Tradespeople and professionals involved in the maintenance, construction or renovation of buildings are likely to be exposed to asbestos at work.
Homes and commercial buildings built before 1990 may contain asbestos. There were over 3000 asbestos-containing products used before asbestos was banned in 2003.
It’s not just builders or electricians that may find asbestos. Many other trades need to be asbestos aware.
There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos. If you think it might be asbestos, treat it like it is.
Get trained about asbestos and make sure your workplace has the right procedures to keep you and others safe. See the SafeWork NSW website for Codes of Practice, advice and resources about safety and training.
Trades who may find asbestos on the work site include:
You may need to be aware of the risks of asbestos if you:
renovate or repair homes built and renovated before 1990
install kitchens
repair or renovate bathrooms
repair heating and air conditioning systems
interact with insulation
fix roofs and guttering
install solar panelling
disturb external cladding.
Asbestos materials are found in flooring, roofs, ceilings, and walls, as well as outside sheds, fences and gardens.
Always be alert to the potential presence of asbestos when handling waste.
While it is illegal to dump asbestos in rubbish bins and skip bins, it can still happen. If you disturb asbestos fibres while emptying a bin, this can put your health at risk.
If you’re digging in areas where old outhouses, garages, fences or chook sheds stood, you could dig up buried asbestos. It might also be buried under existing structures.
This is a risk for trades like telecommunications technicians and landscapers – or any trades that dig. Be asbestos aware when you are installing underground cables or digging trenches.
If you find buried asbestos, stop work immediately and call a licensed asbestos removalist.
If you work on imported vehicles, boats or old cars you may find asbestos when working on brakes and gaskets.
If you’re not sure if it’s asbestos, treat it like it is and call a licensed asbestos assessor.
Before working in older buildings, trades should complete asbestos awareness training. Asbestos awareness training is a requirement for anyone whose normal work involves a reasonable likelihood of disturbing or coming into contact with asbestos.
Training helps you:
understand the dangers of asbestos
know the right protective gear and precautions
recognise potential asbestos-containing materials
understand your rights and responsibilities about workplace safety and asbestos
learn safe asbestos handling and control procedures.
