Be mindful of asbestos when renovating

14 June, 2016Posted in: Other
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As residents continue to mop-up after this month’s downpour, Council is reminding home owners and renovators to be mindful of asbestos should they be repairing water damaged structures.

“Asbestos was widely used in building materials up until the mid-1980s,” said Council’s Manager Environment and Sustainability, Barry Arthur.  “Even though the manufacture and use of asbestos was banned over ten years ago, it can still be found in many houses across our Shire that were built up until this period.”

Just some of the household items where asbestos related products may be found in pre-1987 built homes include flooring under carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings, eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, chook sheds and even dog kennels.

Asbestos removal is a job that’s best done by a licensed professional.

“It’s important to remember that only a licenced asbestos removalist can remove asbestos greater than ten square metres in size,” Mr Arthur added.  “That’s about the same size as a small bathroom.”

It’s imperative that anyone attempting to remove asbestos themselves, no matter how small the quantity, take the proper measures to protect themselves and their families.

“Asbestos doesn’t discriminate. Be it male or female, tradie or project manager, if you’re anywhere near airborne asbestos fibres, then you’re putting your health and life at risk.”

WorkCover NSW guidelines for the asbestos removal can be found at: www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/health-and-safety/safety-topics-a-z/asbestos.

For information on how and where to properly dispose of asbestos waste contact Council’s Resource Recovery Centre on phone 4868 0888.