If you do decide to undertake home renovations where asbestos is present, we have some practical guidance you should review before doing any work.
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Know where asbestos-containing products could be in your home. If in doubt, get products tested, or, alternatively assume asbestos is present and take the necessary precautions, as outlined below.
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Maintain asbestos-containing products in good condition, such as through use of paint or other surface finishes, enclosures and capping.
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Friable asbestos should only be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Replace damaged or dismantled asbestos cement materials with asbestos-free products. If in doubt, use a professional licensed asbestos removalist to do any removal work.
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Plan ahead to prevent disturbing and releasing asbestos fibres, particularly when renovating or demolishing a structure that might contain asbestos (such as a house, garage or shed), or if you need to drill, sand, paint, or saw through any asbestos.
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Get advice from your local government environmental health officer on safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing products, and on the use of appropriate protective equipment.
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Engage a licensed asbestos removalist when undertaking home renovations or demolitions where asbestos may be present. Consider checking their procedures and quality of clean-up.
Reviewed 22 November 2021