Health and safety issues associated with the use and/or handling of asbestos is regulated in the ACT primarily through the Dangerous Substances Act 2004 and the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and their associated regulations.
Find out more about:
- the health risks and health research related to loose fill asbestos insulation
Concerned a property may have loose fill asbestos insulation? Find out more
Types of asbestos
Asbestos is the name given to a group of naturally occurring mineral fibres which were used extensively in products due to their strength, insulating features and resistance to fire. The most common asbestos types used in Australia were:
- chrysotile (white asbestos)
- amosite (brown asbestos)
- crocidolite (blue asbestos)
Chrysotile was used until 2003 in products such as brake linings, paint and insulation.
Amosite and crocidolite were used until the mid-1980s, most commonly in building materials (e.g. asbestos-cement products, also known as 'fibro' and 'AC' sheeting).
What is Mr Fluffy loose fill asbestos insulation?
Loose fill asbestos insulation is finely crushed asbestos. Up to two million fibres can be found under microscope on the sample size of a 50-cent piece.
It was blown into roof spaces in Canberra homes between 1968–1979. Over time this material has migrated to other areas such as wall-cavities, underfloor spaces, cupboards, heating and cooling ducts and vents, living areas and bedrooms. The only way to know whether asbestos fibres have moved into living areas through cracks or holes in walls and ceilings is to have an asbestos assessment undertaken by a licensed professional.
Identifying properties affected by loose fill asbestos insulation
Every known house affected by loose fill asbestos insulation has received a free Asbestos Assessment Report which:
- identifies the location, type and condition of the loose fill asbestos in relation to the premises
- assesses the risk resulting from the identified asbestos
- recommends action to be undertaken to manage the asbestos in the short term
These properties are included on the Register and list of affected properties.
Safety tags
Homes known to be affected by loose fill asbestos insulation are required by law to have a safety tag (warning sticker) displayed at the electrical meter box and switch board.
Spot checks by WorkSafe ACT Inspectors are undertaken to ensure affected properties are tagged.
Asbestos Management Plan
Each affected property should have an Asbestos Contamination Report (ACR) and a compliant Asbestos Management Plan.
Visiting an affected property
If you are a tradesperson, care worker or visitor, before visiting a residential property you should:
- check the Register to see if it is a known Mr Fluffy house and if it has a compliant Asbestos Management Plan
- review the Asbestos Management Plan to understand any risks associated with the work you are doing
- contact WorkSafe ACT if you have any questions or concerns
Owners/residents of an affected property are required to display the Asbestos Management Plan report in a case installed at or near the main entrance of the property.
Do not proceed with any work unless you have the appropriate training, equipment and supervision. In particular, do not undertake any work that may penetrate or expose a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity and do not enter the ceiling space or subfloor without the advice and supervision of a Class A licensed asbestos assessor. Visit WorkSafe ACT for more information.
If you are unsure of your obligations do not undertake work on the home and contact a licensed asbestos assessor for advice.
It is important to understand the health risks.
Development and building approvals on affected properties
Development and building works on standing affected properties are limited to:
- works that are essential for health, safety or reasonable living conditions or
- works associated with the demolition, including asbestos removal and structural demolition of the affected property
Find out more about homeowner and occupier responsibilities.
More information
Find out more about:
- affected properties
- understand the health risks
- concerned about asbestos?
- list of licensed construction professionals (including asbestos assessors and removalists)
- ACT Asbestos Health Study (ANU)
- National Asbestos Exposure Register
Contact us for more information.