Bushfire Risk During Summer

In Australia, we have the potential for devastating bushfires during our summer months, and thanks to the immediacy of television we have seen how quickly these situations can develop. We all need to give some thought as to what we would do if we were caught up – even people living in the suburbs can become threatened by bushfire when travelling.

Exposure to airborne asbestos may cause cancer and deadly mesothelioma.

Exposure to airborne asbestos fibres may cause life-threatening illnesses like cancer and deadly mesothelioma.

Don’t risk the possible health effects of asbestos exposure. There is no known safe minimum level of exposure to asbestos fibres.

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, and inhaling asbestos fibres is associated with diseases including pleural disease, asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.

If you’re renovating an older home that may contain asbestos, call an asbestos professional for an assessment before you start. It’s just not worth the risk.

Remember that you have a legal responsibility not to harm those around you.

Asbestos, do not disturb it, drill it, cut it or break it.

If you are unsure if something contains asbestos, do not disturb it, drill it, cut it or break it. Have it assessed by an asbestos assessor.

If asbestos needs to be removed before you start work, use a licensed asbestos removalist. In some circumstances, the law requires it.

Be aware, there is no known safe minimum level of exposure to asbestos fibres.

Before you rip up the old lino floor:

Before you start any work around the house, check if your home was built before the 1990s. If so, it probably contains asbestos.

Planning some flooring renovations? Be aware – it is common to find asbestos present in vinyl flooring! Before ripping it up, make sure you seek professional advice and get it tested for asbestos to keep yourself and your family safe.

Did you know that asbestos was often used in the adhesive under lino and vinyl floors before 1990? If your vinyl floor is cracking – or if you’re looking at replacing your floor – it’s important to get an asbestos check before you rip it up.

Don’t expose yourself or your family – get a check first and be safe.

Remember that you have a legal responsibility not to harm those around you.

Before you take out the old bathroom:

How old is your home? Asbestos is commonly found in homes built before the late 1990s.

Only scientific testing can confirm if a material contains asbestos.

Many people aren’t aware that it is common to find asbestos in older bathrooms (pre-1990).

If you’re thinking of creating a great new space, make sure you get an asbestos assessor to check for asbestos before you start to protect both you and your family.

Remember that you have a legal responsibility not to harm those around you.