Which homes might have it
Asbestos was phased out of building products by 1990 and banned in Australia in 2003. If your home was built or renovated before 1990, the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency says it probably has some.
That doesn't mean it's dangerous. The Victorian Asbestos Hub says asbestos generally poses little risk to health as long as it's in good condition and isn't disturbed. The risk comes from cutting, drilling, sanding, breaking or water-blasting it, which is exactly what renovation and a lot of trade work does.
Where it's found
The national agency lists these places, inside and out. They're also where a lot of everyday trade work happens.
- Wall and ceiling sheeting, especially in wet areas: see bathroom tiling
- Tile backing, splashbacks and carpet underlay: see kitchen tiling
- Plaster patching compounds and textured paint: see plaster repairs
- Vinyl floor tiles and the backing under vinyl and linoleum
- Insulation in heaters, stoves, roof spaces and around hot water pipes
- Roof sheeting, ridge capping, gutters, downpipes, eaves and the lining under them: see roof leaks and gutters
- Electrical switchboards: see switchboard upgrades
- Wall cladding (including imitation brick), fences, carports, garages and sheds: see fences
Don't disturb it until you know
If you're not sure whether something contains asbestos, treat it as if it does. Don't use high-speed power tools to cut, grind, sand or drill it, and never clean it with a high-pressure water blaster or by scrubbing or sanding, which spreads the fibres.
The way to know is to have it assessed. The Victorian Asbestos Hub suggests asking a licensed asbestos removalist for advice; for an independent check, it points to occupational hygienists, who can be found through the Australian Institute of Occupational Hygienists.
Who can remove it
The national agency doesn't recommend that homeowners handle or remove asbestos themselves. In Victoria, the Asbestos Hub says removal is best done by a licensed asbestos removalist, and friable asbestos (the crumbly kind) should only ever be removed by one.
A tradesperson without a removal licence can only remove a small amount of non-friable asbestos (no more than 10 square metres in total, within strict time limits) and only if they meet the training and safety requirements. Licences come in two classes: Class A covers all types of asbestos, Class B only non-friable.
After licensed removal, ask how the area will be checked and cleared before it's used again. Waste may only go to a site licensed by EPA Victoria to accept it.
What to ask a tradie before work starts
- Has the material they'll be cutting or drilling been checked for asbestos?
- If it might contain asbestos, will they leave it, work around it, or arrange a licensed removalist?
- If they say they'll remove a small amount themselves, what training do they have, and how will they contain the dust and dispose of the waste?
- Is asbestos testing or removal in the quote, or excluded?
Renting?
Renters can ask the rental provider or agent about asbestos in the property before signing an agreement, though the Victorian Asbestos Hub notes the rental provider isn't required to have that information. If you think something has been damaged, tell the rental provider in writing and keep away from it.
Before work starts
- Built or renovated before 1990? Assume there may be asbestos
- No power tools or water blasting on suspect material
- Assessed or tested before work starts
- A licensed removalist for anything friable or over 10 square metres
- Waste taken to an EPA-licensed site
Planning the job? See find a tradie and how to check a tradie's licence, then describe your job, mentioning the home's age. Availability depends on real postings, and registration must be enabled to submit.
Official information and further reading
Regulatory requirements can change. Check the relevant Victorian authority before arranging regulated work.