Asbestos Removal

Asbestos Products

Asbestos is a minute mineral fibre which is known to cause severe health conditions when inhaled. The fibre was used in many products in the mid-19^th century until the 1990s. The most common sources of asbestos fibres within the Hawkesbury today are the following.

• Fibrous cement sheeting or “fibro”. Particularly fibro installed in homes between 1940 and 1980.
• Moulding and trim profiles used to join or terminate sheeting. Predominantly used on fibro houses and structures.
• Irrigation pipes used on farms and areas where these were installed and stored.
• Gutters and down-pipes. Predominantly used on fibro houses and structures.
• Corrugated roof sheeting. This is usually damaged by weather and can release fibres.
• Old linoleum flooring (lino). Some are still in use and others lie beneath old carpet.
• Glues used to fix lino. Bituminous coating used to apply to concrete. Commonly found on doorsteps.
• Insulative lagging used for heat insulation or pipes, flues, and heating or furnace apparatus, and fire proofing of buildings.
• Loose-fill roof insulation such as Mr Fluffy insulation. This is thought to be rare in our area.
• Legacy fibres from previous land uses. For example, automotive and locomotive brake linings and gaskets.

NOTE that most buildings in the area will contain asbestos products such as the sheeting used in kitchens and bathrooms of a house, eaves, and electrical switchboards.

Bonded asbestos containing materials are considered low risk if they are sealed, undisturbed and in good condition. They can however, pose a potential and serious health when disturbed, damaged or weathered. To avoid any potential health hazards, it is critical all asbestos containing material is properly handled, removed and disposed of.

All homeowners should seek accurate information and advice prior to commencing any home maintenance or renovation.