From the Second World War to 1954 over 70,000 houses were built from asbestos in New South Wales alone, accounting for 52% of all houses built. In Australia as a whole, until the 1960s, at least 25% of all new housing was clad in asbestos cement. Asbestos products continued to be widely used in a range of building materials up until the mid to late 1980s. If a house was built during, or now renovated from, this period it would most likely contain some asbestos. Therefore before renovating, repairing and removing materials from a house built during this period it is very important to know how dangerous asbestos is and the precautions that you should take.

There are a number of websites that are very informative such as:


asbestosawareness.com.au describes why asbestos is dangerous, where it can be found in the home, how to remove it safely, how to deal with it and how to disposing of it and further information about asbestos. Their tag line is: think smart, think safe, think asbestosawareness.com.au. It's not worth the risk!

The NSW Government has developed some practical information specifically for renovators and homeowners working with fibro and asbestos. Including: Fibro & Asbestos Frequently asked Questions for Renovators and Homeowners The Guide contains a safety checklist, guidance on safe disposal of fibro and some general tips about what to do if fibro is damaged.

NSW Health Factsheet provides information and contact details to your local public health unit if you require further advice concerning the health risks of asbestos.
Asbestos and Health Risks NSW Health Factsheet

WorkCover NSW
WorkCover promotes workplace health and safety, and provides workers compensation system for the employers and workers of NSW. It has also produced information for those working with asbestos. From 1 January 2008 a bonded asbestos license is required for the removal of more that 10 square metres of bonded asbestos. Applicants for a license will be required to undertake appropriate supervisor training at a TAFE college or a registered training organization. For further information on asbestos visit WorkCover


 WorkCover NSW has produced an information brochure to assist the general public recognise the dangers of asbestos in products commonly found in the community.

It is worth remembering that everyone should remove asbestos in line with the guidelines provided by WorkCover to ensure a safe approach to asbestos removal. WorkCover NSW does not have jurisdiction over asbestos removal being performed by individual homeowners on residential property, however, it does have jurisdiction over contractors and commercial ventures should asbestos removal be performed in an unsafe manner. Contact the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50 to report an unsafe situation. 

 When choosing a contractor to remove your asbestos consult the WorkCover Fact Sheet on Choosing an Asbestos Consultant

You can also check with professional associations such as ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association - contact the ARCA Secretary on (02) 8586 3521) and AIOH (Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists - contact (03) 9335 2577 or www.aioh.org.au).

WorkCover also has guidelines on Working with Asbestos in the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry.



NSW Government
Department of Environment and Climate Change has information on safely disposing of asbestos waste from your home.



 

ACT Government Asbestos Awareness Helping Everyone Breathe Easier 
http://www.asbestos.act.gov.au/  







Legislation and asbestos 

The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (Regulation) 
outlines specific requirements for asbestos:

Workcover - specific requirements for asbestos:
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001 (Regulation)



NSW Obudsman 
http://www.ombo.nsw.gov.au/Asbestos.html



Safe Work Australia 
www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au

The National Safe Work Australia website provides National codes of practice and guidance notes and reports by the Australian Safety and Compensation Council on mesothelioma.



WSN Environmental Solutions 
www.wasteservice.nsw.gov.au

WSN Environmental Solutions provides reliable and responsible recycling, resource recovery and solid waste processing and disposal services to councils, commercial and industrial customers, small businesses and households including information on asbestos wastes removal and disposal.

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