with the resources they need to ensure their asbestos management procedures are effective to minimise exposure of asbestos fibres among workers.

FACT SHEET C1 – UNEXPECTED ASBESTOS, ACM FINDS OR INCIDENTS PROCEDURES FLOW CHART

The Flow Chart provides a user-friendly, step-by-step visual guide to managing unexpected asbestos finds in accordance with regulations which can be displayed in the workplace and issued to workers as part of their training.

FACT SHEET C2 – UNEXPECTED ASBESTOS FINDS OR INCIDENTS 

Unexpected asbestos finds pose a threat to workers so it’s vital that they are trained in the steps required to minimise exposure to asbestos fibres.  This Fact Sheet provides guidance and step-by-step procedures for managing unexpected finds or incidents and where possible, what is required to minimise any future risks.

FACT SHEET C3 – ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT RECOMMENDATIONS AND GUIDELINES

The Asbestos Management Recommendations & Guidelines Fact Sheet provides users with user-friendly information for the safe management of asbestos in commercial and non-residential properties which may be issued to workers as part of their training program.

FACT SHEET C4 – USING PPE AND RPE

Knowing when, why and how to use and lawfully dispose of PPE and RPE is critical to workers who may come in contact with asbestos on the job.  This Fact Sheet provides step-by-step instructions on how to use and dispose of PPE and RPE in accordance with regulations.

FACT SHEET C5 – ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF ASBESTOS AND ACM

This Fact Sheet contains a matrix to visually demonstrate the various responsibilities of property owners, contractors, subcontractors and workers when it comes to managing asbestos safely in the workplace.

FACT SHEET C6 – 20 POINT SAFETY CHECK FOR CONTRACTORS, SUBCONTRACTORS AND WORKERS

This checklist provides 20 key points to assist in managing asbestos safely and may be used as part of asbestos awareness training programs.

ALL COMMERCIAL RESOURCES 

Access and download all files including ‘Print Ready’ files with crop marks, digital files and fact sheets etc 
 

NATURALLY OCCURRING ASBESTOS

While the NOA Guide was developed for use by people living in NSW, the practices the Guide recommends in establishing and maintaining a NOA Asbestos Management Plan may also be appropriate for use in any community where NOA has been identified or is suspected.  Generic versions of the Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide and templates were created for reference by people living and working in states other than NSW.  If you live in a state or territory other than NSW, contact your regulator to ensure NOA is managed in accordance with regulations.

NATURALLY OCCURRING ASBESTOS – ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN GUIDE

The Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide explains the reasons why it’s important to manage NOA safely, when and where NOA may pose a potential health risk, who to contact for advice, and the steps required to manage NOA safely in accordance with NSW Work, Health and Safety Regulations 2017 and the Codes of Practice for asbestos management. User-friendly templates have been developed to assist people in developing and managing an Asbestos Management Plan.  All templates are available in 2 formats. The first includes fields where users can type information, and the second is in PDF format that can be printed for handwritten notes.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN – SITE SPECIFIC TEMPLATE

This template is designed for use when conducting risk assessments in various parts of properties as work is required.

ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT PLAN – PROPERTY RISK ASSESSMENT TEMPLATE

This template enables users to itemise the necessary information when conducting a property risk assessment for naturally occurring asbestos.

INCIDENT PROCEDURES & REPORT TEMPLATE

This template enables users to record incidents and steps to manage and record incidences should they occur.

WORKERS TRAINING REQUIREMENTS & RECORDS TEMPLATE

This template assists managers in recording and maintaining records of training undertaken by workers in asbestos awareness and naturally occurring asbestos.

FACT SHEET 1: NOA DECONTAMINATION 

The Decontamination Fact Sheet provides information about the importance of personal and equipment decontamination when working with NOA and the steps for disposal and transportation of NOA. Download Size 1.3MB

FACT SHEET 2: NOA RPE & PPE 

The NOA RPE and PPE Fact Sheet provides information about Respiratory Protective Equipment (RPE) and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is, why it’s essential and how to use it correctly and effectively. Download Size 1.3MB Download Size 1.7MB

ALL NOA DOCUMENTATION 

Access and download all files including ‘Print Ready’ files with crop marks, digital files and fact sheets etc ACCESS ALL FILES

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
NameImitation brick cladding - exterior
CaptionExterior imitation / fake brick cladding and asbestos cement eaves
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id226
Full Size
NameImitation brick cladding - exterior
CaptionClose up of exterior imitation / fake brick cladding. The asbestos cement sheeting is visible.
Location
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id227
Full Size
NameImitation brick sheeting - internal wall
CaptionImitation brick sheeting within a domestic living room.
LocationDomestic home
SourceJim's Building Inspections
Image Id228

Imitation brick cladding

Product description
The imitation brick may contain asbestos, however the sheeting located behind was commonly asbestos containing sheeting. The imitation brick was commonly nailed onto the asbestos sheeting.
Product type Cement - sheets, moulded product
Sub-Product type
Trading name(s)
Other name(s)
Build element Construction
Product identification
The texture is not as rough as real brick.
Known uses Internal and exterior decoration. Most commonly attached to asbestos containing cement sheeting.
Asbestos fibre type
Friable or Non-Friable Non-Friable
Known Supplier(s)
Known place of manufacture
Date / period of manufacture Pre 1987
Building construction period 1951-1960,1961-1970,1970-1980,1981-1990
Location Domestic home
  • Bathroom
  • Exterior
  • Internal walls

 

More Images

Full Size
NameImitation brick sheeting - internal wall
CaptionImitation brick sheeting within a domestic living room.
LocationDomestic home
SourceJim's Building Inspections
Image Id229
Full Size
NameImitation brick cladding - exterior
CaptionExterior imitation / fake brick cladding. Asbestos cement sheeting is behind the fake bricks.
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id233
Full Size
NameImitation brick cladding - exterior close up
CaptionClose up of imitation brick cladding on the broken exterior window ledge which shows the asbestos cement sheeting behind the fake brick.
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id234
Full Size
NameImitation brick cladding - exterior
CaptionExterior imitation / fake brick cladding. Asbestos cement sheeting is behind the fake bricks.
LocationDomestic home
SourceAsbestos Education Committee
Image Id235

 

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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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