If you do decide to undertake home renovations where asbestos is present, we have some practical guidance you should review before doing any work.
Know where asbestos-containing products could be in your home. If in doubt, get products tested, or, alternatively assume asbestos is present and take the necessary precautions, as outlined below.
Maintain asbestos-containing products in good condition, such as through use of paint or other surface finishes, enclosures and capping.
Friable asbestos should only be removed by a licensed asbestos removalist. Replace damaged or dismantled asbestos cement materials with asbestos-free products. If in doubt, use a professional licensed asbestos removalist to do any removal work.
Plan ahead to prevent disturbing and releasing asbestos fibres, particularly when renovating or demolishing a structure that might contain asbestos (such as a house, garage or shed), or if you need to drill, sand, paint, or saw through any asbestos.
Get advice from your local government environmental health officer on safe handling and disposal of asbestos-containing products, and on the use of appropriate protective equipment.
Engage a licensed asbestos removalist when undertaking home renovations or demolitions where asbestos may be present. Consider checking their procedures and quality of clean-up.
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