Renovating fibro homes - asbestos removal

If you are planning on demolishing or renovating your fibro home, it is important to be aware that the fibro may contain asbestos and that there may be risks involved.

Asbestos was used predominantly the 1950s - 1970s to make building materials such as fibro sheeting (flat and corrugated), water, drainage and flue pipes, roofing shingles and guttering. In NSW only fibro products made before 1987 contain asbestos.

Breathing in asbestos fibres can cause serious health effects such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer. It is important to note however, that your health is not automatically at risk should your home or office be made from fibro products. If fibro sheeting is in sound condition and left undisturbed, generally the fibro poses no risk and need not be removed.

Do I need Council approval to work with Asbestos?

Whether or not you will need Council approval will depend on the nature and scope of the works being done. To find out whether or not you will need development approval or if there are any restrictions on the intended premises, you can get in touch with Council's duty planner on 6378 2850, or click here to find out more about the development application process.

Any work involving the removal of more than 10 square metres of bonded asbestos or ANY amount of friable asbestos is required to be done by a contactor licensed under the Occupational Health & Safety Regulation 2001.

NOTE: If it is determined that Council approval is required, where the work involves an amount or type of asbestos that requires a licensed asbestos removalist, you will be required to provide with your Development Application evidence that a licensed contractor has been engaged to carry out the work.

Disposing of Asbestos

Residential loads (of up to 10m²) of waste containing or potentially containing harmful asbestos can be safely disposed of at Mudgee Waste Facility for FREE.

Bookings must be made no later than 24 hours prior to disposal date.

Find out more and book