Asbestos Awareness

Did you know, that although asbestos was banned in the 1980s, it continued to be used in various locations in buildings prior to 31 December 2003? Breathing asbestos can cause tiny fibres to get stuck in the lungs and irritate lung tissues. Studies have shown that inhaling asbestos fibres leads to several diseases including Asbestosis, Pleural disease, Lung cancer and  Mesothelioma. 

Anyone can be exposed to or interact with asbestos on a daily basis, which is why it is essential to be aware of the safe management of asbestos practices in accordance with Work Health & Safety regulations.

This Handbook has been developed to provide information and guidance on the safe management of asbestos and asbestos-containing material (ACM) for building owners, managers, contractors and workers, and to define their responsibilities per Work Health & Safety Regulations (WH&S) 2017.

Asbestos Management Handbook

Examples of non-friable asbestos in commercial and non-residential buildings include:

  1. Asbestos cement (AC) sheeting (fibro) flat or corrugated used internally and externally including roofing;
  2. AC moulded products - architrave, joins, flues, downpipes, guttering, water and sewerage pipes;
  3. AC ceiling tiles - perforated and solid;
  4. Wall and floor coverings - vinyl and ceramic tiles, carpet underlay and vinyl sheeting;
  5. Bitumen-based adhesives and waterproofing;
  6. Electrical stations (switchboards, fuses, wire sheathing) and plant;
  7. Walls in bathrooms and petitions in toilet cubicles, kitchens and washrooms;
  8. Textiles including asbestos ropes and fire blankets;
  9. Resin-based products used in a broad range of electrical, thermal and acoustic applications;
  10. Plastic and paint products including epoxy paints;
  11. Sealants, adhesives and filters; and
  12. Friction products including gaskets.

For more information go to: https://asbestosawareness.com.au

Asbestos Removal Taxation Ruling

In July 2020, the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) published the taxation ruling TR 2020/2 allowing income tax deductions for expenditure on ‘environmental protection activities’.

ATO TR2020/2 Fact Sheet

Following the Bruce Rock/ Shackleton fires in February 2022, the Shire of Corrigin has been advocating for the removal of asbestos from fire-prone areas. Through the recovery process, they learnt that specialist contractors are required to remove fire-impacted asbestos and that it cannot be disposed of at local landfill facilities. The costs for removing fire-damaged asbestos are much greater than previously expected. 

Management of storm-damaged asbestos

Please see below information sheet for information relating to the management of storm-damaged asbestos from the WA Department of Health.

Storm-damaged Asbestos Factsheet