ASBESTOS

Asbestos was commonly used as construction and fencing material until 1987. Asbestos and asbestos products are known to be the cause of some respiratory diseases. As such, care must be taken when handling asbestos to ensure that the health risk is minimised.

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.

In most cases, the presence of asbestos cement building materials in a home is no cause for alarm. If the materials are in a good condition and are not disturbed, they do not present a health hazard. Disturbing the material (e.g. by removal) may create a health hazard. All home renovators should be mindful that there are some jobs that they should not try to take on themselves and that there are rules around the amount of asbestos they can handle.

Asbestos e-learning

The Cancer Council WA and the WA Department of Health (Environmental Health Directorate) have launched a free online course where home renovators and DIYers can learn about locating, safely handling and disposing of asbestos as well as learning more about asbestos-related diseases. To complete the course visit the following website:

kNOw asbestos e-learning

Asbestos licencing

If removing more than 10 square metres of asbestos, a licence is required. There are two types of licences - restricted and unrestricted.

  • Unrestricted: Allows the licence holder, or people employed by the licence holder , to remove all forms of asbestos (friable and non-friable). Friable asbestos means any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder, or can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry. 
  • Restricted: Allows the licence holder, or people employed by the licence holder, to remove amounts exceeding 10 square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos.  Bonded asbestos contains material such as cement or rubber, which stabilises the product and gives it a non-friable structure. 

For more information on asbestos licencing, or to find a licence holder please visit the below website:

DMIRS - Asbestos licencing

Demolition permits and asbestos removal 

If applying for a demolition permit for a property containing asbestos you will need to attach the asbestos declaration form:

City of Vincent - Asbestos Declaration Form

Tamala Park - Free asbestos disposal every Sunday!

As a member council of the Metropolitan Regional Council (MRC), the City's residents are entitled to free asbestos disposal at the Tamala Park waste facility on Sundays.

There are strict conditions for asbestos drop off:

  • Maximum of 165kg (approx. 3-4 fence sheets)
  • Householders may make up to 5 visits (MRC can refuse entry)
  • Staff are unable to assist in unloading asbestos - ensure you have someone to help you
  • Asbestos must be:
    • wrapped in heavy duty (200 micron) builders plastic and sealed with duct tape
    • adequately secured to prevent fibres being released
    • clearly labelled 'Caustion Asbestos'
  • Asbestos cannot be wrapped and sealed on site, but supplies can be purchased from the Reuse Shop

Tamala Park - Free asbestos disposal

Relevant links

City of Vincent - Household Hazardous Waste

WA Department of Health - Asbestos

Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency

Department of Health - Asbestos: A guide for householders and the general public

Tamala Park - Free asbestos disposal

More Information

Contact Health Services on 9273 6533 or mail@vincent.wa.gov.au