Please see the Audit, Risk and Improvement Committee - Meeting Amendment Public Notice.
If your home was built before 1990, it may contain asbestos building products. Asbestos cement products were commonly manufactured in Western Australia from 1921 to 1987, with some products installed through to 1990.
Asbestos-containing materials that are in good condition and left undisturbed generally present a low risk. The risk increases when materials are damaged, weathered, cut, drilled, sanded, broken or removed incorrectly.
Asbestos can be found inside and outside older homes, including underneath materials added during later renovations.
If you are unsure, do not disturb the material. Arrange for it to be tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities, or NATA, accredited laboratory, or treat it as though it contains asbestos.
Asbestos may be present in:
You generally cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it.
Asbestos-containing materials are generally described as either friable or non-friable.
Friable asbestos can be easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to powder by hand pressure when dry. It presents a greater risk because fibres can be released more easily.
Examples may include:
Any amount of friable asbestos must be removed by an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist.
Non-friable asbestos has been mixed with another material, such as cement or resin, which holds the fibres in place.
Common examples include asbestos cement fencing, roof sheeting, wall cladding and eaves.
Bonded asbestos can release fibres if it is:
Before renovating a home built before 1990:
Older asbestos products may also be hidden underneath newer walls, flooring, ceilings and other renovations.
If suspected asbestos material is cracked, crumbling or has been damaged:
Asbestos damaged by fire, strong winds, impact or deterioration has a higher risk of releasing fibres and should be assessed by a professional.
Using a licensed asbestos removalist is the safest option and is strongly recommended, particularly for roofing, fencing or materials that are aged, damaged or difficult to access.
A licensed removalist must be used for:
Removal of less than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos may not require a removal licence. However, strict safety, handling, transport and disposal requirements still apply. The 10-square-metre exemption does not mean the work is risk-free.
Before considering removing asbestos yourself, seek advice from the City’s Environmental Health Team and carefully review current WA Department of Health and WorkSafe guidance.
Asbestos waste must not be placed in:
Asbestos must be packaged and transported in accordance with the receiving facility’s requirements and taken to a facility licensed to accept asbestos waste.
Millar Road Landfill Facility accepts correctly wrapped or bagged asbestos from residential customers.
Bookings are essential and must generally be made at least 24 hours before disposal. Incorrectly packaged or unbooked asbestos will not be accepted.
Contact the facility before travelling to confirm:
Phone: (08) 9528 0333
Fees and charges apply.
Landlords are responsible for maintaining rental properties in a reasonable condition and ensuring they comply with applicable health, building and safety laws.
Tenants should:
Examples of damage to report include crumbling eaves, cracked wall sheeting or a fence panel damaged by a vehicle, lawnmower or storm.
When buying a home built before 1990, consider asking whether known or suspected asbestos-containing materials can be identified as part of the building inspection.
A standard building inspection may not automatically include asbestos testing. Ask the building inspector what is included and whether a separate asbestos inspection or laboratory testing is recommended.
Sellers should provide accurate information about known asbestos-containing materials and any previous testing, management or removal work.
The presence of asbestos does not automatically mean that exposure has occurred. The risk is generally low when asbestos-containing materials remain in good condition and are not disturbed.
If you are concerned that you may have been exposed to asbestos:
Asbestos-related illnesses usually develop many years or decades after exposure.
For advice about suspected, damaged or incorrectly handled asbestos, contact the City of Kwinana Environmental Health Team.
Phone: (08) 9439 0200 Online: Submit a request for further advice.
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