Asbestos fibres were used widely in building materials before the mid-1980s. If your house was built or renovated before the mid-1980s, it is likely to contain asbestos cement building materials.
You may be surprised at the various types of products that were made from bonded asbestos cement included fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and guttering – even the backing of vinyl sheet floor coverings.
In NSW, the use of asbestos was discontinued in all fibro sheets and products by the mid-1980s. After this, asbestos continued to be used principally in friction products, for brake and clutch linings. The manufacture and use of asbestos products was banned nationally in Australia from 31 December 2003.
If a home was built or renovated before 1987, products made from bonded asbestos cement that may have been used in the home include:

  • Fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated) in walls and ceilings
  • Water drainage and flue pipes
  • Roofing shingles and guttering
  • The backing of floor coverings

IMPORTANT: If fire, hail, or water blasting damages bonded asbestos, it may become friable asbestos material and must be managed and removed by a licenced friable asbestos removalist.

Typical Household Locations

asbestos diagram

Inside House

  • Backing of vinyl sheet floor covering
  • Carpet underlay
  • Cement flooring
  • Compressed asbestos sheet
  • Flues to fireplaces
  • Insulation below wood heater
  • Internal and external ventilators
  • Internal angle mouldings
  • Internal walls & ceiling
  • Kitchen splashback
  • Loose fill insulation in roof cavity
  • “Tilux” marble finish wall panel
  • Vinyl floor tiles
  • Wall sheeting – internal

Outside House

  • Backing for electrical meter boards
  • Dog kennels
  • Downpipes
  • Eaves and gables ends
  • External angle mouldings
  • Fence
  • Garage
  • Gutters
  • Insulation for hot water pipes and tank
  • Internal and external ventilators
  • Ridge capping
  • Sheds & external toilets
  • Wall sheeting – external

Useful Contacts

GENERAL INFORMATION

Ph: 13 74 68

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/asbestos

 

COMPLAINTS RELATING TO A WORKPLACE

Ph: 13 74 68

  • Building/Construction site
  • Industrial/Commercial premises
  • Contractor working on a residential property

http://www.deir.qld.gov.au/asbestos/

 

COMPLAINTS RELATING TO A HOMEOWNER / RESIDENT

Ph: 4099 9444
Please contact Douglas Shire Council
ASBESTOS LICENCESING ENQUIRIES OR COMPLAINTS RELATING TO ASBESTOS REMOVALISTS
Ph: 1300 362 128

https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/injury-prevention-safety/asbestos/asbestos-removal-and-licensing/asbestos