ASBESTOS

Asbestos was used in a wide range of building materials and other products prior to being phased out by 1990 and banned in 2003.

Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating because microscopic fibres can become airborne and be easily inhaled or ingested.

Generally, a person cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Careful visual examination, and the use of a microscope is the only way to verify the presence of asbestos. If in doubt, treat suspect material as though it does contain asbestos.

Everyone has a legal responsibility to protect the health of others as well as yourself and your family. This means you must take all necessary precautions to prevent or minimis exposure to asbestos fibres. 

Asbestos in the home

If your home was built before 1990 then it likely contains asbestos in some building products.

Care, control and management of asbestos is the responsibility of the homeowner.

There are some simple steps you can take to be safe:

• know where asbestos could be in your home. If in doubt, get the product tested, or assume it is asbestos
• plan ahead to prevent disturbing and releasing asbestos fibres, especially when renovating
• engage a licensed asbestos removalist when undertaking home renovations or demolitions where asbestos might be present.

Refer to the following guidelines for further information:

Asbestos Safety For Householders And Home Renovators

Common locations for asbestos in the home (not exclusive). Source: Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency

Disclosure of asbestos in residential property

When a property changes hands or new residents move in, it’s a good time to check where asbestos materials are located, assess their condition, and where possible, plan for safe removal.

For further information visit the Asbestos and Silica Safety and Eradication Agency website. 

Removal and/or demolition of asbestos

Asbestos professionals who can assist with identifying asbestos include:

• occupational hygienists who have experience with asbestos
• licensed asbestos assessors and removalists
• individuals who have undertaken a recognised training course in asbestos identification.

Licensed Asbestos Assessors List

Licensed Asbestos Removalists - Online Search

If removing more than 10 square metres of asbestos, a licence is required which is issued by WorkSafe WA. There are two types of licensed asbestos removalist:

• Class A removalist - can remove all types of asbestos, including friable asbestos, contaminated dust or debris; or
• Class B removalist - can only remove non-friable asbestos.

The WorkSafe website has further information on the different licenses types here. 

If applying for a demolition permit for a property containing asbestos you will need to attach an Asbestos Declaration Form:

City of Vincent Asbestos Declaration Form (Demolition)

If you are considering removal of a small amount (less than 10m2) of intact (non-friable) asbestos material or undertaking minor renovations or maintenance around the home you should take the time to find out how to do this safely. Further information, and useful resources can be found on the Healthy WA website. 

Healthy WA: Asbestos in the home

Safety Infosheet: Removal of less than 10m2 of non-friable asbestos

Asbestos for trades and construction workers

Anyone working in the building and construction industry is likely to come into contact with asbestos at some stage.

The people at greatest risk of exposure are those that undertake repairs, maintenance, renovations and other work on older buildings and infrastructure which contain asbestos materials.

The following guideline provides information about where you might find asbestos, the laws that relate to asbestos management and removal, and how to protect yourself and other from exposure to harmful asbestos fibres. 

Asbestos Safety for Trades and Construction Workers Guidelines

Free asbestos disposal every Sunday at Tamala Park

As a member council of the Mindarie Regional Council, the City's residents are entitled to free asbestos disposal at the Tamala Park waste facility on Sundays. Disposal on any other day includes a fee.

In order to accept asbestos, the minimum disposal conditions are:

• The asbestos containing material must be double wrapped in heavy duty (200 micron) builder’s plastic and sealed with strong duct tape.
• It must be securely wrapped and taped in such a manner as to prevent the release of asbestos fibres both during transport and disposal.
• It must be clearly labelled ‘Caution Asbestos’ on the outside of the packaging.
• It must pass an inspection and be deemed safe for disposal by a Tamala Park attendant.

Head to the Mindarie Regional Council's website for further information. 

Resources

The Department of Health (WA) website provides various fact sheets, guidance notes and FAQs related to residential asbestos products which can be found via the following link. 

 Department of Health (WA) - About asbestos