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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.