Residents within the City may need to remove or handle asbestos. Asbestos was commonly manufactured in WA from 1921 to 1987 although most uses ceased in May 1984. It is commonly found in: roofing, exterior wall cladding, fencing, thermal boards around fireplaces, water or flue pipes and insulation on hot water pipes.

Generally, a person cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Careful examination with a microscope is required. If in doubt, treat suspect material as though it does contain asbestos. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause: Asbestosis, Pleural Plaque, Lung Cancer or Mesothelioma. The risk depends on the number of fibres inhaled.

Asbestos Cement Products

Undisturbed asbestos cement products do not pose a health risk as the fibres are bound together in a solid cement matrix. There is no need to remove or coat asbestos materials because of health concerns.

However, if the material is damaged or disturbed, fibres may be released into the air. The most significant hazard of handling asbestos is when power tools are used to cut, drill, sand, grind or saw asbestos products. The use of high-pressure water blasters to clean asbestos prior to painting can also release large numbers of fibres. Hand tools should be used or power tools that incorporate dust extraction equipment, dust suppression or dust extraction equipment attachments designed specifically for asbestos collection.

When removing asbestos products an asbestos removal contractor may be used. The contractor must comply with the requirements of the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and regulations. If you choose to remove the asbestos yourself, you are required to comply with the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992.

Please refer to the document Asbestos Cement Products in Your House for important information on safety and legal responsibilities of handling asbestos.

The document Safe Removal and Disposal of Asbestos Cement Building Products provides a list of frequently asked questions to assist with any additional queries relating to asbestos. The document also contains information about approved disposal sites and the costs of correctly disposing of asbestos.