Asbestos in the Home
Where could I find materials containing Asbestos?
Inside the house.
Non-Friable Asbestos products such as AC sheeting (Fibro), vinyl tiles and linoleum are very common in homes built in North Queensland from 1945 to 2003.
Friable Asbestos products such as Low Density Board (LDB), insulation in stoves and heaters can also be found in homes built in North Queensland up to 2003.
This is not an exhaustive list of internal Asbestos containing materials.
A damaged example of a vinyl floor tile commonly found in North Queensland homes and public buildings. General wear and tear over time results in the lifting of tiles and creates a health hazard if they are not removed.
Outside the house.
Externally, Non-Friable Asbestos materials were commonly used for corrugated roof sheeting (Super 6), guttering, gables, soffits, wall sheeting, flexible building boards and imitation brick cladding.
Super 6 sheeting was also recycled into fencing It is very common in North Queensland for Super 6 corrugated roofing to be recycled and used for boundary line fencing, swimming pool enclosures, and on outbuildings like Garages.
Non-Friable Asbestos products are the most common form of Asbestos found in domestic houses. It should be noted that unsealed products such as roofing will deteriorate over time and may release fibres.
This is not an exhaustive list of external of Asbestos containing materials.
Do new buildings contain asbestos?
Since December 31 2003, Asbestos and all products containing Asbestos have been banned throughout Australia. It is illegal to import, store, supply or re-use any products containing Asbestos.
Cellulose fibres are now used in cement sheeting and Non-Asbestos fibres such as glass are now used in insulation products. If you have a building constructed prior to 2003 it may contain Asbestos containing materials (ACM).
What should I do if I find Asbestos in my home?
If you suspect your home contains, or it has been confirmed to contain Asbestos. Please contact Townsville Asbestos Pty Ltd to arrange for one of our inspectors to visit your home.
At that time they will assess the situation and provided a common sense approach for the management of risk.
Can I get materials tested for Asbestos?
Yes…….Townsville Asbestos will sample, or accept your sample, for NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities) analysis. You are then provided with a written report of findings.
Contact Townsville Asbestos Pty Ltd for a quotation of sampling costs.
What if I accidentally break Asbestos?
If you accidentally break a material containing Asbestos, the safest way to manage any health risks is to wipe up any dust with a disposable damp cloth or paper towel (baby wipes as well can be used), put the cloth/towel into two plastic bags, tie them up individually and put them in your rubbish bin.
If the material containing Asbestos is cracked, you should seal the crack with a product like PVA glue (wood glue) or paint. The sealant should be sprayed on with low pressure, brushes should not be used as they may disturb more fibres.
If the damage is significant , the entire sheet should be replaced and the old sheet disposed of correctly. Phone Townsville Asbestos Pty Ltd for advice and/or a quote on the removal and disposal of the damaged material.
A Damaged Asbestos wall sheet. Where the damage is significant like this example, the whole sheet should be safely removed. Contact Townsville Asbestos for advice and a quote on the safe removal and disposal of any damaged Asbestos sheeting.
What if I need to put a hole in non-friable material containing Asbestos?
There are considerable risks associated with cutting, drilling holes in Asbestos products. Making penetrations into a Non-Friable product will change it to a Friable product, and legislation dictates that all Friable works be completed by an ‘A Class’ removalist. The safest alternative to this is to remove the whole sheet, and replace with an Asbestos free alternative. The new sheet can then be drilled or cut without risk of releasing Asbestos fibres.
Contact Townsville Asbestos Pty Ltd for advice and/or a quote.