ASBESTOS WARNING IN POST-STORM CLEAN UP
Published Friday, 21 November, 2008 at 03:34 PM
Minister for Public Works, Housing and Information and Communication Technology
The Honourable Robert Schwarten
South East Queensland homeowners are being warned to put safety first and take care while cleaning up as homes damaged in recent storms may contain asbestos.
Public Works and Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said homeowners should engage a Workplace Health and Safety-licensed contractor to remove asbestos.
“Homes built before 1990 could contain asbestos and it can be extremely dangerous if inhaled,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Naturally, people want to get their homes and lives back to normal as soon as possible, but I urge people to not risk their safety by rushing in and performing repairs on materials that may contain asbestos.
“These repairs should be undertaken by a qualified and experienced professional.”
Mr Schwarten said it was important to note that asbestos containing materials were safe unless disturbed, that is drilled-into, cut or broken. Asbestos containing materials were also safe if kept wet.
If homeowners suspect they have asbestos in their home, Mr Schwarten said they should call Workplace Health and Safety on 1300 369 915 before taking any action.
“Homeowners wanting to find a licensed contractor to remove asbestos or repair their home can register at the Rebuilding Recovery Centres at the Ashgrove Baptist Church at 7 Firhill Street, or at 980 Samford Rd Keperra,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said asbestos contractors can also register at the Centres.
“It is also important that asbestos is disposed of correctly – homeowners should contact their local council to find out the safest place and method for disposing of it,” he said.
People with questions about licence requirements for people performing repairs can call BSA on 1300 272 272 or visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister’s office: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832, BSA: Justin Coomber on 0407 130 287
Public Works and Housing Minister Robert Schwarten said homeowners should engage a Workplace Health and Safety-licensed contractor to remove asbestos.
“Homes built before 1990 could contain asbestos and it can be extremely dangerous if inhaled,” Mr Schwarten said.
“Naturally, people want to get their homes and lives back to normal as soon as possible, but I urge people to not risk their safety by rushing in and performing repairs on materials that may contain asbestos.
“These repairs should be undertaken by a qualified and experienced professional.”
Mr Schwarten said it was important to note that asbestos containing materials were safe unless disturbed, that is drilled-into, cut or broken. Asbestos containing materials were also safe if kept wet.
If homeowners suspect they have asbestos in their home, Mr Schwarten said they should call Workplace Health and Safety on 1300 369 915 before taking any action.
“Homeowners wanting to find a licensed contractor to remove asbestos or repair their home can register at the Rebuilding Recovery Centres at the Ashgrove Baptist Church at 7 Firhill Street, or at 980 Samford Rd Keperra,” he said.
Mr Schwarten said asbestos contractors can also register at the Centres.
“It is also important that asbestos is disposed of correctly – homeowners should contact their local council to find out the safest place and method for disposing of it,” he said.
People with questions about licence requirements for people performing repairs can call BSA on 1300 272 272 or visit www.bsa.qld.gov.au.
Media contact: Minister’s office: Scott Chandler on (07) 3237 1832, BSA: Justin Coomber on 0407 130 287