Asbestos

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring material that was widely used in building materials up to 1987. It is commonly found in materials such as:

  • Roofing, shingles and siding;
  • Fencing;
  • Exterior/interior wall cladding;
  • Backing material on floor tiles and vinyl flooring;
  • Textured paints; and
  • Water or flue pipes.

When such materials are left undisturbed they are relatively harmless. However if the material is damaged or disturbed it may release fibres into the air which can be dangerous to your health.

How do I know if a material contains asbestos?

Generally, a person cannot determine whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. Careful visual examination and the use of a microscope is the only way to verify the presence of asbestos. Look in the Yellow Pages under 'analysts' for a NATA accredited laboratory that can confirm the presence of asbestos in a product.

If in doubt, and the material is installed prior to 1988, treat the suspect material as though it does contain asbestos.

What are the health effects of asbestos exposure?

In its raw form, asbestos is well known to cause health effects in humans. Exposure to asbestos fibres can cause the following diseases: asbestosis, pleural plaque, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

The risk of developing an asbestos related disease depends on the total number of fibres inhaled. To date, the majority of people who have developed asbestos related diseases have been exposed to relatively large numbers of fibres, as a result of contact with the material in their occupation over a long period.

Generally, undisturbed asbestos cement products do not pose a health risk, as the fibres are bound together in a solid cement matrix.

Disposal of asbestos

Asbestos can be legally and safely disposed of in the designated area within the Nannup Waste Management Facility. Please contact the Shire office on 9756 1018 before attending the facility to confirm that the designated area is available.

Please refer to the Shire's fees and charges for disposal costs.

DISPOSAL PROCEDURES FOR ALL ASBESTOS MATERIAL AND MATERIAL SUSPECTED OF CONTAINING ASBESTOS

  1. Separate asbestos-containing material from other material for disposal.
  2. Wrap asbestos-containing products in heavy duty plastic so fibres are not released when being transported or handled.  Double-wrap to ensure it is properly sealed.
  3. Label the package with the words “CAUTION ASBESTOS” in letters at least 50mm high.
  4. Inform the gate attendant of the presence of asbestos and follow instructions of where to unload it.

Loads not complying with the above procedures will be rejected at the discretion of the operator.

DUTY TO ALERT OTHERS

If you take asbestos-containing material to a disposal site you MUST inform the person who operates the facility that the material is, or contains, asbestos.

PENALTIES FOR NON-COMPLIANCE

Penalties exist if an offence, such as illegal disposal of waste, is committed under the Environmental Protection Act 1986 or the Litter Act 1979.

More Information

To find out more about asbestos in the home, workplace or environment, please visit the Australian Government's Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.