Asbestos is still present in many homes and buildings today.  This is because of the extensive use of asbestos in building materials, insulating materials and other products in the past.  The use of asbestos in some of these materials did not cease until well into the 1980’s. 

There have been countless incidents of persons being unwittingly exposed to asbestos, carrying out home renovations or being present near homes or other building construction work.  The society has worked tirelessly in recent years to raise awareness about exposure to asbestos and its dangers.  It is the case that even brief exposure to asbestos can cause serious disease. 

All exposure should be avoided if possible.

People have been exposed to asbestos fibres during their employment.  Some areas where exposure can occur are:-

• mining or milling asbestos;
• manufacturer and repair of goods;
• using raw asbestos fibres, such as brake linings, clutch plates and engine gaskets;
• use of products containing asbestos, for instance in building and construction, heating, shipyards, powerstations, boilermaking and plumbing;
• alterations, repair or demolitions of buildings or other structures containing asbestos;
• labouring; and
• washing clothes contaminated by asbestos.

Take precautions to avoid an expensive clean-up bill and minimize exposure to yourself and others.

Private contractors have had to pay clean-up bills in excess of $100,000 because preventative actions were not taken before commencing a job. There are methods to legally and safely work around asbestos in the home.  The risk to your health and your neighbours is low if you take the necessary precautions. Look after your own health and that of your family and neighbours by following the law and safe work procedures. Before starting a job, involving asbestos, consider:

•  Can you leave the material alone (have you considered alternatives to removing it)?

•  Can you comply with the law and safety procedures when working with asbestos.

•  Does the job require a licensed asbestos removalist?

A booklet entitled Asbestos: A home renovator's and tradeperson's guide for minor work in domestic buildings has been produced by the Queensland Government and the Society.  The Society is very proud of its involvement in the creation of this booklet.  You can obtain your free copy of this booklet by clicking on the link on this page or by calling the Society on 1800 776 412.

It is often very difficult to identify the presence of asbestos by sight as it was / is contained in over 3,000 products.  If unsure, assume it is and get is tested by a competent person and analysed in an accredited laboratory.

Further information on having asbestos tested and analysed can be obtained from the National Association of Testing Authorities on 07 3870 3844 or by visiting www.nata.asn.au.  You can also contact Parsons Brinckerhoff Australia Pty Ltd - the Queensland Government Preferred Authority on 07 3854 6200 or visit their website at www.pb.com.au.

Other organisations who can be contacted regarding testing or analysing of asbestos are:-

Enviro Health – 07 3839 1122
Department of Environmental Health – 07 3234 0938

Asbestos Fire Concerns
Fire in buildings that may contain asbestos can be hazardous.  Click here for further information about the dangers of asbestos fire, If you are concerned that asbestos has become airborne from a fire at or near your property. 

There are particular activities you must never do when working with or removing a bonded material containing asbestos:- 

• Never use power tools, such as angle grinders, circular saws and electric sanders;
• Never use high pressure water blasters;
• Never use compressed air.

All of these activities are very dangerous because they can release large numbers of asbestos fibres into the air.  These activities are illegal and substantial penalties apply.

For more information about working with asbestos products download the book Asbestos: A home renovator's and tradeperson's guide for minor work in domestic buildings by clicking on the link on this page.

Asbestos Exposure Concerns
You can also contact the Society regarding any concerns about asbestos exposure. All asbestos exposure should be registered and we can assist you with this process.  Click here for more information about registering your asbestos exposure.

Safe Handling of Asbestos
click here to view the video from Worksafe Queensland on the safe handling of asbestos.

Other relevant videso on the safe handling of asbestos can be viewed by clicking here. 

If you have any concerns about asbestos exposure, for assistance please call the Society on 1800 776 412.