Asbestos can be managed safely.
Before asbestos was banned in Australia, it was used in over 3000 products. Any structures built before 1990 – homes, garages, chook sheds, kennels – are likely to contain asbestos in building materials, electrics or insulation. Asbestos is also found in older vehicles and machinery.
Are you starting a renovation, doing repairs or just redecorating in a home built before 1990? It’s important to know the asbestos risks. Use our Asbestos Checker or get a professional to help you identify materials before you disturb suspected asbestos.
Sealed asbestos-containing materials in good condition are low risk. Damaged asbestos can release asbestos fibres into the air and is high risk. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious health conditions like lung cancer and mesothelioma.
Protect everyone around you with a safety first approach, from planning to clean-up and decontamination.
Millions of Australian homes built or renovated between 1940-1990 contain asbestos. Older homes with asbestos-containing materials are low risk if they’re in good condition. They are higher risk if damaged. If you’re ready to renovate, find out more about safety in the home.
If you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is. Understand your responsibilities and learn how to protect your workmates and yourself by working safely.
PPE creates a physical barrier between you and dangerous asbestos fibres. To reduce your risk of asbestos contamination, choose the right protective gear and wear it correctly.
As a rental property owner or tenant, you’re responsible for your own safety in the property. This includes taking precautions to minimise exposure to asbestos. If you think you have asbestos in your rental property, find out your rights and who to contact.
As a rental property owner, other responsibilities including advising your tenants that your property is on the NSW Loose Fill Asbestos Register.
If you work in trades, landscaping, or mechanical services, it’s likely you’ll come across asbestos. Before 1990, asbestos was used to make over 3000 products used in building materials, and in some machine parts. Find out how you can stay safe in your industry.
Commercial sites and non-residential buildings constructed before 1990 will contain asbestos. These buildings may contain asbestos if they were constructed between 1990 and 2004. It isn’t just the big jobs that can disturb asbestos; maintenance or even drilling to hang a picture can expose asbestos. If you own property, you are responsible for the safety of workers, tenants and visitors.
Asbestos can be found in cars, trucks, tractors and boats. If you work on or around older vehicles, you'll probably find asbestos.
