Calling all renovators - do you know if your home contains asbestos?

Published on 24 November 2017

Rockhampton Regional Council is proud to support this month’s public information campaign from Asbestos Awareness, to highlight the dangers surrounding asbestos containing material (ACM).

The campaign is targeted towards homeowners and tradies, to keep wary of potential exposure to asbestos fibres when carrying out renovations.   

Chair of Council’s Waste Committee Councillor Neil Fisher said it’s something all renovators should take seriously, particularly when it comes to homes built or renovated prior to the late 1980s.

“Today actually rounds up Asbestos Awareness Week, and while home renos are something positive and exciting, it’s so important to be aware of the risks involved with asbestos exposure and understand just how common it is to find ACM in Australian homes,” Cr Fisher said.

“The risk comes into play when it’s broken or disturbed. When this occurs, its fibres can be released and these fibres are very dangerous to human health when inhaled.

“There are specific ways to handle, remove and dispose of asbestos containing material to ensure the health of not just the renovator, but everybody – from when it’s first discovered, to when it’s taken to landfill,” Cr Fisher said.

A 20 Point Asbestos Safety Check, as well as further details on ACM can be found at www.asbestosawareness.com.au

Further information on how ACM should be disposed can also be found here or by phoning 1300 22 55 77.