Asbestos in Australian Homes

It’s estimated asbestos was used in more than 3000 common building materials. That means approximately 1 in 3 Australian homes contain asbestos.

It could be lurking in your walls, hot water services, roof sheeting and even in meter boxes.

We know exposure to asbestos fibres may cause diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Yet sadly, Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma in the world.

“This cancer has no cure, with almost 700-800 Australians diagnosed every year and predictions we’ll reach 18,000 cases by 2021.”

As a tradesperson, you are among the most at risk from asbestos exposure. We are raising vital awareness and educating Victorian tradespeople about the prevalence of asbestos and how to identify and remove it safely.

For further information and online tools, please visit: https://www.asbestos.vic.gov.au/

Are you a tradesperson or performing DIY?

You always need to check for asbestos before starting a job. Review the asbestos register and use the Find and Identify Tool on the asbestos.vic.gov.au website to help you.

Have you created an Asbestos register?

Anyone managing or controlling a Victorian workplace where asbestos material is present must identify it, create an asbestos register, and keep and distribute an asbestos register.

Are you an employer?

You need to ensure that you provide instructions, training and supervision so your employees can perform work in a way that’s safe and without risk to their health.

Where necessary, arrange for safe removal of asbestos.

Check out asbestos.vic.gov.au to find a licensed removalist in your area.

Think you know where asbestos is lurking? Attend WorkSafe free webinar to hear from a WorkSafe Inspector and Occupational Hygienist about asbestos removal in demolition and a recent prosecution case study.
Learn about how you and your workers can manage asbestos safely in demolition.

Asbestos Lurks in More Places Than You’d Think

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