Homes, commercial and non-residential structures burnt in bushfires can create potential health and safety hazards in the remaining rubble and ash.

During bushfires, air quality is also diminished due to airborne ash and smoke which can also contain asbestos fibres if homes and other buildings and structures containing asbestos are damaged causing fibres to become airborne.

With Australia being among the highest consumerS of asbestos-containing materials in the world, during this current bushfire crisis, it’s vital that those living in regions that are affected are aware that asbestos may cause an additional risk to health and take suitable precautions.

Precautions include wearing PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) including a suitable P2 Mask. However, a respirator is preferred as well as wearing disposable coveralls, shoe covers etc. that are disposed of in accordance with regulations. A list of PPE, instructions on and how to wear it and dispose of it can be found here or Download the PDF Fact Sheet.

Why does asbestos pose a risk during and after bushfires?

Asbestos dust and fibres have the potential to present a health risk during and after a fire if not properly managed. Asbestos fibres may be present in the dust and ash and may pose a risk to those disturbing the dust and ash if inhaled while searching for their lost belongings.

Homes and other structures that were built or refurbished prior to 1990 that are burnt during bushfires may cause the asbestos-containing materials to be disturbed or become friable and tiny fibres become airborne.

If fibres become airborne and can be inhaled, they can pose a risk to human health.

Asbestos may be in many forms including flat or corrugated sheets (fibro) used for walls, ceilings, roofing or in products such as pipes, electrical conduit, eaves, wall and floor tiles and other structures including garages and garden sheds.  For detailed information access the Asbestos Products Database.

In coastal regions, often “weekenders or shacks” were constructed from flat and corrugated (fibro) sheeting.

In rural and regional areas, in addition to homes, fences, storage sheds, chook sheds, out houses and stock sheds may have been constructed from asbestos. Download the Fact  Sheet: FS3: SAFE PRACTICES FOR RURAL & REGIONAL HOMEOWNERS & FARMERS

Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) may also pose a risk in rural and regional areas if disturbed and fibres can be inhaled.

In commercial and non-residential properties asbestos continued to be used in multiple locations prior to 31 December 2003. TYPES OF COMMERCIAL & NON-RESIDENTIAL PROPERTIES MAY INCLUDE ANY STRUCTURE THAT IS NOT PRIVATE DWELLING. For detailed information on safe management of Asbestos in Commercial and Non-Residential properties download the handbook:  

It is generally considered:

• Fire damaged asbestos structures do not generate significant levels of asbestos fibres in the air unless disturbed.
• It is low risk to walk around or near asbestos damaged structures. However risks can increase when the material is disturbed and fibres become airborne and can be inhaled.
• Fibres that become airborne can also contaminate clothing and equipment.

Some key facts about asbestos and bushfires:

• Asbestos dust and fibres have the potential to present a health risk during and after a fire if not properly managed.
• Asbestos fibres may be present in the dust and ash and may pose a risk to those disturbing the dust and ash if inhaled while searching for their lost belongings.
• Depending on the extent of the fire damage, the asbestos present can be classified as either friable (can be easily crumbled), or non-friable.
• Asbestos sheets that are severely damaged or reduced to ash are likely to be friable.
• Asbestos that is intact or has suffered smoke damage is likely to be classified as non-friable.

What do you do if your property has been damaged by bushfire?

• DO NOT enter your property until you are advised that it is safe to do so by emergency services, utilities companies or your council.
• Electrical hazards could exist such as live power lines that may be down or active solar panels.
• Buildings and other structures may be unstable to enter or walk over.
• Be aware that hot, smouldering coals and other potentially hazardous materials may be hidden under the rubble.
• Building rubble should not be buried as it may contain hazardous materials including asbestos.
• Don’t spread ash around your property, particularly if asbestos-containing materials were used in your home or other structures, or CCA-treated timber was burnt.
• Moisten the ash with water to minimise dust and keep damp but DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE WATER SPRAYS

What to do to reduce the risk of the asbestos fibres becoming airborne until the site is cleaned up.

• Continually dampen down the damaged materials so as not to cause dust.
• The materials may be sprayed with polyvinyl acetate (PVA), or a similar sealant to bind the materials to prevent dust (further reapplication requirements need to be monitored).
• IMPORTANT: Dust suppression should not be so great that it causes runoff into nearby drains and waterways.
• Asbestos waste can only be accepted at some landfill facilities. Contact your local council to find your nearest lawful waste facility and to learn more about the notification and packaging of asbestos.

What precautionary measures are recommended during the clean-up of fire damaged structures containing asbestos?

• Erect Warning signs to discourage people from entering the site.
• Avoid unnecessary entry, particularly entry by children.
• Conduct a site assessment to identify asbestos. This should be undertaken by a licensed asbestos assessor or occupational hygienist. In some cases, emergency services may undertake this role in an emergency situation.
• Asbestos debris should be kept wet or sprayed with PVA, or a similar sealant, to suppress the release of fibres until the material is safely removed. DO NOT USE HIGH PRESSURE SPRAYS.
• Access to the immediate site must be limited to those involved in the clean-up. They are required to wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE including a suitable type P2 respirator and disposable coveralls). All personal protective equipment must be disposed of as asbestos waste once the clean-up is completed.
• Asbestos clean-up and removal should be conducted by a licensed asbestos removalist.
• Asbestos waste, including fibro, should be disposed of as soon as possible. The materials should be kept damp until they can be double wrapped in heavy duty (0.2mm) plastic, sealed with tape and labelled as asbestos waste.

 For more information on Property Hazards Following a Bushfire, visit SafeWork NSW

Important Safety Facts To Know When Working With Asbestos

• There are a number of safety precautions you will need to undertake including wearing approved protective clothing, the correct mask (not all masks are safe) or breathing apparatus. Download Fact Sheet 1 or 2 for detailed instructions on what you need.
• For important information about working with asbestos read Safe Work Australia’s Model Code of Practice: How to safely remove asbestos July 2020.

Remember: If the asbestos is in powder form or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, it must be removed by an asbestos removal contractor with a friable asbestos licence.

Asbestos is a group of minerals that readily separate into long flexible fibres. It occurs naturally in some rocks, sediments and soils globally and throughout Australia.

Known as Naturally Occurring Asbestos or NOA, it’s found in some rocks, sediments and in soils and is not easily identified.  Asbestos in its natural form can be blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite), green (anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite) or white (chrysotile, tremolite and actinolite).

Asbestos was mined for the manufacture of multiple products (OVER 3000) commonly used in homes, commercial properties, sheds and farm buildings because it was cheap, durable, flexible, and was a naturally insulating and fireproofing material. However, because asbestos fibres were proven to cause cancers and other lung diseases, a complete ban on asbestos came into force in Australia on 31 December 2003.

Only testing by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited laboratory, of a sample collected by a competent person, can confirm the presence of asbestos in any workplace including in building materials or in its natural forms in the environment.

IMPORTANT: In its natural state, asbestos presents the same health risks as asbestos contained in building products and other asbestos-containing materials.

 

Resources for Property Owners to Manage NOA in Australia

NOA can be found in rocks, sediments and soils in various parts of Australia.  While not all states and territories have developed specific NOA guidelines and controls for property owners and manager, the resources commissioned by the NSW Government may be useful in managing NOA in all parts of Australia as long as they are applied in accordance with local regulations.

 

Managing NOA in NSW in Accordance with Health & Safety Regulations

In 2017, Australia’s first comprehensive guide to managing NOA was commissioned to assist councils and property owners in preventing and minimising exposure to NOA on their properties and farms.

In NSW, blue and brown asbestos are not common and less than one percent of land is believed to contain NOA within 10 metres of the ground’s surface.  However, property owners and managers are legally required under the NSW Work Health & Safety Regulations 2017 to develop an Asbestos Management Plan that addresses the risks, ensuring NOA is managed safely.

 

Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide

The Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide and a series of user-friendly templates  provides property managers, workers and farmers with information, recommendations and resources to develop an effective Asbestos Management Plan to manage NOA safely on properties where it may be present in line with government regulations.

The Guide provides step-by-step instructions on how to determine if a property is located in a NSW region where naturally occurring asbestos may be present. It also contains information on how to conduct a risk assessment, testing, training requirements for workers, safe work procedures and control measures, and disposal.

People who live and work in rural and regional NSW where NOA is known or suspected, must ensure they’re aware of NOA to prevent disturbing asbestos in its natural state and risking exposure to asbestos fibres. It’s vital that property owners, managers and workers who may disturb the ground surface in their day-to-day work, identify the risks and develop an asbestos Management Plan (AMP) in accordance with regulations to eliminate or minimise the risk of asbestos fibre exposure to workers, families and communities.

NSW Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide

1. NSW: Digital PDF with Links Download Size 6MB
2. NSW: Offset Printing with crop marks Download Size 28MB

Managing NOA in States Other than NSW

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.

Generic Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide

1. GENERIC: Digital PDF with Links Download Size 6M
2. GENERIC: Offset Printing with crop marks Download Size 28MB

Key Facts About Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA) in NSW

• Asbestos is a group of minerals that readily separate into long flexible fibres.
• It occurs naturally in some rocks and sediments in various regions in NSW.
• NOA can be blue (crocidolite), brown (amosite), green (anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite) or white (chrysotile, tremolite and actinolite).
• Blue and brown asbestos are not common in NSW.
• NOA can be found in some rocks, sediments and in soils and is not easily identified.
• Less than 1% of land in NSW is believed to contain NOA within 10 metres of the ground’s surface.
• Only testing of a sample collected by a competent person conducted by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) laboratory, can confirm the presence of asbestos in any workplace including in building materials or in its natural forms in the environment.
• People who conduct work or activities on properties, where NOA is identified or is suspected are legally required to develop an Asbestos Management Plan under the NSW Work Health & Safety Regulations 2017.
• By identifying the potential for the occurrence of NOA people can determine the risks, control measures and the levels of controls required to manage it safely.
• If stable, covered and undisturbed, it is believed that NOA doesn’t pose a risk to health.
• NOA can become a health risk if weather conditions or work that may be undertaken (such as digging, cultivation and excavation) disturbs NOA and releases fibres that can be inhaled.

 

About The Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide

To assist landowners to understand NOA and manage it in accordance with regulations, the NSW Government commissioned a series of useful online tools including the Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide.

The Guide Includes:

• What landowners need to know about NOA
• When NOA is a potential risk
• How to know if an Asbestos Management Plan for NOA is required
• The steps to take to develop an Asbestos Management Plan
• How to conduct a Risk Assessment for NOA
• Safe work procedures and control measures for NOA
• Useful resources and contact details for advice and information.
• Download the NSW Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide 
• Download the Generic Naturally Occurring Asbestos – Asbestos Management Plan Guide

NOA Templates and Fact Sheets Include:

• Asbestos Management Plan – Property Risk Assessment Template
• Asbestos Management Plan – Site Specific Template
• Incident Procedures & Report – Template
• Workers Training Requirements & Records – Template
• NOA RPE & PPE – FACT SHEET
• NOA Decontamination – FACT SHEET
• DOWNLOAD TEMPLATES

DOWNLOAD ALL NOA DOCUMENTS