Asbestos
Asbestos.sa.gov.au is the new home of advice for South Australians concerned about Asbestos in their homes or workplaces.
The asbestos.sa.gov.au website is the outcome of collaboration between SafeWork SA, SA Health, the EPA, the LGA, Housing SA and DPTI. Each agency plays an important role in managing the risks of exposure and providing information and advice to South Australians about asbestos.
Check out the website for information on finding and identifying asbestos, what to do with it, how to remove it and where to put it for residential settings and workplaces.
November is Asbestos Awareness Month
National Asbestos Awareness Month is the initiative of the Asbestos Education Committee of Asbestos Awareness working in partnership with the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute and is supported by the Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia, the Federal Asbestos Safety & Education Agency and various levels of government (including The Flinders Ranges Council), nationally. The campaign was developed and is managed by Insight Communications.
If left undisturbed asbestos generally does not pose a health risk. However, when disturbed during renovations and home maintenance, asbestos fibres can be released into the air and when inhaled, can cause life-threatening diseases including lung cancer, pleural disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma. With every home built or renovated before 1987 likely to contain asbestos, the campaign’s primary objective is to educate Australians about the
dangers of asbestos in and around homes and how to manage it safely.
The 2016 Asbestos Awareness Month Campaign educated more Australians than ever before, extending the focus from home owners and renovators to incorporate handymen and tradespeople with the launch of the Tradies Section, dedicated Fact Sheets and the Healthy House Checklist (a world first), to educate Australians about where asbestos might be found in homes and how to manage it safely. The campaign will continue to engage new stakeholders and communities across Australia, we hope you will join us and help stop Australian’s from playing ‘renovation roulette’ with asbestos.
The campaign has been educating Australians since asbestosawareness.com.au was successfully launched in 2011, with each subsequent campaign expanding to incorporate innovative and informative resources like Betty – The ADRI House, the Asbestos Products Database and The Healthy House Checklist. To date, the campaign has received 10 peer reviewed industry awards including two International Awards.