In My Home

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency is the best place to find this information:

• If sealed (e.g. painted) then it is at least contained, but it should be looked at by an expert (e.g. L&D Consulting.) 
• Dealing with asbestos is the responsibility of the homeowner. 
• Home improvements can disturb asbestos-containing materials and cause health and safety concerns.  
• Everyone has a duty under common and public health laws to take reasonable care not to cause harm to another person. This includes preventing the release of airborne asbestos fibres.
• Maintain all safety precautions around any asbestos products, either identified or suspected.

Asbestos materials become dangerous to health if they are damaged, disturbed or deteriorating. An asbestos assessment (also known as an asbestos survey, asbestos audit, or asbestos inspection) can provide the information you need to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres and reduce unexpected future costs when undertaking repairs or renovations. An asbestos assessment should always be carried out before starting any renovation work. Further information is available on the ASEA Asbestos in the home Webpage and on their fact sheet Arranging a residential asbestos assessment 

Any issue with asbestos in your property is a matter of civil law. Please see below information on what you can do next: 

• Contact your council – My Council has contact information for all councils in WA.
• Review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Fences. 
• Wearing a mask, collect any debris immediately, to be wrapped and disposed of.

• Review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Roofs.
• Wearing a mask, collect any debris immediately, to be wrapped and disposed of.

Some basic rules are:

• Wear a mask.
• Dampen fence.
• No scraping or sanding.

For more information, please review the WA GOVT Department of Health Guidance Note on Asbestos Cement Fences.

The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency (ASEA) advise that landlords in WA are not obligated to disclose if asbestos is present in a property.

More information is available in their Information for Landlords and Renters Fact Sheet.