You need to know about Asbestos health risks and safety requirements

• In Australia, a complete ban of asbestos and its products became effective in 2003.
• Most people can’t tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at them. Only scientific testing of a sample of material by an accredited National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) asbestos testing laboratory can confirm the presence of asbestos.

For a NATA Lab List call 1800 621 666 or refer to their website at www.nata.com.au. 

• When working in and around the home or renovating, if in doubt, assume you are dealing with asbestos and take every precaution.
• The safest way to manage the removal of asbestos is to hire a licenced asbestos removal contractor.
• Where asbestos fibres are friable (loose and not bonded into building materials), only licenced friable asbestos removalists are allowed to remove it.
• If you do need to work with any material that may contain asbestos, ensure you take all the necessary precautions to protect yourself and minimise the release of dust or small particles from the asbestos materials that may affect others including children.