RESIDENTS are encouraged to learn more about the dangers of asbestos in and around homes during Asbestos Awareness Month throughout November.
A City of Wanneroo statement encouraged people, particularly homeowners, renovators, tradespeople and handymen to learn how to protect themselves from exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres in the lead up to Asbestos Awareness Day on November 23.
“Many wrongly believe that only fibro homes contain asbestos,” it said.
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READ NOW“Asbestos products can most likely be found in any Australian home built or renovated before 1987 even brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes.
“Most people can’t tell whether building materials contain asbestos just by looking at them.
“Asbestos can be under floor coverings such as carpets, linoleum and vinyl tiles, behind wall and floor tiles, in cement floors, internal and external walls, ceilings and ceiling space (insulation), eaves, garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, outdoor toilets and backyard sheds.”
The City’s assets director Harminder Singh said the City maintained a register of sites that were known to contain asbestos.
“If building or demolition works at any of those sites is needed, the City contracts a WorkSafe licensed removalist,” he said.
“If building or maintenance works are to be carried out on sites where the risk of asbestos is not clear, the City will always assume that the site contains asbestos and contact a licensed removalist.”
Before renovating, visit www.asbestosawareness.com.au .
People can also host a ‘Blue Lamington Drive’ to raise awareness of asbestos in homes and raise funds for asbestos diseases research and support visit www.bluelamington.com.