New - Asbestos Contaminated Sites Information
Legislation
Frequently Asked Questions
Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in building materials up to 1987. It is commonly found in materials such as:
- Roofing, shingles and siding
- Fencing
- Exterior wall cladding
- Backing material on floor tiles and vinyl flooring
- Textured paints
- Water or flue pipes
When such materials are left undisturbed they are relatively harmless. However, if the material is damaged or disturbed it may release fibres into the air. Exposure to asbestos fibres may cause a number of diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer or pleural plaque.
1. How do I know if a material contains asbestos?
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. Look in the yellow pages under ‘analysts’ for a NATA accredited laboratory that can confirm the presence of asbestos in a product. If in doubt, and the material is installed prior to 1987, treat the suspect material as though it does contain asbestos.
2. What are the health effects caused by exposure to asbestos?
In its raw form, asbestos is well known to cause health effects in humans. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause the following diseases:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural Plaque
- Lung Cancer
- Mesothelioma
The risk of developing an asbestos related disease depends on the total number of fibres inhaled. To date, the majority of people who have developed asbestos related diseases have been exposed to relatively large numbers of fibres, as a result of contact with the material in their occupation.
3. What are the health effects caused by exposure to asbestos cement products?
Generally, undisturbed asbestos cement products do not pose a health risk, as the fibres are bound together in a solid cement matrix.
4. How do I remove and dispose of asbestos?
When working with asbestos materials you must comply with the
Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 (External link). Read the
Asbestos cement products in your house (PDF250KB) brochure for steps on how to safely remove asbestos material from your home. Key points to remember are:
- Wet the surface of asbestos material down before commencing removal.
- Do not use power tools on any asbestos material.
- Wear suitable personal protective clothing.
- Dispose of asbestos material at an approved landfill site.
5. Do I need to get approval before removing asbestos from my house?
Any building renovation work (involving removal of asbestos from your home) may require obtaining a building licence or in the case of removal of a building a demolition licence. Contact your local government health and building department for further advice.
Occupational Issues
Any issues with the management of asbestos in an occupational environment e.g. work place should be referred to the Department of Commerce (WorkSafe WA) on (08) 9327 8777 or the WorkSafe WA website .
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Last Updated: Thursday 12 March 2009
