News & Views

It has been confirmed that loose-fill asbestos insulation has been found in a home in the Tamworth Regional Council area.

As a result, NSW Fair Trading is now offering 250 free tests for loose-fill asbestos insulation in the Tamworth Regional Council area.

All owners of pre-1980s residential properties in the Tamworth Regional Council area are eligible to register for the free testing. Homeowners can register for free testing online at loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au or call Service NSW on 1300 784 379.

What is loose-filled asbestos insulation?

Loose-fill asbestos (see picture below) is raw crushed asbestos, which in the 1960s and 70s was installed as ceiling insulation in about 1,000 homes in the ACT, plus a smaller number in NSW, by the “Mr Fluffy” company. This insulation is particularly problematic, as it is easily disturbed, leading to asbestos fibres being inhaled.

Loose-fill asbestos insulation was primarily installed in the roof space of residential properties. The bulk of the material will be in the roof space, if no removal has been undertaken. There is also evidence that loose-fill asbestos insulation may move into wall cavities and sub-floor areas.

Any openings including cracks and vents can also cause asbestos fibres to move into living spaces, such as lounge rooms, bedrooms, and kitchen areas.

There are many other materials that have the appearance of loose-fill asbestos insulation. In some cases in the roof space, loose-fill asbestos insulation has also been located underneath synthetic mineral fibre insulation (batts). Therefore, care needs to be taken to ensure the safety of people accessing the roof space in homes where loose-fill asbestos might be present.

Examples of materials that might look like loose-fill asbestos insulation include:

• Synthetic mineral fibre (batts);

• Cellulose insulation; and

• Rockwool.

Homeowners can also arrange private testing at their own cost by a Licensed Asbestos Assessor. If their property is confirmed to contain loose-fill asbestos insulation, they will be reimbursed for the cost of the test and be eligible to participate in the Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program. This opportunity is available until 31 July 2017.

The Testing for loose-fill asbestos page has more information about arranging private testing, or call 1300 784 379.

If members have any enquiries on how to deal with asbestos / training options, Owen Leslie owen.leslie@neca.asn.au or Tarek Farhat tarek.farhat@neca.asn.au at NECA WHS can provide advice.

Service NSW is the designated government contact and can be reached on 13 77 88 or email: AsbestosEnquiry@finance.nsw.gov.au in relation to any enquiries regarding the Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program, loose-fill asbestos sample testing or the new laws around loose-fill asbestos insulation.

Further additional information may be found at:

• www.loosefillasbestos.nsw.gov.au
• http://www.safework.nsw.gov.au/health-and-safety/safety-topics-a-z/asbestos