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Asbestos dust and fibres are known to be highly hazardous when inhaled, and can be released into the air when products containing asbestos are incorrectly handled, removed or transported for disposal.
- ‘Non-friable asbestos is the most common form, usually found as cement sheeting (either flat or corrugated), vinyl floor tiles, water or flue pipes, or other asbestos-bonded products produced before 1980. If left undisturbed, non-friable asbestos presents no known health risks.
- Friable asbestos was used in pipe lagging, insulation and asbestos-backed vinyl floor tiles. This type of asbestos presents significant health risks if disturbed.
Asbestos roofing and rainwater
SA Health advises that it is perfectly safe to drink rainwater off an asbestos roof. For more information, please see Asbestos Guideline or contact the department on (08) 8226 7100.
Asbestos transportation and disposal
A licensed waste transporter can supply a plastic-lined skip/bin for disposing of asbestos. When the job is complete the plastic needs to be pulled over the top and sealed with duct tape or similar.
Waste transporters can be located under 'Asbestos removal and/or treatment' in the Yellow Pages.
Metropolitan residents can dispose of asbestos at specific transfer stations or waste depots. It is recommended that you contact your local transfer station or waste depot for advice on disposal requirements.
Asbestos can be taken to landfills but it must be wrapped in manageable-sized packages in thick (200-micron) plastic, and taped at the seams. Large hardware stores or building suppliers should sell this type of plastic.
Asbestos removal
Asbestos can be removed from residential properties but there are health and safety risks associated. For further information about engaging asbestos removalists, please contact SafeWork SA on 1300 365 255.
Non-friable asbestos
A licence from SafeWork SA is required if a contractor is engaged to remove 10 m2 or more of non-friable asbestos.
A licence is not required for less than 10 metres2 of non-friable asbestos, but the work has to be undertaken in accordance with the Code of Practice for Safe Removal of Asbestos (from Safe Work Australia), and the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations 2010.
Friable asbestos
A licence from SafeWork SA is required if a contractor is engaged to remove 0.5 m2 or more of friable asbestos.
For more information, see SafeWork SA.
Further information
Last modified: 27/03/2013 10:43 am
