Asbestos is a silicate mineral made up of tiny fibres that were used for a range of manufacturing products in Australia from as early as the 1920's until the 1980's. Exposure to the fibres may cause illnesses such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. The manufacture, supply, use, import, transport, storage and sale of all forms of asbestos was banned from 31 December 2003.
Asbestos is naturally found in the environment we live in. Asbestos can be found in two forms;
- Friable: is loosely bound and is more likely to release fibres and is more of a health risk.
- Non-friable: is bound and less likely to release fibres unless it is damaged.
Non-friable asbestos containing material is generally safe if it is not damaged and left undisturbed. When it is disturbed by drilling, boring, cutting, grinding, sanding, breaking etc., it produces a dust that contains friable asbestos.
Illness development will depend on a range of factors including;
- the level of exposure
- the duration of exposure
- fibre type
- other environmental factors
Asbestos in the Home
Asbestos was used in a number of products over a considerable period of time. It can be found in;
- Roof tiles and insulation,
- Pipe and water tank insulation,
- Wall and floor paneling, ceilings, eaves
- Outdoor sheds and
- Backing for vinyl flooring and can be found in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry, garage and garden shed.
It is difficult to tell whether a building material contains asbestos. The only way to be certain is to have a sample of the material tested in a NATA accredited laboratory.
Materials containing asbestos are not dangerous if they are in good condition, undamaged, undisturbed and sealed.
More information can be found on the Department of Health's Asbestos in the Home website
Removal and Disposal
The safest way to have asbestos removed is by a licensed asbestos removalist. There are two types of removalists;
Class A - can remove both friable and non-friable asbestos containing material
Class B - can only remove non-friable asbestos containing material
Licensed asbestos removalists ensure that asbestos is removed and disposed of in a safe manner.
Limited asbestos removal can only occur if;
- It is non-friable
- the area of asbestos containing material does not exceed 10 square meters
- the total time the asbestos removal work performed is less than 1 hour total over 7 days
- the person performing the removal work should be trained in removing asbestos safely.
Disposal of asbestos containing materials is controlled by the EPA and can only be disposed of at a licensed landfill site.
Further Information can be found at;
Roles and Responsibilities
Authority |
Role |
Contact |
---|
Worksafe Victoria |
Investigating and enforcing removal of asbestos from a worksite. A worksite may include a commercial or residential property. |
1800136089 |
Council’s Environmental Health Unit |
Investigating and enforcing a nuisance under the Public Health and Wellbeing Act 2008. For example, home owner removal of asbestos, transport by home owner and illegal dumping on private/public land. Derelict residential property, warehouse that is not a work place. |
92626197 |
Department of Health Environmental Health Unit |
Provides information regarding the potential health effects of asbestos. |
1300761874 |
Environmental Protection Authority |
For a list of licensed asbestos disposal sites in your area and enquiries regarding the correct disposal of asbestos-containing materials |
1300372842 |
National Association Testing Authority (NATA) |
For a list of NATA accredited laboratories |
1800621666 |
Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia |
Provides information on asbestos, medical support, counselling and legal advice. |
1800646690 |