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Managing asbestos

As a householder, if you do make the decision to undertake home renovations where asbestos is, or may be, present, here are some points to be aware of.

  1. Locate and record asbestos
    Know where asbestos-containing products could be in your home. If in doubt, get products tested, or for safety’s sake, assume it is asbestos and take the necessary precautions
  2. Ensure that asbestos is in good condition
    Maintain asbestos-containing products in good condition, such as through use of paint or other surface finishes, enclosures and capping.
  3. Replace damaged or friable asbestos
    Ensure all friable asbestos is removed only by a licensed asbestos removalist. Replace asbestos cement materials if they are damaged or are being temporarily dismantled for any reason. If in doubt, used a professional licensed asbestos removalist to do any removal work.
  4. Plan ahead



    Plan ahead to prevent disturbing and releasing asbestos fibres, particularly when renovating or demolishing a structure that might contain asbestos (such as a house, garage or shed), or if you need to drill, sand, paint, or saw through any asbestos.
  5. Get the right advice


    Get advice from your local government environmental health officer on safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing products, and on the use of appropriate protective equipment. 
  6. Use a licensed asbestos removalist
    Engage a licensed asbestos removalist when undertaking major home renovations or demolitions where asbestos may be present. Consider checking their procedures and quality of clean-up.

If you do decide to undertake home renovations where asbestos is present, we have some practical advice you should review before doing any work.