Asbestos

Living or working with asbestos is low risk if the asbestos containing material is in good condition and not disturbed. Asbestos fibres are a health risk if they become airborne and are breathed in. When you breathe in asbestos fibres, they can settle deep inside the lungs. This may cause inflammation, scarring and lead to asbestos related diseases such as Asbestosis, Mesothelioma and lung cancer. Never cut or drill into materials that you suspect contain asbestos. This can release dust and asbestos fibres into the air.

More information on how asbestos can affect your health can be found at Asbestos and health risks.

There is no known safe level of asbestos exposure.

The most commonly used asbestos product in Australia from the 1940's until the 1980's was 'fibro' a non-friable (bonded) asbestos product. Fibro was widely used as wall and ceiling sheeting in houses and other structures because of its strength and resistance to heat and salt air. It has even been used in brick structures under the eaves and as internal linings especially in bathrooms and laundries. In addition to fibro sheeting, non-friable (bonded) asbestos was used in roofing and as fencing panels (supersix), guttering, pipes, floor and ceiling tiles. Asbestos was also used as an insulation material, as a fire retardant, in gaskets, in brake linings and as a filtering material. 

For more information on where asbestos can be found, use the asbestos finder at Asbestos Locations.

If in good condition, fibro presents minimal risk when left undisturbed. Broken, badly weathered or damaged non-friable (bonded) asbestos material may release fibres that present a risk to health and should be removed or sealed to prevent the release of asbestos fibre.

Home renovators need to be particularly aware of this material. When cut, drilled, or broken, asbestos can pose significant health risks, especially in confined spaces. The cleanup process can also pose a risk, and if not done properly, it may leave a lingering danger.

Material containing asbestos should never be cleaned using a high-pressure water cleaner.

Remember if your property was built before 31 December 2003 help protect yourself and your family by checking for asbestos containing material before you start work.

Asbestos was used in over 3,000 products before it was banned in Australia. You can’t tell if a material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Identifying asbestos requires testing by a licensed asbestos lab. If in doubt, follow the golden rule - if you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is.

Asbestos Testing Kits

Ballina Shire residents are eligible for one FREE asbestos test kit per household for testing small amounts of asbestos at Ballina Shire properties. These kits are available for collection from the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre and the Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina. These kits are for ratepayers only and not available for commercial operators.

Kits contain:

• Sample bags.
• Instructions for taking the sample.
• Laboratory instructions.
• P2 disposable masks.
• Postal satchel.

Up to two samples can be taken, with the samples posted directly to the NATA accredited laboratory for analysis. Results are usually provided within five working days.

Watch this North East Waste video to learn how to use the asbestos test kits.

You can also get a sample tested yourself by sending it to an accredited laboratory. An accredited laboratory can be found at Getting an asbestos sample tested .

If a positive test result is received, the homeowner is responsible for safely removing asbestos from the property.

Under NSW law, the removal of more than 10m² of non-friable (bonded) asbestos material and any amount of friable asbestos must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist.

Two types of licences designated A and B are issued. Class A licence holders can carry out work which involves both friable and non-friable (bonded) asbestos. Class B licence holders can work with non-friable asbestos only. A licensed asbestos removalist can be found at Find a licensed asbestos removalist. They must follow the legal requirements around asbestos removal including the Code of Practice “How to Safely Remove Asbestos” and all Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) laws.

Removal of 10m² or less of non-friable (bonded) asbestos may be undertaken without a licence, however given the risks involved, Council encourages residents to consider engaging a licenced asbestos removal contractor.

Asbestos Disposal Kits

Residents looking to remove 10m² or less of non-friable (bonded) asbestos can purchase a Household Asbestos Disposal Kit from the Resource Recovery Centre. Ballina Council subsidises the $30 cost of the kits which are SafeWork NSW approved and contain the following items:

• 2 P2 disposable mask
• 2 drop sheets
• 2 disposable overalls
• 2 disposable shoe covers
• 2 pairs of disposable gloves
• 1 spray bottle
• 1 roll of heavy duty duct tape
• 1 roll of barrier tape
• 2 heavy duty asbestos disposal bags (suitable for disposal of up to 10m²)
• Zip ties

The kit includes equipment only and does not cover the cost of disposal.

The below video shows how to safely use the asbestos disposal kits for the removal of up to 10m² of non-friable asbestos waste.

Ballina's Resource Recovery Centre does not accept asbestos.

A list of licensed waste facilities that may accept asbestos waste from the public is available at Find an asbestos disposal site. Asbestos waste must generally be prebooked. Please contact the facility at least 24 hours before your arrival. Specific requirements also apply to transporting 100 kilograms or 10m² or more of asbestos waste in any single load. Further details can be found at Transporting asbestos waste.

Asbestos waste must only be disposed of at a waste facility that is licensed to accept it.