News & Views
12th January 2017
Loose-filled asbestos insulation found in Albury
Just a brief note to members to advise that loose-fill asbestos insulation has been found in a property in Albury, according to NSW Fair Trading’s Performance Update for its Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program.
It has generally been thought that most loose-fill asbestos insulation in NSW would be contained in properties in Sydney and surrounding areas.
Other positive results for loose-fill asbestos insulation have been recorded in regional areas such as Narrandera, Wagga Wagga and Yass.
What is loose-filled asbestos insulation?
Loose-fill asbestos (see picture left) 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:
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Synthetic mineral fibre (batts);
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Cellulose insulation; and
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Rockwool.
As at 10 January 2017, 133 properties in NSW, including one block of 38 units, have been identified as containing loose-fill asbestos. 58 properties were identified via a search of historical records by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA). 75 additional properties have been identified from the NSW government’s sample testing program. No premises to date have been demolished under the current Loose-fill Asbestos Insulation Voluntary Purchase and Demolition Program.
Further information
Some information on asbestos safety can be found on the NECA website here.
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 tel: 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:
Information regarding free testing, public register for residential properties affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation, can be found in the May/June 2016 NECA NEWS Page 27 or click here to read now.
Should you have any enquiries, please contact Adam Spivakovsky, NECAs Policy Advisor on (02) 9021 9687 or email adam.spivakovsky@neca.asn.au.
