09/05/2023

Long weekends are a great chance for a quick getaway or to get stuck in to that long-overdue home improvement task.

For those using this Easter long weekend to tackle a DIY project at home, be aware of the deadly danger posed by asbestos still present in thousands of South Australian homes.

Asbestos materials can be disturbed very easily when doing home renovations. Even something as simple as drilling a hole in the wall to hang a picture could release asbestos containing materials.

All home renovators and DIY enthusiasts should be asbestos aware before starting any work around the house.

Asbestos-related diseases cause about 4,000 deaths a year in Australia. Like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal – or renovations that might disturb asbestos – are jobs best left to the experts.

Here are some important questions to think about before doing any home renovations.

When was asbestos used in building materials?

If your house was built or renovated before the mid-1980s, it is likely to contain some form of asbestos.

As a general rule, if your home was built or renovated:

  • before the mid-1980s - it is highly likely that it has asbestos-containing products
  • between the mid-1980s and 1990 - it is likely that it has asbestos-containing products
  • after 1990 - it is unlikely that it has asbestos-containing products.

Use the find and identify tool and the residential asbestos checklist to help identify where asbestos might be present.

Leave asbestos removal to the experts

While home renovators do not need a licence to remove asbestos-containing material by law, it is a dangerous task best completed by a professional.

Due to the risk of exposure during removal, it is recommended that homeowners engage a licensed asbestos removalist who will have the proper training and equipment to safely remove the asbestos.

Where in the home is asbestos found?

If you are thinking of undertaking any repairs, renovation or demolition work in your home (built or renovated prior to the late 1980s), please take some time to familiarise yourself with the types of products that may contain asbestos and where to find them.

Outside, asbestos materials can be found in:

  • roof
  • eaves
  • electrical box
  • old fence
  • shed
  • outbuilding.

Inside, asbestos materials are commonly found in:

  • bathroom
  • laundry
  • kitchen
  • under floor (especially linoleum or tiles).

What can you do to stay safe?

  1. Know where it is. If in doubt, get the material tested or assume it is asbestos.
  2. Do not disturb or damage any material containing asbestos. If it is in good condition, leave it alone.
  3. If you decide to undertake asbestos removal work yourself, follow safe work procedures and safety precautions to minimise risk to your health or the health of your family and neighbours.
  4. Wear an approved respirator and disposable PPE including gloves and coveralls.
  5. Do not saw, sand, scrape or drill holes in asbestos materials.
  6. Replace it if damaged. If broken, weathered or damaged, fibres can be released risking your health.
  7. If you are removing friable asbestos you must use a licensed asbestos removalist. It is also recommended that you use a licensed asbestos removalist if disturbing a large quantity of non-friable asbestos.
  8. Seek professional help to remove it. It could cost less than you think.

Dispose of asbestos safely

If you suspect that an item contains asbestos, do not dump it in the rubbish bin or dispose of it during council ‘hard rubbish’ collections.

Not only is it illegal to dump asbestos waste in rubbish bins, but asbestos causes cancer and if not disposed of properly, it puts workers and the community’s health at risk.

More information on asbestos

Information on asbestos can be found on the South Australian Government asbestos website www.asbestos.sa.gov.au which provides practical information about asbestos, how to identify it, and how to have it safely removed.