It's National Asbestos Awareness Week

25 November 2024

Asbestos is found in 1 in 3 homes across Australia.
If you're renovating a home built before 1990, it may contain asbestos. Asbestos is dangerous when damaged, disturbed or deteriorating so you shouldn't remove it yourself. Three times more people die from asbestos related diseases annually than on our roads. If you're working on a property discuss with your client a plan to protect your health, avoid delays and cost blow outs, if asbestos is found.

Before you begin a renovation, please follow these three simple steps.

  1. Think ahead: Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world, including cancer. So, if the home you are working on was built before 1990, remember that asbestos might be found. It was used in over 3000 building products.
  2. Plan ahead: Asbestos is dangerous when disturbed, so you shouldn’t remove asbestos yourself. Making a contingency plan in case asbestos is found will avoid delays and cost blow outs.
  3. Get a licensed asbestos professional: They will provide advice on how to protect everyone’s health and help you proceed safely.
For more information on asbestos safety, visit asbestos.nsw.gov.au​