Asbestos is a hazardous naturally-occurring fibrous silicate mineral found in some rock formations. Asbestos was considered a versatile product, because it is able to withstand heat, erosion and decay and has fire- and water- resistant properties.
Bonded asbestos is any material (other than friable asbestos material) that contains asbestos. Bonded asbestos cannot be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. Visit the WorkCover Authority of NSW for further information on Bonded asbestos.
Friable asbestos If fire, hail, or water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material. Friable asbestos material 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.
Only fibro products made before 1987 contain asbestos.
In NSW, for example, the use of asbestos was discontinued in fibro sheets by 1982, in corrugated sheets by 1984 and in all other products by 1986.
The manufacture and use of asbestos product was banned nationally from 31 December 2003.
Further information on the National prohibition can be found on the NOHSC website http://www.nohsc.gov.au/ , or on the WorkCover website chrystolite asbestos ban nationwide.
Products made from asbestos cement not only include fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), but items such as water, drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and guttering.
Common uses for bonded asbestos in buildings include: flat (fibro), corrugated or compressed asbestos cement sheets; water, drainage and flue pipes; and floor tiles. Friable asbestos was not commonly used in the home; it was mainly used in industrial applications.
Asbestos is formed in fibre bundles and as it is further processed or disturbed, the fibre bundles become progressively finer and more hazardous to health.
The small fibres are the most dangerous. They are invisible to the naked eye and when inhaled, penetrate the deepest part of the lungs (respirable fibres).
Significant health risks may arise from the inhalation of airborne asbestos fibres. Breathing in fibres brings a risk of asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Evidence suggests that asbestos causes gastrointestinal and laryngeal cancers in humans, but to a far lesser extent than lung cancer.
Usually, asbestos-related diseases have a delay or latency period of 20 to 40 years between first exposure and the onset of symptoms and detection of the disease. Asbestos-related diseases can appear or progress even after a person is no longer exposed.
For more information on health concerns, The NSW Department of Health has fact sheets about asbestos and health risks, or WorkCover.
From 1 January 2008 a bonded asbestos licence is required for the removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos. Application forms for licences and information about licence requirements are available at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.
There may be legal or other requirements covering the removal of any asbestos materials depending on who is removing the asbestos and whether or not development approval is required from your local council.
Further information regarding the safe removal of asbestos can be found in the NOHSC Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition and WorkCover NSW working with asbestos: guide
Removing asbestos can be a dangerous and complicated process and is best carried out by professionals who have completed the necessary training. DECCW has produced a brochure called safely disposing of asbestos waste from your home . This contains information for home renovators and builders on the safe handling, storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
Health problems usually occur when people are unaware of the hazards of working with fibro. The important point is this: if you need to work with materials that may contain asbestos, you must work so there is minimal release of dust or small particles from the asbestos materials.
If you are thinking about removing even a small amount of asbestos yourself, at the very minimum you should meticulously follow ALL of the steps set out in Dealing with Asbestos in order to protect your health and that of those around you.
If you are hiring someone else to remove asbestos: a contractor in New South Wales must have a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove any amount of friable asbestos. The contractor must also obtain a site-specific permit from WorkCover NSW to carry out this type of work.
A contractor must also have a licence from WorkCover NSW to remove 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos. That's about the size of a small bathroom.
For more information, contact WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50 or the Asbestos and Demolition Unit Information line on (02) 8260 5885 or follow the link to the WorkCover fact sheet called choosing an asbestos consultant.
If your renovation requires development approval from the local council: the local council may have policies regarding the removal of asbestos which they may consider with your development application.
In general, development approval is required from the local council where structural changes are being made to your home, for example adding a second storey. For more information, contact your local council.
Ensure asbestos waste has been wetted, wrapped in 200um thick plastic and sealed with tape before it is transported to a landfill site that may lawfully receive the waste. Clearly label it as "asbestos waste".
All asbestos waste must be transported in a covered, leak-proof vehicle. It is illegal to dispose of asbestos waste in domestic garbage bins. It is also illegal to re-use, recycle or illegally dump asbestos products.
Keep copies of receipts from landfills where asbestos was taken. If you hire a company to dispose of asbestos, ask for copies of disposal receipts. Local councils or the Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (DECC) may require you to produce these receipts as proof of proper disposal.
Remember If the asbestos is in powder form or can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry, it should be removed by an asbestos removal contractor with a friable asbestos licence.