National Asbestos Awareness Month 2016

Published: 15 November 2016

Asbestos Awareness Month (1-30 November) alerts Australians about the dangers of working with asbestos during home renovations and maintenance.

If in good condition and left undisturbed, asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However with the rise in popularity of DIY and renovating, and the redevelopment of old fibro homes, it is important that anyone working in or around homes or buildings constructed or renovated before 1987 know the dangers of asbestos and how to safely manage it.

Visit Asbestos Awareness and take the 20 point Safety Check to learn where asbestos might be found in homes and how best to protect yourself and your family from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres.

For more information regarding asbestos, please refer to the following NSW Government and independent websites:

(encompassing the Environment Protection Authority)

A bonded asbestos licence (Class B asbestos removal licence) is required to remove, repair or disturb more than 10 square meters of bonded asbestos material such as fibro, corrugated cement sheeting and asbestos cement pipes.

A friable asbestos licence (Class A asbestos removal licence) is required to remove, repair or disturb any amount of friable asbestos, such as sprayed limpet, asbestos cloth, millboard and pipe lagging. It also allows the removal of bonded asbestos.

Any concerns or complaints about unsafe work on a building or work site that may contain asbestos are to be reported to WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50.

Concerns and complaints about unsafe work at a residential property by the home owner or tenant as part of home maintenance and small scale demolition can be reported to Council on 9391 7000.

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