The NSW Government has released an awareness campaign to remind DIY enthusiasts to plan, prepare and check for asbestos if they are renovating an old home.
Renovation works may disturb asbestos, particularly in houses and sheds built before 1990, and the tagline Asbestos lurks in more places than you think, reminds DIY renovators and tradies to check for asbestos before renovating or building.
Environment Minister Matt Kean said this long weekend provides an ideal opportunity to tackle a DIY project but only if it is done safely and carefully.
“You can’t always tell what products contain asbestos just by looking.’’ Mr Kean said today.
Even though it has been banned in Australia since 2003, at the height of its use asbestos was in over 3,000 products with many of these products still in homes and workplaces – especially those built before 1990.
“We want homeowners to make use of Government’s Asbestos Finder or arrange an assessment from a licensed asbestos assessor before starting a renovation to best protect your family, neighbours and the wider community. Checking before you start will keep you and your family safe.’’ Mr Kean said.
Everyday products that could contain asbestos include:
roofs, eaves, downpipes and insulation
interior walls (often with a non-asbestos covering on the outside)
kitchen splashbacks
under lino, some carpets and tiles (and the cement compounds used to fix tiles)
lagging around pipes, inside fuse boxes or as part of ventilation shafts
fences, garden sheds and small outdoor construction like chicken coops
bonded cement sheeting that make up walls, which can be disturbed when sanded in preparation for painting.
For more information, including steps to take if you find asbestos, visit the website.
