An asbestos management plan raises several questions. Who should have one? What should be included? What if we share the building with other businesses? Here we answer these questions as well as give tips on how to structure an asbestos management plan. Who needs an asbestos management plan? Not all businesses require an asbestos management…
You don’t have to work in the construction or mining industry to be exposed to asbestos. Being in a country that has an extensive history of asbestos use, Australians have a high risk of asbestos exposure. According to the country’s Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, a third of the homes across Australia contain asbestos material.…
Asbestos fibres are dangerous to health if inhaled. The three main diseases associated with exposure to asbestos are asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Asbestos refers to fibrous silicate minerals that occur naturally in the environment. The three main types are chrysotile, crocidolite and amosite. Asbestos was a common component of manufacturing, industrial and construction projects…
In the 1950s, Australia was the highest consumer of asbestos, with every major city having an asbestos cement factory. A decade later, 25 percent of Australian houses were constructed with asbestos cement. Over 60 percent of production and 90 percent of consumption was through the asbestos manufacturing industry and residential building projects. In 1984, most…
During the early 1950s to the late 1970s, asbestos was an important construction material for residential and commercial properties in Australia due to its low-cost and durability. In the 1980s, the use of asbestos started to lessen as new types of more robust and cost-saving construction materials were developed. By December 2003, all asbestos-containing materials…
If you discover that your home contains asbestos, do not panic. Generally, asbestos-containing materials that will not be disturbed and are in good condition will not release asbestos fibres. However, asbestos-containing materials that are sanded, torn, cut, sawn and removed improperly may release fibres that are likely to pose a health risk. If you notice…
We’ve all heard how construction workers, industrial workers, and firefighters are the occupations that are most at risk of exposure to asbestos. Electricians, HVAC mechanics and plumbers may also be exposed to asbestos when they work in old buildings. But these aren’t the only jobs where you risk being exposed. It isn’t just the nature…
Australia has issued a nationwide ban on the use, manufacture and importation of asbestos since 2003. This ban gave rise to policies on prohibiting imported asbestos and prosecuting importers with heavy fines. Unfortunately, the free trade has left Australia vulnerable to asbestos contamination from countries with lax government regulations towards the use of asbestos. The…
Asbestos was a commonly used building material between the 1940s and the 1980s. It features durability, fire resistance and good insulation properties—properties that made the material an industry favourite. Despite the assets, however, the government banned the use of asbestos in 2003. This is because of both scientific and medical evidence of the material’s potential…
Mesothelioma is a cancer that develops in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen. It is a rare yet aggressive disease, and Australia is one of the countries in the world where mesothelioma cases plague the people most. On an average, there are thirty diagnoses per one million people with a predicted 5% to 10% increase…