Additional questions

• I'm not planning to carry out and renovations. Do I still need to be aware of asbestos?
• I'm not sure the person I've engaged is qualified to work with asbestos. What should I do?
• My boss has asked me to work with asbestos but I'm not qualified to work with asbestos. What should I do?
• I've found some asbestos in a public place. What should I do?

Further questions and answers will be added here based on responses to ongoing stakeholder questions.

I'm not planning to carry out and renovations. Do I still need to be aware of asbestos?

Even if you are not planning on carrying out any major renovations, it is recommended that you still be aware of the potential risk of expose to asbestos fibres. In general, the presence of asbestos in residential and non-residential buildings does not pose a risk to health if the material containing asbestos is in good condition. However, as a building begins to age; become significantly weathered; or it is damaged, whether it is deliberate, unintentional or caused by nature (e.g. damage caused by hail, storm or a fire), the potential for exposure to asbestos fibres is increased.

I'm not sure the person I've engaged to carry out construction/renovations/repairs is qualified to work with asbestos. What should I do?

If you're not sure if the person you've engaged to undertake work is qualified to work with asbestos, ask to see their licence (the are required to carry this at all times). For asbestos assessors and removalists, you can also check the ACTPLA's website.

If you have reason to believe that someone is not working with asbestos in a safe manner, call WorkSafe ACT on 6207 3000 or Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 and report the date and time of the incident, the name of the person and/or the name of the business.

My boss has asked me to carry out construction/renovations/repairs on an area I think may contain asbestos but I'm not qualified to work with asbestos. What should I do?

Asbestos is a hazardous material and can be a risk to health if it is not handled appropriately. Anyone who fails to handle asbestos appropriately could be subject to prosecution under the Dangerous Substances Act 2004. Don't risk your health or facing prosecution. If you think your boss is doing the wrong thing, call WorkSafe ACT on 6207 3000 or Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 and report the date and time of the incident, the name of your employer and/or the name of the business.

Under the Work Safety Act 2011, a worker has the right to refuse to do work if the worker has a reasonable belief that the work involves a significant risk to work safety and employers and persons in control of workplaces also have obligations to ensure work safety by managing risk.

I've found some asbestos in a public place. What should I do?

If you think that you may have found asbestos materials or products in a public place, stay away and call Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.