Hi All,

New to the forums, but thought I may be able to add something to this thread. I am a OHS and Risk Consultant and work extensively with managing the health & safety implications of asbestos containing material.

Asbestos came into use as early as the time of the ancient Greeks (used in candle wicks). In Australia, asbestos materials were used heavily from the 1920’s onward. Any pre-1990 structure may contain asbestos material in some form.

Asbestos is a fibre, a wonderful material except for the risks it poses to health. The key to managing the risks associated with asbestos is to ensure that the fibres do not become suspended in the air and inhaled. It is only when asbestos fibres are inhaled that they become a risk to health (e.g – asbestosis, mesothelioma and other lung cancers). The most hazardous asbestos materials are those with Friable products (e.g. insulation, non- bonded materials), these can be disturbed and enter the air easily. As an excellent insulator, Friable asbestos materials are more common in the cooler states – NSW, VIC, ACT.

Asbestos in AC sheeting (super 6, fibro etc) is less hazardous provided the fibres remain in the bonded cement matrix – it is usually the main asbestos type in the hotter areas in Aust. When working with AC sheeting it is important to ensure sheets do not become damaged, sheets are not drilled/sawed etc with electric tools etc as this can release into air. Where sheets are exposing fibres, the area should be sealed to prevent escape of fibres – gyprock is one option, or paint, or PVA sealant.

You should use a licenced removalist to remove and they will dispose appropriately (they should also ensure that fibres are not significant during the removal process) – this can be costly however.