ASBESTOS

Asbestos was commonly used as construction and fencing material until 1990. 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.

For more information and guidance for residents please visit:

Department of Health - About asbestos

Department of Health - Asbestos in and around the home

Department of Health - Asbestos removal

The Department of Health has has guidance material on the following topics:

The national enHealth Council has published guidance for householders:

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 which is issued by WorkSafe WA. There are two types of licences - Class A and Class B.

  • Class A asbestos removal is the removal at a workplace of:
    • friable asbestos;
    • asbestos contaminated dust that is associated with friable asbestos.

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 when dry.
A Class A asbestos removal licence also allows a worker to remove non-friable asbestos. 

  • Class B asbestos removal is the removal at a workplace of:
    • more than 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos;
    • asbestos containing dust associated with the removal of more than 10 square meters of non-friable asbestos containing material.

Non-friable asbestos (or bonded asbestos) contains material such as cement or rubber, which stabilises the product and give it a non-friable structure. 

For more information on asbestos and licencing visit:

DMIRS - Asbestos: Frequently asked questions,

To find a licence holder please visit:

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 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 attracts a fee.

  • A maximum of 165kg can be dropped off for free. This quantity of asbestos is in line with the commercial guidelines for safe disposal without a licence, as set by the Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.
  • For Asbestos loads over 165kg, the first 165kg will be free and the additional kg will be charged at the normal asbestos rate.
  • Householders may make multiple visits to a maximum of five (5) after which Mindarie Regional Council (MRC) reserve the right to refuse entry and/or charge.
  • MRC staff are unable to unload your asbestos, please ensure you have someone with you to help off-load your asbestos.

  • Minimum asbestos disposal conditions are as follows:

    • The asbestos containing material is wrapped in heavy duty (200 micron) builder’s plastic and sealed with strong duct tape (available at Bunnings and other major hardware stores)
    • It has been securely wrapped and taped in such a manner as to prevent the release of asbestos fibres both during transport and disposal
    • Is clearly labelled ‘Caution Asbestos’ on the outside of the packaging. Click here for a printable 'Caution Asbestos' label.

For further information visit:

Tamala Park - Free asbestos disposal

Relevant links

City of Vincent - Household Hazardous Waste

Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency

More Information

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

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