Australia has one of the highest rates of asbestos-related diseases in the world. Get to kNOw Asbestos this NOvember is this year’s National Asbestos Awareness Month’s campaign message.
National Asbestos Awareness Month is an initiative of the Asbestos Education Committee in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI), aimed to educate about the dangers of asbestos.
Many wrongly believe that ONLY fibro homes contain asbestos. However, asbestos products can most likely be found in ANY Australian home built or renovated before 1987, even brick, weatherboard, fibro and clad homes. It can be found:
- under floor coverings, such as carpet, lino and vinyl tiles
- behind wall and floor tiles
- in cement floors
- in internal and external walls
- in ceilings and eaves
- in garages, around hot water pipes, fences, extensions to homes, outdoor toilets, dog kennels, chook yards and backyard sheds.
The list goes on.
It is vital the people protect themselves and others from the exposure to asbestos fibres during renovations and maintenance. Ways to protect yourself and others include:
- Undertake nationally recognised training in asbestos awareness
- Only have licenced and appropriately trained contractors undertaken the removal of asbestos
- Always request to review a client’s Asbestos Register prior to commencing work on site
- Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) where there is the risk of working near asbestos
The Asbestos Education Committee in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute (ADRI) have created a purpose built, mobile model home called “Betty”. “Betty” is designed to demonstrate where asbestos might be found in and around any Australian home, and will be touring nationally during Asbestos Awareness Month (from the 1st to 30th November).
Click here for details of where Betty will be over the month of November.
