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Asbestos In and Around Your Home

Asbestos In and Around Your Home

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.

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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.

Where might asbestos be found?

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.

Inside the home

Asbestos may be present in:

  • wall and ceiling sheeting, particularly in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
  • vinyl floor tiles and the backing of some vinyl or linoleum flooring
  • backing behind wall tiles and splashbacks
  • insulation around stoves, heaters and hot water pipes
  • some insulation and materials within ceiling and roof spaces
  • older textured or “popcorn” ceilings
  • low-density fibreboard wall and ceiling panels.
Outside the home

Asbestos may be present in:

  • roof sheeting, ridge capping, gutters and downpipes
  • eaves and external wall cladding
  • electrical switchboard backing
  • fences
  • garden sheds and storage structures
  • garages and carports
  • older dog kennels and other small outdoor structures.

You generally cannot tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it.

Types of asbestos-containing material

Asbestos-containing materials are generally described as either friable or non-friable.

Friable asbestos

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:

  • loose-fill insulation
  • some ceiling and wall insulation
  • low-density fibreboard
  • sprayed fireproofing or insulation
  • damaged or deteriorated vinyl sheet flooring containing asbestos.

Any amount of friable asbestos must be removed by an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist.

Non-friable or bonded asbestos

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:

  • broken, cracked or badly weathered
  • damaged by fire, storms or impact
  • drilled, cut, sanded or scraped
  • cleaned using high-pressure water or compressed air
  • worked on using power tools.

What should I do if my home may contain asbestos?

    • Do not drill, cut, sand, scrape or break suspected asbestos-containing materials.
    • Never use power tools, compressed air or a high-pressure cleaner on asbestos cement products.
    • Do not dry-sweep or use a household vacuum cleaner to collect suspected asbestos dust or debris.
    • Keep children and pets away from damaged materials.

  • Before renovating a home built before 1990:

    • identify materials that may contain asbestos
    • assume suspicious materials contain asbestos unless testing confirms otherwise
    • arrange laboratory testing before disturbing the material
    • tell builders and tradespeople about any known or suspected asbestos
    • consider engaging a licensed asbestos assessor or removalist.

    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:

    1. Keep people and pets away.
    2. Do not touch, sweep, vacuum or move the material.
    3. Avoid doing anything that could create dust.
    4. Contact a licensed asbestos removalist or the City’s Environmental Health Team for advice.

    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:

    • any amount of friable asbestos
    • more than 10 square metres of non-friable asbestos
    • asbestos-containing material that cannot be removed safely
    • work requiring specialised equipment or access
    • material that is badly damaged, contaminated or breaking apart.

    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:

    • household rubbish or recycling bins
    • bulk or verge collections
    • skip bins that are not approved to carry asbestos
    • general construction or demolition waste.

    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

    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:

    • booking arrangements
    • packaging and labelling requirements
    • accepted quantities
    • delivery times
    • current fees and charges.

    Phone: (08) 9528 0333

    Fees and charges apply.

Renting a home that may contain asbestos

Landlords are responsible for maintaining rental properties in a reasonable condition and ensuring they comply with applicable health, building and safety laws.

Tenants should:

  • not drill, cut, sand, scrape or remove suspected asbestos
  • seek permission before making changes that could disturb walls, ceilings, floors or other building materials
  • immediately report cracked, broken or deteriorating materials to the landlord or property manager
  • keep people and pets away from damaged areas.

Examples of damage to report include crumbling eaves, cracked wall sheeting or a fence panel damaged by a vehicle, lawnmower or storm.

Buying or selling an older home

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.

Health concerns following possible exposure

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:

  • avoid disturbing the area further
  • speak with a medical practitioner about your concerns
  • record the circumstances and approximate date of the possible exposure
  • consider registering the exposure with the National Asbestos Exposure Register.

Asbestos-related illnesses usually develop many years or decades after exposure.

Contact the City

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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City of Kwinana kaditj kalyakoorl moondang-ak kaaradj midi boodjar-ak nyininy, yakka wer waabiny, Noongar moort. Ngala kaditj baalap kalyakoorl nidja boodjar wer kep kaaradjiny, baalap moorditj nidja yaakiny-ak wer moorditj moort wer kaditj Birdiya wer yeyi.

The City of Kwinana acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and play, the Nyoongar people. We recognise their connection to the land and local waterways, their resilience and commitment to community and pay our respect to Elders past and present.

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