Asbestos was common in vehicle and boat parts because it can withstand heat under high pressure and friction.
Asbestos can be found in vehicles and boats built before 2003. Even some new vehicles, boats and parts imported from overseas can contain asbestos.
There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. Anyone who works on or around older cars, trucks, boats, trains, ferries and other vehicles can be exposed to asbestos when replacing parts, sanding or cleaning out fine dust.
Vehicles made in Australia or imported before 2003 may contain asbestos. This includes:
cars and trucks
motorbikes and quad bikes
buses
ferries
houseboats
sailing boats
jet skis
farm and agricultural equipment
heavy equipment like front-end loaders and excavators.
Not all countries have banned asbestos. Vehicles or parts imported from overseas after 2003 may still contain asbestos.
It is illegal to bring products containing asbestos into Australia. If you are buying parts from an international supplier, it is your responsibility to check they do not contain asbestos.
If you work on or around vehicles and machinery, you may be exposed to asbestos in:
brake pads and linings
gaskets
clutch plates and housings
wheel rims
mufflers
heat seals
insulation and sound-proofing
seat bases.
Asbestos in good condition is low risk. If it’s disturbed or damaged through wear or machining, it becomes dangerous.
You can’t tell if a part or material contains asbestos just by looking at it. Even with labels or service records, if you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is. A licensed assessor can take a sample from the part and have it tested at a licensed laboratory.
Strict guidelines apply to identifying, removing, decontaminating and disposing of asbestos. You must follow all NSW work health and safety (WHS) laws and the Asbestos Removal Code of Practice.
If you’re working on a vehicle made before 2003, do not:
use power tools
use abrasive cutting or sanding discs
sweep up waste with a broom
use a compressed air high-pressure water hose.
If you think you’ve found asbestos in a vehicle of any age, stop work. Cover the suspected asbestos area and get help to identify, remove and dispose of it safely.
If you’re restoring a vintage or classic car, you must follow NSW guidelines and laws. This includes:
Doing a safety plan before starting work
wearing PPE rated for asbestos removal
covering the work area in plastic drop sheets with a thickness of at least 200 microns (buy where you get your PPE)
checking no electrical products or exposed wiring are in the work area
wetting the asbestos material to reduce dust using a gentle spray of water
cutting down who is on site
decontaminating yourself, the work area and equipment.
