ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral fibrous silicate that is naturally occurring in some rocks and is
mined. The fibre has historically been very useful in manufacturing and used in many
building products, industrial applications, and may even be in your home.
Asbestos fibres are used to strengthen
materials such as cement sheeting. The
fibres are also used in other products as
they are good electrical insulators, heat
insulators, and withstand strong acids
and alkalis.
Asbestos and how it can effect your
health
Asbestos fibres are formed in fibre
bundles where each fibre can further
split into hundreds of microscopic fibres when they are disturbed, moved, or
manipulated. The fibres are a problem for the human respiratory system as they are
small and reach deep within the lungs. The fibres are jagged and sharp, and create
scar tissue within the lungs which reduces their efficiency (asbestosis). The fibres
cause a range of respiratory problems, and are also a known carcinogen. The fibres
are also many times more carcinogenic for cigarette smokers, than non-smokers.
The New South Wales Department of Health states that small quantities of asbestos
fibres are present in the air at all times, and are being inhaled by everyone, seemingly
without any ill effects. Where larger quantities of fibres are being inhaled on a daily
basis, asbestos-related diseases and health conditions may develop. However, onset
of asbestos-related respiratory symptoms generally occur 25-40 years later than when
the fibres were first inhaled.
As asbestos fibre clusters are a fraction of the size of a human hair, the individual
fibres become airborne very easily. Asbestos fibres within a home environment
become a problem when they are agitated daily by general movements throughout the
house, and they remain airborne for extended periods where they are inhaled. An
example of this could be where fibres were introduced to a carpet within a dwelling.
The fibres are disturbed, inhaled, and allowed to settle.
Asbestos at home
Fibro, or Fibrous Cement Sheeting is the most common use of asbestos fibres in the
urban environment. Fibro can contain asbestos fibres if it is made before 1986, and
especially if the material has been removed from eaves or bathroom walls. Some fibro
before 1986, and modern fibro may contain other fibres, such as cellulose fibres which
are not hazardous to health, and are not ACMs (Asbestos Containing Materials). The
difference in appearance is generally not detectable with the naked eye.
Bonded ACMs are not dangerous unless the material is drilled, chipped, cut, cracked,
or worn. This damages the bonding and allows the asbestos fibres to be exposed and
released. Problems with asbestos inside dwellings have become more popular with
the high frequency of do-it-yourself renovations (DIY). This is largely due to
inexperienced people not being aware of the hazards, or with the variety of ACMs.
Asbestos containing materials (ACMs) can include the common items in the table
overleaf.
Asbestos Containing Materials include the following:
Commonly Used
(NOTE: that not all of these products listed will contain
asbestos).
Fibrous Cement sheeting. Corrugated or flat profile.
Eaves and wet area use.
Up to 1986.
Fibro wall mouldings such as cornices, skirting boards,
beading. Usually used in conjunction with fibro sheeting.
Typical in 1950s to 1960s
Fibre-board and Fibro used in wet areas such as bathrooms.
Up to 1986.
Flexible building boards such as Villaboard, or Hardiflex.
Generally 1950s to 1980s
Acoustic perforated or “popcorn” ceilings.
Fire proofing, lagging, fire retardant coatings, water heater
insulation.
Acoustic textured ceiling treatments.
Builders, or contact adhesives used for flooring and general.
Fire blankets.
Fire doors.
Electrical switchboards and fuse mounting plates found in
residential electrical installations.
Up to mid 2000s.
Ceiling cavity “loose fibre” insulation.
Used as late as 1970s
Fire bricks for fireboxes in combustion ovens and heaters.
Wood oven rope door seal. Chimney rope seal.
Fireplace/ firebox/ furnace cement.
Guttering, down-pipes and drainage mouldings.
Irrigation and pressure pipes. Found in rural locations and
for water mains.
Flu pipes for wood heaters and ovens.
Common in 1940-1970
Typical in 1940s to 1970s
Cement roof shingle products (more common overseas).
Linoleum tiles (Lino), Lino sheets, and Lino adhesive.
Typical in 1950s and 1960s
Faux wall tile sheets. Faux marble tiles. Faux brick cladding.
Typical in 1950s and 1960s
Noise insulation for engine rooms, railway carriages, trams,
coaches.
A variety of 1950/60s products including tea towels, oven
mitts, ironing boards, ash trays, coasters, snow decorations,
electrical wiring, insulation and sheathing, asbestos paper
for transformers and electrical items. Care is required when
handling and disposing of all items from this era.
Automotive brake and clutch linings, and some older
mechanical gaskets. (Caution is required in areas where
vehicles were serviced.)
Brakes and clutches included
asbestos up until 1990s
Some ACMs are safe in situ, and others have fibres exposed which may cause
problems for health. With respect to the safety of ACMs, there are two types, bonded
(tightly bound) asbestos and loosely bound (friable) asbestos which are commonly
found in the community as shown in the table below:
BONDED ACMs
FRIABLE ACMs
Not dangerous to health unless they are
damaged.
Hazardous and
dangerous fibres.
The dangerous asbestos fibres are
completely contained within a bonded matrix
of cement and/or resin.
Impact damaged, split, and cracked
“bonded” ACMs that have been broken into
smaller pieces.
Cannot be crumbled or pulverised by hand
when dry.
Weather damaged “bonded” ACMs such as
corrugated
roof
profile
should
be
considered “Friable”. See picture above.
Fibro sheeting including corrugated roof
sheeting commences its life as “Bonded”.
Fibro and fibro mouldings that have an entire
surface covering.
ready
to
release
ACMs that appear as though they are
crumbling, and easy to crush with the
hands.
Any ACM that is damaged by fire, or water
blasted.
Disturbed flooring adhesives e.g. where lino
has been removed.
Lagging or insulation in any condition.
Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors
Since 1 January 2008, a bonded asbestos licence is required in NSW to remove more
than 10m2 of bonded asbestos material. However, City of Sydney recommends that
any removal be done by a licensed asbestos removalist. Any quantity of friable
asbestos, such as weather-damaged roof sheeting, is required to be removed by a
licensed asbestos removalist. Friable asbestos must also be transported by a licensed
contractor.
Licensing for asbestos removalists is regulated and administered by
WorkCover NSW. The two types of asbestos licences are designated as AS1
and AS2 licences.
 AS1 licences the operator to carry out work with friable and bonded
asbestos.

AS2 licences the operator to carry out work with bonded asbestos only.
A licence application to remove asbestos or carry out demolition work must be
obtained from WorkCover and the details can be downloaded from the WorkCover
NSW web site. A small quantity (less than 10 square Metres) of bonded ACMs such
as undamaged fibro sheets may be removed by a DIY home handyman.
Asbestos end of life.
Since 2003 there has been a prohibition on the use of ACMs in Australia. The
prohibition does not extend to materials already in situ before this date.
ACMs such as roof or wall sheeting cannot be removed and then re-used or recycled.
All ACMs must be transported and disposed of in accordance with the NSW
Environment Protection Authority (EPA), and the Protection of the Environment
Operations Act 1997 and associated waste regulations.
ACMs, and some products that appear to be ACMs may not be disposed of at a
regular domestic waste management facility. You should check with the waste
authority on where it can be disposed. See web links below.
You don’t need a license to transport small quantities of bonded asbestos waste.
However;

you must ensure that the ACMs are not damaged and subsequently will be
considered friable waste; and,

ensure the waste has been wetted and double wrapped in builders plastic; and,

ensure the waste facility is able to take the waste. You may need to make a
booking; and,

ensure that no residuals from the waste are left within your environment, in your
vehicle, or in your home. These could later be transferred to your living areas.
It is an offence under the Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997 to
smash, crush, or handle ACMs in an environmentally unsatisfactory manner. This
includes throwing or rough handling of fibro sheets.
Further advice on asbestos and DIY
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/documents/policies/AsbestosPolicy.pdf
City of Sydney Asbestos Policy, June 2006.
www.nsw.gov.au/fibro The NSW government’s fibro website is a great place to start.
www.asbestosawareness.com.au Asbestos awareness website has a good gallery.
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/waste/asbestos/index.htm This webpage contains
a brochure for safe removal and disposal, and a guide on landfill locations that accept
asbestos waste.
www.workcover.nsw.gov.au At this webpage, search for asbestos and there will be
a range of information available including Working With Asbestos: Guide (2008), a
highly detailed manual.
ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Q: How can I tell if my home has ACMs in it?
A: The only way to tell if your home has asbestos products used in it is to have a
sample of each material tested by a NATA certified laboratory. It is recommended that
you seek the advice of a professional asbestos removalist or occupational hygienist
regarding this. Testing can be expensive where there is evidence of a wide variety of
materials used. It may be easier and more economical to assume all the waste is
ACMs, and have it removed by a licensed person.
However, if the material is a corrugated profile fibro roof sheet installed before 1986, it
is almost certainly an ACM.
If the material is a fibro sheet, and has golf ball-like dimples on it, it is made in an era
where it is highly likely to be an ACM.
If the material is used for a fence, it is almost certainly an ACM.
If the material was installed before 1986, and was used as an eave, or for a wet-area
such as a bathroom, it is highly likely to be an ACM.
Q: My home has been constructed using ACMs. What should I do?
A: Don’t worry. There are a large number of houses that contain ACMs; Not just fibro
houses.
Bonded asbestos is not a problem for health unless the material is cracked, broken,
drilled, chipped, worn, or weather-damaged. In this case the fibres may escape the
material where they are at risk of being inhaled.
Where ACMs have been drilled, cut, or renovated, it is useful to consider the age of
the carpet which may contain asbestos fibres.
Regular inspections of ACMs in the house can be undertaken to ensure that the
material remains in a good condition. Protection can be provided in areas where
ACMs may be subject to impact like in a carport, or workshop. Individual sheets near
entrances may be come cracked due to door contact, or general movements.
Q: I have a small quantity of ACM to dispose of. How should I do this?
A: It is not lawful to place bonded fibro or ACMs into your domestic waste bin, or in
skip bins that have been acquired for general waste. The waste should be forwarded
to specific asbestos facilities.
If the waste is friable asbestos, you are not permitted to remove the material by law. A
contractor will be necessary, and you are recommended to request advice on the
areas where that waste has been stored as asbestos fibres may be transferred into
your home environment.
The EPA/ Environment web site above should be consulted for detailed advice and
waste facility locations. Generally, the waste should be wetted down prior to removal.
The waste should be bagged, or double wrapped in thick builder’s plastic sheets.
Think twice before placing the waste in your car or van.