Waverley Council
DRAFT
Asbestos Policy
2005
Handling and Disposal of Asbestos Waste
Effective:
Adopted:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WAVERLEY COUNCIL’S ASBESTOS POLICY _____________________________ 3
1.
Purpose of this Policy ___________________________________________________________ 3
2.
Introduction __________________________________________________________________ 3
3.
Health Risks __________________________________________________________________ 3
4.
What is Asbestos? ______________________________________________________________ 4
5.
Where will I find Asbestos? ______________________________________________________ 4
6.
Identifying Asbestos ____________________________________________________________ 5
7.
Who To Contact If You Suspect You Have Asbestos _________________________________ 6
8.
Assess Risks ___________________________________________________________________ 6
9.
Legislation ____________________________________________________________________ 6
10.
11.
Asbestos Work Requiring A Development Consent _______________________ 7
10.1
Hazardous Materials Assessment ______________________________________________ 7
10.2
Notification _______________________________________________________________ 7
10.3
Hours of Operation _________________________________________________________ 8
10.4
Inspection_________________________________________________________________ 8
10.5
Licensing _________________________________________________________________ 8
10.6
Signage __________________________________________________________________ 8
10.7
Removal __________________________________________________________________ 8
10.8
Australian Standards and Code of Practice _______________________________________ 8
10.9
Disposal __________________________________________________________________ 9
10.10
Council’s Duties ___________________________________________________________ 9
Asbestos Work Not Requiring A Development Consent __________________ 10
11.1
Hazardous Materials Assessment _____________________________________________ 10
11.2
Handling of Friable Asbestos ________________________________________________ 10
11.3
Handling of Bonded Asbestos (Cement and Fibro) ________________________________ 11
12. Protective Clothing ____________________________________________________________ 13
13. Respiratory Protection _________________________________________________________ 13
14. Frequently Asked Questions ____________________________________________________ 15
References _______________________________________________________________________ 16
Further information _______________________________________________________________ 16
APPENDIX A ____________________________________________________________________ 17
Waste Management Centres that accept Asbestos Wastes ________________________________ 17
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WAVERLEY COUNCIL’S ASBESTOS POLICY
1. Purpose of this Policy
Waverley Council’s Asbestos Policy provides controls for the handling of bonded asbestos and
friable asbestos where development consent is required. It also provides health and safety
guidelines for the handling of bonded asbestos that is less than 200 metres square in surface
area and does not require a licence.
2. Introduction
In the late 1940s, through to the 1960s, many Sydney cottages were built and clad with asbestos
cement (fibro). In keeping with the State Government’s urban consolidation policies, a growth in
medium and high-density residential development has occurred in the Waverley area resulting in
the demolition of the area’s fibro clad buildings. Only fibro products made before 1987 contain
asbestos. In NSW, the use of asbestos in fibro sheets was discontinued by 1982, in corrugated
sheets by 1984 and in all other products by 1986. Since the 31st December 2003 the use of all
forms of asbestos has been banned nationally.
Asbestos has been sprayed in buildings for noise-proofing and decorative purposes since the
1940s. By the late 1950s, it became standard practice for all large multi-storey buildings, and
many hospitals and schools, to have asbestos sprayed on their steel girders for fire-proofing. As a
result, many workers and children in schools can be at risk from exposure to asbestos insulation
in buildings.
Left undisturbed in buildings, asbestos cement products do not pose any significant health risk.
Hazards are involved with mishandling of asbestos products when disassembling structures
without taking the necessary precautions or safety practices. The most significant hazard of
handling asbestos is when power tools are used to cut, drill, sand, grind or saw asbestos cement
products.
3. Health Risks
Asbestos fibres are made up of many very fine fibrils, which can cause significant health risks
when inhaled. Handling asbestos products causes tiny asbestos fibres to become airborne,
where they can be inhaled and pass into the lungs. The most dangerous fibres are the smallest
ones which are invisible to the naked eye, but which penetrate the deepest part of the lungs.
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Asbestosis can be the result of inhalation of high concentrations of asbestos, a progressive
scarring of the lung tissue. Lung cancer and mesothelioma are the two main forms of cancer that
are associated with inhalation of asbestos fibres measuring between 3 – 8 micrometres in length.
Asbestos-related diseases have a delay or lag period usually of the order of 20 to 40 years
between first exposure to the dust and onset of symptoms and detection of the disease. Asbestos
disease can appear or progress even after a person is no longer exposed.
Studies show that these products, if left undisturbed, are not a significant health risk provided the
material is in reasonable condition. If the asbestos fibres remain firmly bound in a solid cement
matrix, generally you do not need to remove the fibro or even coat it. Health problems usually
occur when people are unaware of the hazards of working with fibro.
The important point is to always work so there’s minimal release of dust or small particles from
asbestos material. Use commonsense, follow safety guidelines and working with fibro products
should not be a problem.
4. What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is the generic term for a number of fibrous silicate minerals. There are two major groups
of asbestos. The serpentine group contains chrysotile, commonly known as white asbestos. The
amphibole group contains amosite (brown asbestos), crocidolite (blue asbestos), as well as some
other less common types, which are tremolite, actinolite, and anthophyllite.
5. Where will I find Asbestos?
The Asbestos Disease foundation of Australia says that one in
every three homes in Australia built before 1982 contains
asbestos.
Asbestos has been used very widely in Australia. It can be
found in homes, public buildings, factories, workshops and
schools. Some of the main uses include:

insulation material, such as pipe lagging;

asbestos-cement fibro products;

fire proofing; and

brake lining in vehicles.
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Under NSW legislation, material that contains asbestos is referred to as either friable or bonded.
Below are definitions of these two forms and some examples.
a) Friable asbestos material
Friable asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos and is in the form of a powder or
can be crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry.
Friable asbestos includes, but is not limited to:

Sprayed limpet;

Millboard;

Pipe and boiler lagging;

Severely damaged or weathered bonded asbestos that is crumbling may be friable
Only licensed asbestos removal contractors can remove friable asbestos.
b) Bonded asbestos material
Bonded asbestos material is any material that contains asbestos in a bonded matrix. It may
consist of Portland cement or various resin/binders and cannot be crushed by hand when dry. A
large number of products made from asbestos cement are still found in Australian buildings.
Bonded asbestos products include, but are not limited to:

Flat or corrugated compressed asbestos-cement sheeting (fibro);

Fibro pipes - water, drainage and flue;

Roofing shingles;

Floor tiles;

Flexible building boards (eg, Villaboard, Hardiflex, Wundaboard, Flexiboard);

electrical metering boards.
6. Identifying Asbestos
To be certain, careful visual inspection and microscopic examination by experienced people is the
best way of confirming whether fibrous materials contain asbestos. If you are not experienced
with asbestos it is very hard to identify. One of the signs to look for is on the rear of fibro sheeting
that contains asbestos you will see an indentation pattern, which resembles the markings on a
golf ball. It is highly recommended that any substance suspected to be asbestos be sent to a
laboratory to be inspected.
The OHS Regulation requires controllers of premises “to identify any foreseeable hazard arising
from the premises that has the potential to harm the health or safety of any person accessing,
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using or eggressing from the premises”. This duty, under Clause 34, specifically extends to the
identification of hazards associated with, “ the presence of asbestos containing materials”.
7. Who To Contact If You Suspect You Have Asbestos
If you believe your property to contain asbestos and you require it to be identified, or you want it
removed safely, look in the Yellow Pages under “Asbestos Removal and Treatment”.
8. Assess Risks
Where asbestos is identified in the workplace the controller of the premises must then assess the
risk to health and safety of any person. This will include risks to tenants, employees, contractors,
neighbours and visitors to the workplace. The risk assessment will consider a range of factors
such as nature, age, layout and condition of asbestos materials. The nature of work and likely
disturbance of asbestos materials should also be determined. The risk assessment must identify
the actions necessary to eliminate or control the identified risks and should be regularly reviewed
to ensure the control measures and risks are valid.
9. Legislation
The main legislation regarding the handling of asbestos is the Health (Asbestos) Regulations
1992 and the National Occupational Health & Safety Commission’s Asbestos: Code of Practice
2000 (1988). At the time of writing this Policy, the Code of Practice was under review. The review
may alter the quantity of asbestos which can be removed with out an asbestos license. If you
intend to work with or remove asbestos you must familiarise yourself with the latest version of this
Code.
Disposal of asbestos is regulated through the Environmental Protection (Controlled Waste)
Regulations 2001. All commercial companies, which transport and dispose of asbestos products,
are required to be licensed by the Department of Environment and Conservation.
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10. Asbestos Work Requiring A Development Consent
The following conditions apply to Demolitions, Alterations and Additions, which require
development consent and involve the handling and/or removal of asbestos.
10.1
Hazardous Materials Assessment
Prior to the demolition, renovation work or alterations and additions to any building constructed
before 1987, Council requires the preparation of a Hazardous Material Assessment by a suitably
qualified consultant. The Hazardous Material Assessment will assist Council to compile a register
of properties containing hazardous materials in the Local Government Area. The prepared
Hazardous Material Assessment must:
(a) outline the identification of any hazardous materials, including surfaces coated with lead
paint;
(b) state whether no asbestos products are present ;
(c) particularise a method of management or safe disposal of the asbestos products in
accordance with the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos NOHSC 2002
(1998);
(d) describe the method of demolition;
(e) describe the precautions to be employed to minimise any dust nuisance; and
(f) describe the disposal methods for hazardous materials.
Following completion of works, the Hazardous Material Assessment must be submitted to Council
for registration on the property file.
10.2
Notification
Five (5) working days (ie Monday to Friday with the exclusion of Public Holidays) notice in writing
is to be given to Waverley Council for inspection prior to the commencement of any works. Such
written notice is to include the date when the work will commence and details of the name,
address, business hours contact telephone number and licence number of the company
responsible for the works.
Persons undertaking demolition work should obtain the relevant
licence from WorkCover.
The developer is to notify adjoining residents five (5) working days prior to work commencing.
Such notification is to be a clearly written, giving the date work will commence, WorkCover NSW
phone number - 13 10 50, Council’s phone number - 9369 8000 and a copy of this Policy. This
notification is to be placed in the letterbox of every premises (including every residential flat or
unit) either side and immediately at the rear of the site.
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10.3
Hours of Operation
Demolition works are restricted to Monday to Friday between the hours of 7:00am to 5:00pm. No
demolition works are to be undertaken on Saturdays, Sundays or Public Holidays.
10.4
Inspection
Work is not to commence until the Principal Certifying Authority (PCA) has inspected the site.
Approval to commence work will not be given until the PCA is satisfied that appropriate measures
for handling asbestos are in place. These measures must comply with this Policy and The Code
of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos (National Occupational Health and Safety
Committee 2002 [1988]).
10.5
Licensing
Works involving the removal and disposal of asbestos cement of more than 200 square metres,
must only be undertaken by contractors who hold a current WorkCover “Demolition Licence” AND
a current WorkCover “Class 2 (Restricted) Asbestos Licence”.
NOTE: It is illegal to remove friable asbestos without a license.
10.6
Signage
On sites that contain asbestos cement, one or more standard,
commercially
manufactured
signs
containing
the
words
“DANGER ASBESTOS REMOVAL IN PROGRESS” or similar,
measuring not less than 400mm x 300mm ares to be erected in a prominent visible position on
the site to the satisfaction of Council’s officers. The signs are to be erected prior to work
commencing and are to remain in place until such time that all asbestos cement has been
removed from the site to an approved waste facility.
10.7
Removal
Removal must be carried out strictly in accordance with The Code of Practice for the Safe
Removal of Asbestos (National Occupational Health and Safety Committee 2002 [1988]).
Asbestos sheeting which covers an area greater than 200 metres square, must be removed by
contractors with an appropriate licence issued by WorkCover and who are familiar with asbestos
removal.
10.8
Australian Standards and Code of Practice
Demolition is to be carried out in accordance with the applicable provisions of Australian Standard
AS2601 1991 – The Demolition of Structures. All plant and equipment used in demolition work
must comply with the relevant Australian Standards and manufacturer specifications.
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Works involving asbestos must comply with The Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of
Asbestos (National Occupational Health and Safety Committee 2002 [1988]).
10.9
Disposal
All asbestos laden waste, including flat, corrugated or profiled asbestos cement sheets must be
disposed of at a tip recommended by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA). Licensed
tips are listed in Appendix A.
Upon completion of tipping operations, the applicant must lodge with Council, all receipts
issued by the receiving tip as evidence of proper disposal.
10.10 Council’s Duties
Upon granting development consent for alterations or additions to, or demolishment of a building,
Council will notify in writing all residences adjoining a demolition site of the following;

Council’s telephone number, (02) 9369 8000;

The Senior Rangers phone number (0414 884 393) for after hours contact; and

The telephone number of WorkCover NSW Demolition Unit - (02) 9370 5099 and help line
- 13 10 50.

A copy of Waverley Council’s Asbestos Policy is to be sent with the notification to
adjoining residents.
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11. Asbestos Work Not Requiring A Development
Consent
If you are a DIY home renovator and are in any doubt about the handling of asbestos, do not take
the risk; call a building professional for advice or help.
One off exposures to asbestos dust can cause harm.
11.1
Hazardous Materials Assessment
Prior to the demolition, renovation work or alterations and additions to any building constructed
before 1987, the person acting on the consent shall submit a Work Plan prepared in accordance
with Australian Standard AS260-2001, Demolition of Structure and a Hazardous Materials
Assessment by a person with suitable expertise and experience. The Work Plan and Hazardous
Materials Assessment shall:
(g) outline the identification of any hazardous materials, including surfaces coated with lead
paint;
(h) confirm that no asbestos products are present on the subject land; or
(i) particularise a method of safely disposing of the asbestos in accordance with the Code of
Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos NOHSC 2002 (1998);
(j) describe the method of demolition;
(k) describe the precautions to be employed to minimise any dust nuisance; and
(l) describe the disposal methods for hazardous materials.
Following completion of works the hazardous materials assessment that has been prepared b
and validated by a suitably qualified consultant must be submitted to Council for registration on
the property file.
11.2
Handling of Friable Asbestos
*This information is a guide only. For up to date asbestos advice contact WorkCover NSW.
1. Only licensed asbestos removal contractors can remove friable asbestos.
2. A permit must also be obtained from WorkCover before commencing any work. The
procedures as described in the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos NOHSC:
2002 (1988) must be followed when removing friable asbestos from buildings and other
structures.
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11.3
Handling of Bonded Asbestos (Cement and Fibro)
The following safe work procedure is aimed at non-licensed people removing asbestos, which is
less than 200 metres square. Professional asbestos removalist should follow the Code of Practice
for Save Removal of Asbestos NOHSC: 2002 (1988).
*This information is a guide only. For up to date asbestos advice contact WorkCover NSW.
1. It is illegal to remove more than 200 square metres surface area of bonded asbestos or any
amount of friable asbestos without a license.
2. Inform neighbours of any asbestos work to be carried out and of safety procedures.
3. If work is outside, close all windows and doors and inform neighbours to do like wise.
Consider roping of the area if there is a risk of unauthorised people entering the site.
4. Always use a mask approved to Australian Standards AS 1715 and 1716. Don’t remove the
mask until you have completed all the steps below.
5. Wear old clothes or disposable coveralls. When you have finished work, put the clothes in
plastic and seal it. Do not allow anyone else to touch the clothes.
6. Always work to minimise the generation and spread of dust.
7. Do not let anyone come and go from the work area without taking the relevant precautions
below.
8. Lay down a plastic drop sheet to collect drop offs and coarse dust.
9. Wet down the asbestos material to reduce the release of dust when removing. Do not use
high-pressure water jets.
10. Do not use power tools on asbestos-cement products as these create more dust.
11. Remove material in whole pieces or fragments that are as large as possible. Remove bolts or
screws first so the sheets can be removed with minimal breakage.
12. Carefully place removed material into a double layer thick plastic bags or sheeting (ideally,
200µm (micro-metre) plastic sheeting). Seal bags or sheeting with heavy duty tape.
13. If using a building skip or loading directly into trucks, the internal surfaces should be double
lined with 200µm plastic sheeting and the load securely covered before transporting to a
waste facility.
14. Label the wrapped asbestos waste as such in case there is an accident.
15. Wet the floor to suppress dust before sweeping and mopping.
16. All off-cuts and collected dust should be disposed of as asbestos waste.
17. Do not use a regular vacuum cleaner to collect dust. The dust particles can pass through the
filter and become airborne. You may use an approved asbestos vacuum cleaner fitted with a
HEPA filter, which can be hired.
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18. After all waste is sealed in plastic, remove your clothes and mask and seal these in plastic
also.
19. Shower immediately and thoroughly.
20. All asbestos waste must be disposed of at a landfill site licensed to take asbestos. Tip
locations can be found at Appendix A. The tip should be contacted prior to delivery of the
waste.
21. Care should be taken when loading and unloading plastic wrapped waste to avoid tears in the
plastic.
22. NOTE It is illegal to reuse or water-blast asbestos cement. You can be fined under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 if you do.
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12.
Protective Clothing
*The following is a guide only. Please contact WorkCover NSW for advice on protective
clothing.
Personal protective clothing for those working with asbestos should include:

Coveralls (preferably disposable);

Head coverings;

Overboots;

Gloves and

Respiratory masks to Australian Standards AS 1715 and 1716.

Re-useable protective clothing must be vacuumed (with an asbestos approved vacuum
cleaner), placed in approved "Asbestos" bags, and taken to an industrial laundry with
facilities for asbestos decontamination.

Asbestos workers must not take work clothes home to ensure that family members are
not exposed to asbestos dust from clothing.

13.
Home renovators should dispose of their clothes with the asbestos waste after use.
Respiratory Protection
All respiratory protective equipment used in asbestos removal work must conform to the
requirements of Australian Standards AS 1715 and 1716 and be approved by the relevant state
or territory authority for this purpose. Various masks are available depending on the type of job.
The following is a guide only.
a) High risk (friable asbestos removal work)
For asbestos stripping work, use:

a positive pressure demand full face-piece airline respirator, OR

a continuous flow airline respirator with a full face-piece or head covering.
For work in areas with poor accessibility where airline respirators cannot be used and/or
supervisory work in general, use:

a powered type particulate respirator fitted with a P3 filter which has a rated protection
factor equal to or greater than 100.
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b) Medium risk (friable asbestos removal work) When removing pipe lagging, small jobs,
which take less than 4 hours, inspecting work in progress or supervisory work in areas where
there is only minimal exposure, use:

a powered type particulate respirator fitted with a P2 or P3 filter which has a rated
protection factor equal to or greater than 50, OR

a full face-piece respirator with high efficiency particulate filter (non- powered).
c) Low risk
When inspecting areas where work is not in progress, removal of asbestos cement (fibro), use:

a half face-piece disposable or filter type particulate respirator Class P2.
Powered air purifying
ventilated helmet
Half face particulate filter
(cartridge) respirator
Half face respirator
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14.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:
If we bring a sample of cement sheet in to Council, can it be identified as containing
asbestos fibres?
A:
NO. Council’s Environmental Health Officers are not qualified in microscopic examination
of products to verify whether or not they contain asbestos.
General advice can be given based on the age of the product. If the fibrous cement
product was in use before 1987 it may contain asbestos. After this date, asbestos was no
longer used in building products.
Should any doubt exist as to whether it does or doesn’t contain asbestos, treat with
extreme care and take all necessary safety precautions when disturbing the product.
Q:
When employing a contractor to remove asbestos – is there a registered list at Council?
A:
NO. We have no powers to register asbestos contractors. Registered asbestos handlers
are listed in the Yellow Pages. When choosing a contractor it is in your best interests to
find out what safety precautions the workers take, including personal protection and site
safety. Should you have any concerns surrounding the work procedures of any
contractors contact the EPA on 13 15 55 for advice.
Q:
Do I need to remove asbestos containing materials that are fixed or installed in my home,
workplace or vehicle?
A:
No. Asbestos containing materials or products that are fixed or installed and are in good
condition may be left in place until they are disturbed or damaged. At this point the
asbestos materials must be removed and any removal must strictly comply with the
Asbestos Regulations and the relevant Approved Code of Practice.
Q:
Should I coat external asbestos cement products?
A:
Coating weathered asbestos cement products is not recommended. If the product is in
poor condition it should be removed and replaced.
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References
Workcover NSW, 2003, “Your Guide to Working with Asbestos”,
http://www.workcover.nsw.gov.au/default.htm
National Occupational Health and Safety Commission, 2002, “Code Of Practice For The Safe
Removal Of Asbestos” [Nohsc:2002(1988)]) http://www.nohsc.gov.au/
Further information
For further information about the safe handling of asbestos, please contact:
WorkCover NSW on 13 10 50 or www.workcover.nsw.gov.au
NSW Environment Protection Authority on 13 15 55 or www.epa.nsw.gov.au
NSW Department of Environment and Conservation Pollution Line 131 555
NSW Department of Local Government www.dlg.nsw.gov.au
Waste Service NSW 1300 651 116; www.wasteservice.nsw.gov.au
Workplace Services 1300 365 255 www.eric.sa.gov.au
Publications that can be found on this website:

Workplace Services’ Asbestos and the Home Renovator booklet

Workplace Services’ Asbestos and the Home Mechanic booklet

Workplace Services’ New Asbestos Removal Regulations booklet

Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (Asbestos) Variation Regulations 2004 under
the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare Act 1986

The Easy Reference Guide to the Occupational Health, Safety and Welfare (Asbestos)
Variation Regulations 2004
APPENDIX A
Waste Management Centres that accept Asbestos Wastes
Any asbestos waste must be booked as a special waste, which can only be accepted at
nominated Waste Service NSW landfills (not transfer stations). These wastes must be booked
into a Waste Service NSW landfill at least one working day prior to disposal by telephoning 1300
651
116
between
7.30
am
and
5.00
pm,
Monday
to
Friday.
Please note that unused bookings do not carry forward. You will need to re-book.
Waste Management Centres that accept Asbestos Wastes
Belrose, Crozier Road
Eastern Creek, Wallgrove Road
Monday to Friday: 7 am to 12 noon
Monday to Friday 7 am to 12 noon
Jacks Gully, Richardson Road
Lucas Heights, New Illawarra Road
Monday to Friday: 6 am to 4 pm
Monday to Friday: 6am to 2 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 3 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 12 noon
Sunday: 9 am to 12 noon
From time to time site operations may vary, which may limit access to some of these facilities.
You will be notified about any likely changes when booking your waste.
Charges
Charges and payment methods are available from Waste Services NSW Customer Service staff
on 1300 651 116. Please separate asbestos waste from general waste to avoid paying the higher
special waste rate for general waste.
This information was correct as of September 2004
Check Waste Services NSW website for current information:
http://www.wasteservice.nsw.gov.au
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