The supply and installation of asbestos containing material (ACM) has been prohibited since 31 December 2003. If your property was built before this time it is important for home owners and renovators to be aware of how to safely manage asbestos in and around the home.
Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. The risk of contracting these diseases increases with the number of fibres inhaled. For more information on how asbestos can affect your health please refer to the NSW Health website - Asbestos and health risks.
Friable asbestos is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. This type of asbestos is more likely to become airborne.
Non-friable (bonded) asbestos is a product that contains asbestos fibres that have been mixed with other materials, such as cement. Non-friable asbestos is commonly found in buildings in Australia. If non-friable asbestos is damaged or broken, it may release asbestos fibres into the air.
In the past asbestos was used in around 3,000 products manufactured worldwide. 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.
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 so as to prevent release of asbestos fibre.
Home renovators need to be particularly aware of this material. When cut drilled or broken it can present the risks to health mentioned above, especially if working in a confined space. Others may be at risk when cleaning up, and if not cleaned up it may be a danger.
Material containing asbestos should never by 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 ACM before you start work.
The only way to confirm whether a material contains asbestos is to have it analysed by a laboratory accredited by the National Association of Testing Laboratories (NATA) for this type of testing.
In NSW the removal of more than 10m2 of non-friable (bonded) asbestos material must be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist. Licencing for asbestos removalists is regulated and administered by SafeWork NSW and people using contractors should request to sight the current licence before employing a contractor.
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.
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.
Products containing asbestos can only be disposed of at a waste facility licenced to accept these materials. Ballina Shire's Resource Recovery Facility at Southern Cross Drive is not currently able to receive this type of waste. A list of licensed landfills that may accept asbestos waste from the public is available on the EPA website at epa.nsw.gov.au. Please contact the facility at least 24 hours before your arrival. Specific requirements also apply to its transportation.
Further details can be found at Tracking tyres and asbestos waste (nsw.gov.au).
As a precautionary measure, council advises those in neighbouring properties during the asbestos clean up/removal to:
Free asbestos testing kits are available for collection from the Resource Recovery Centre and the Customer Service Centre at 40 Cherry Street, Ballina. Asbestos diposal kits are available at the waste centre for $30. For more information about both of these kits visit Council's Asbestos Page.
The General Manager
Ballina Shire Council
PO Box 450
Ballina NSW 2478
40 Cherry Street
Ballina NSW 2478
Opening Hours
8:15am - 4:30pm
Monday to Friday
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