Workplace Health and Safety Queensland has streamed asbestos safety messages as part of the current Asbestos Awareness Week.
The online messages shared tips on how to work safely with asbestos materials and the dangers of using high-pressure water blasters to clean asbestos fences and roofs.
Minister for Industrial Relations, Grace Grace said anyone working on a property built or renovated before 1990 would be likely to encounter products with asbestos in them.
“More than 3,000 asbestos-containing materials were used in the construction of residential homes up to that time and people should always play it safe before carrying out any renovation work or cleaning exteriors,” Ms Grace said.
“Asbestos products in good condition are not a risk, but if they are disturbed, broken, sanded, blasted with high pressure water or cut, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, putting the health of yourself and others at risk.”
Ms Grace said asbestos was often used in the building industry from the 1940s to 1980s, including on roofs.
“With summer storms on the way, we are highlighting the dangers of using high-pressure water blasters on asbestos products, which attracts fines and huge clean-up costs to protect the surrounding community,” Ms Grace said.
“As part of Asbestos Awareness Week, we are also launching a series of films about how to locate common asbestos-containing materials in your home, as well as guidance on asbestos disposal, identifying asbestos inside and outside your home, and what not to do with asbestos.”
