In its bonded form, asbestos containing materials are considered relatively stable. However, they can pose a potential health risk where they are damaged, weathered or disturbed. Proper maintenance, handling and disposal of asbestos waste is critical to avoid any potential risks.
There are two types of asbestos
- friable asbestos material means 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
- bonded asbestos material (non-friable asbestos material) means any material, other than friable asbestos material, that contains asbestos
What to do if you find asbestos
If your house was built before 1987, it’s likely to contain asbestos. Asbestos materials in and around the home are often best left alone if they are in good condition and unlikely to get damaged.
To remove any friable asbestos, or more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos from your home, the asbestos removal contractor that you engage must be licensed.
For further information about asbestos please visit the Australian Government Department of Health website or the Safe Work NSW website.