| Asbestos Factsheet |
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Background
Products containing asbestos was used in a large range of building and construction materials up until 1987. Breathing in asbestos fibres is known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and mesothelioma. However it may take 35 40 years for the illness to develop once fibres have been inhaled.
Only fibro products made before 1987 contain asbestos. In NSW the use of asbestos was discontinued in fibro sheets by 1982, in corrugated sheets by 1984 and in other products by 1986. The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally from 31 December 2003.
Types of asbestos
There are two main types of asbestos:
1) Stabilised or bonded asbestos any product where the asbestos is bonded with a cement or resin binder to make it more stable.
2) Friable or dusty asbestos any product that contains asbestos in a dusty or fibrous form, where it can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder. This type of asbestos is more dangerous to handle as it is easier to inhale dangerous asbestos fibres. It can only be removed by licensed friable asbestos removalists.
Where is asbestos found?
The use of asbestos was widespread in the building industry. It can be found in many products including (but not limited to):
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Flat, corrugated or bitumen roofing material;
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Ceiling tiles;
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Vinyl and thermoplastic floor tiles;
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Wall sheeting, millboard, textured coatings;
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Gutters, rainwater pipes and water tanks;
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Insulation around pipes and electrical equipment;
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Fire proofing around flues and ducts; and
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Sprayed on to steelwork.
How can it be safely handled?
There are potentially serious health risks associated with asbestos unless it is carefully handled and disposed of. Friable and bonded asbestos materials must be handled differently.
Friable asbestos
Friable or dusty asbestos is extremely dangerous and can only be handled by a licensed friable asbestos removalist. For more information on licensed removalists, contact WorkCover on 13 10 50.
Bonded asbestos
The risks associated with installed, undisturbed asbestos products are relatively small. Even weathered asbestos roofing does not release many airborne fibres unless the material is either disturbed or handled in a way that promotes the release of fibres. However if bonded or stable asbestos disintegrates when you are handling it, immediately call WorkCover to get the assistance of a licensed asbestos removal company.
What to do
DO
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Talk it over Let people know what you are doing, especially those affected by the removal and disposal of your fibro or asbestos, such as neighbours.
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Cover up Wear disposable overalls and a good quality dust mask with two straps to hold it firmly in place.
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Damp it down - Gently wetting all material reduces the release of asbestos fibres.
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Stack and wrap Asbestos should be carefully wrapped in heavy duty builders plastic sheeting (at least 200 microns thick), in parcels that can be easily handled. If you have a skip or bin, line it with thick plastic, place sheets in the bin and damp down each sheet as you go. When the bin is full, fold over the plastic and secure with thick duct tape.
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Remove immediately Dont leave asbestos containing material lying around where it can be broken or deteriorate further.
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Clean up everything Put disposable overalls and masks in bags for removal with other asbestos containing material and make sure no residual asbestos material is left on site.
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Dispose of products at an authorised disposal site. See disposal information below.
DO NOT
Any of these activities may contribute to the release of asbestos fibres and should be avoided.
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Use power tools such as drilling into fibro sheeting.
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Use high powered hoses to wet down asbestos containing material.
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Scrub or clean material.
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Drill, cut or break material.
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Drop sheets, or skid one sheet over another.
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Use ill fitting masks, particularly those with only one strap to hold it in place.
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Tear or break the thick plastic used to cover asbestos materials.
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Put material in general waste or compactors Asbestos can only be disposed of at approved waste disposal sites see disposal section below.
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Coat fibro products you should only coat fibro products if they are in sound condition and then only to waterproof them. Do not paint sheeting as paint does not bond well to the surface of weathered asbestos products.
Disposal
Up to 50 square metres of bonded asbestos can be removed by an individual. This is around the size of a single car garage. From 1 January 2008 the amount that individuals can remove will be reduced to 10 square metres (around the size of an average bathroom). For sizes greater than these, a licensed contractor must be used.
Friable or unstable asbestos must be disposed of through a licensed asbestos removal contractor. For information about available contractors go to www.workcover.nsw.gov.au or check with industry or professional associations such as ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) on (02) 8586 3521.
Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at certain waste sites and must be booked in for disposal at least one day before disposing of the waste. To dispose of asbestos waste, contact WSN Environmental Solutions on (02) 9934 7115 for booking information and disposal site locations.
Contacts
For more comprehensive information on the safe handling and disposal of asbestos go to:
WorkCover: Phone 13 10 50 or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au; Department of Environment and Climate Change: www.environment.nsw.gov.au or NSW Government website at www.nsw.gov.au.
Please note: The information provided in this fact sheet has been prepared by Marrickville Council and comprises general information relating to asbestos and asbestos related issues. Council has made every effort to ensure the information is current and accurate and the information has been provided in good faith. However, Council accepts no liability in respect to the use or reliance of the information in the fact sheet.
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