Home renovations – know what you’re dealing with

 Before you start work renovating an older home that may contain asbestos, think about the people who may be affected: you and your family, mates who come along to lend a hand, maybe even your neighbours. Never use power tools on suspect materials or a high-pressure hose to clean an asbestos roof. It is estimated that one third of all homes contain asbestos – if you are not sure what you are dealing with, seek professional advice. It will save time and money in the long run, and more importantly, reduces your risk of developing an asbestos related disease.

National Asbestos Awareness Week, 26 – 30 November 2018

This is Alan, a friendly family-loving man who enjoyed helping people and teasing his children and grandchildren.

His exposure to asbestos firstly occurred when he spent 15 years in the RAAF, living in fibro lined buildings. He married Pam in 1964 and settled in Adelaide where he tried various jobs, deciding on the building industry – more exposure to asbestos.

National Asbestos Awareness Week, 26–30 November 2018

This is Gordon, happily married for 46 years and proud of his three children. He enjoyed driving holidays, catching up with friends interstate or following his footy team. He liked nothing better than to sit down with friends and share a glass or two of red.

Gordon was exposed to asbestos at his workplace in the 1970s when asbestos sheeting was removed without adequate protection for staff who were working at the time. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2013 and died 7 months later.

ASBESTOS: the next national plan

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) was established in July 2013 to provide a national focus on asbestos issues. It worked with state and territory governments to produce a National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness to ensure that right around Australia, people can work together to reduce the risks posed by asbestos. The aim of the plan is to work towards the ultimate elimination of asbestos-related disease.

ASBESTOS VICTIMS MEMORIAL SERVICE

he Asbestos Victims Memorial Service will be held at 10.30 am to 11.30 am on Friday 30 November 2018 at Pitman Park, Salisbury.

The Asbestos Victims Association invites you and your family and friends to attend the Memorial Service to remember or reflect on the needless loss suffered by many because of asbestos.

November is National Asbestos Awareness Month

Are you asbestos aware? November is Asbestos Awareness Month – a national campaign to make people aware of the dangers of asbestos and inform them how to avoid exposure as well as safe management of asbestos in both residential and commercial properties.

Riverland Field Days, September 2018

The Riverland Field Days are held at the Barmera Showgrounds in September every year. It is always a successful show for AVA with plenty of people stopping to ask questions about asbestos – how to identify it, how best to deal with it, where to find a professional removalist. There are always health questions too, from people who think they may have been exposed.