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What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally
occurring mineral that
is mined out of the
ground. When mixed with
cement or woven into
fabric, asbestos
containing materials are
strong and durable and
resistant to water,
heat, electricity,
chemicals and fire. In
fact, the word asbestos
derives from the Greek
adjective meaning
indestructible.
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Materials That
Contain Asbestos
Common building
materials that contain
asbestos include
corrugated asbestos
cement roofing, roof shingles,
gutters and downpipes,
internal and external
fibro walls, fake brick
walls, ceilings,
shower enclosures,
electrical backing
boards in meter boxes,
vinyl floor coverings,
vermiculite ceilings, hot water
tanks, flues, pipes,
insulation, plaster,
adhesives and fencing.
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Working With Asbestos
There are no significant
health risks if asbestos
containing materials are
maintained in good
condition, however, it
is important for every
person to know where the
asbestos is in their
home or workplace so
that they do not cut,
drill, saw, nail, scrape
or demolish these areas
and create a health risk
to themselves, their
families and their work
colleagues.
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Heath Hazards
Dust created by cutting,
drilling, sawing,
nailing, scraping or
demolishing any section
of your home or
workplace that contains
asbestos can be breathed
into the lungs causing
fatal diseases including
lung cancer, asbestosis
and mesothelioma which
can appear 10 to 40
years after exposure. |
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Removal
Removal of asbestos
products should only be
undertaken by licensed
contractors. Essential
safety precautions
include wearing a
respirator and overalls,
roping off work areas,
notifying neighbours,
wetting down materials,
use of non-powered hand
tools, wrapping waste in
clearly labeled plastic
and immediate disposal
of waste to an approved
site.
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Regulations
The Occupational Health & Safety Act 2000 states that everyone is entitled
to safe working conditions.
The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001 deals with exposure
standards, licensing and permits and prohibits water blasting and the re-use
of asbestos materials.
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Phone
0412 583043
to speak directly
to the asbestos expert
7 days a week
Office open 8am to
8pm
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