Asbestos Fact Sheet for Home Renovators
What are the risks?
If left untouched, asbestos is usually harmless. Asbestos products that are mishandled, broken or disturbed through activities such as pressure cleaning and cutting/sanding with power tools, can release microscopic fibres capable of being inhaled into your lungs.
Inhalation can cause chronic lung disorders and lead to diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risks of contracting these diseases increase with the number of fibres inhaled and the length of time you are exposed to them.
Two main types of asbestos
Bonded asbestos – any product where the asbestos is bonded with cement or resin to make it more stable. The health risks associated with these products, provided they are left undisturbed are very low. The greatest risk is when the products are removed or handled.
Friable asbestos – any product that contains asbestos in a dusty or fibrous form, where it can be crumbled to a powder. This product is dangerous and should only be handled by a licensed asbestos removalist approved by Queensland Health or Work Place Health and Safety Queensland.
What are the rules?
State legislation exists that regulates the way asbestos is handled, stored, transported and disposed of in Queensland.
· If you are removing 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos, you will need to get an asbestos removal licence or employ a licensed asbestos removalist.
· Any amount of friable asbestos must be removed by an asbestos removal business with an ‘A class’ certificate.
What should I do?
Safety precautions must always be taken when working with asbestos. Brisbane City Council recommends that in all instances if you are performing work involving the handling, removal or disposal of asbestos, that you use a licensed asbestos removalist.
Be a good neighbour. If you are conducting work that you think may impact on your neighbourhood, take the time to discuss the matter with your neighbours. Alternatively, if
you think your neighbour is performing an activity that is impacting your neighbourhood, take the time to discuss the matter with them. Often a situation can be resolved through
discussion and knowing what the situation really is.
Where can I dispose of asbestos material?
Brisbane City Council transfer stations no longer accept asbestos materials. This ensures that residents and Council employees or contractors at Council transfer stations are not
exposed to products that contain asbestos.
Only licensed asbestos contractors can dispose of asbestos at waste facilities. Check the Yellow Pages under ‘Asbestos Removal and/or Treatment’ for asbestos removal businesses.
Where can I get a product tested?
Laboratories that analyse building materials for asbestos can be found by contacting the National Association of Testing Authorities (Ph. (07) 3870 3844, www.nata.asn.au).
If you are unsure, or would like advice in relation to your property, you can also contact an asbestos consultant for advice. They can be found in the Yellow Pages under ‘Asbestos’
Materials containing asbestos were very common in the Australian residential building industry between the 1940s and late 1980s before asbestos production stopped. Products containing asbestos include:
· flat, corrugated or bitumen roofing material
· ceiling tiles
· vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles and backing to vinyl flooring
· carpet underlay (Hessian)
· internal and external wall sheeting, textured coatings
· gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks
· insulation around pipes and electrical equipment
· fire proofing around flues and ducts
· sprayed onto steelwork.
Further information
For further information on the safe handling and disposal of asbestos:
For businesses and tradespeople
Workplace Heath and Safety Queensland
Phone: 1300 369 915
Website: www.deir.qld.gov.au
For homeowners, owner builders and tenants
Queensland Health
Phone: 1300 744 636
Website: www.health.qld.gov.au/asbestos
LEGAL NOTICE
The information contained in this publication is distributed by Brisbane City Council as general information in summary form only. Brisbane City Council makes no statements, representations, or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information contained in this publication, and you should not rely on it. Specialist asbestos advice should be sought for your specific situation. To the maximum extent permitted by law, Brisbane City Council excludes all responsibility and all liability (including, without limitation, liability in negligence) for all expenses, health effects, injuries, losses, damages and costs you might incur as a result of the information being inaccurate or incomplete in any way, and for any reason. Where any applicable law implies a warranty into these terms which may not be lawfully excluded, then to the maximum extent permitted by law, Brisbane City Council’s liability for breach of such implied warranty will be limited to re-supply of the services again.