In March this year, Rob Stock posted Create a ‘Homesafe’ to deal with asbestos threat, expert says on www.stuff.co.nz and followed it up in April with Our homes are full of asbestos. Here’s how to identify it. The amount of asbestos in our homes is a problem and it affects both tradies and homeowners.
What is asbestos and where can you find it?
- There are six naturally occurring minerals that are collectively known as asbestos. They have bundles of fibres that can be separated into thin, durable threads for use in commercial and industrial products.
- Historically, these minerals were considered ‘wonder products’, commonly used in the 1950s, 60s, 70s and 80s because they are resistant to heat, fire, and chemicals, and do not conduct electricity
- Asbestos has been identified in around 3,800 different building products from lino flooring to roofing tiles, electrical boards, and textured ceilings.
How big is the problem?
- It’s New Zealand’s largest workplace killer, resulting in 170 deaths a year, mainly it’s older people who were exposed to asbestos during their working lives that are creating these stats.
- When disturbed, tiny asbestos fibres are released into the air. They are breathed in and get trapped in the victim’s lungs. These fibres can cause scarring and inflammation, and over time can lead to serious health problems.
- Asbestos is a known cause of lung, larynx, and ovary cancer and asbestosis (an inflammatory condition affecting the lungs that can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and permanent lung damage).
- Asbestos Exposure Register contains over 20,000 names
- Unwitting [witless] DIYers will make up a new wave of asbestos disease-sufferers
What are we doing about asbestos contamination?
- WorksafeNZ has focused on educating tradies and commercial building owners, while private homeowners have largely been ignored. This is because the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016 and Management and Removal of Asbestos – Approved Code of Practice specifically exclude homeowners and DIY’ers.
- Commercial building owners, and residential landlords must, by law, have asbestos management plans [AMP’s} for their properties
Want to find out more before you embark on your next DIY project?
Check out the following documents:
‘Talk to me like a two-year-old’ picture showing all the places where asbestos can be located.
Ministry of Health: Asbestos advice for householders
More information about what asbestos is and how it can affect your family.
Asbestos Trade Breakfast 2017 YouTube Videos
Videos from Christchurch’s rebuild efforts. Focused on how tradies can safely remove. asbestos.
Asbestos Quick Guides for tradespeople
Quick guides for builders, electricians, painters and plumbers.
ACOP: Management and removal of asbestos
The full Monty guide to asbestos removal followed by licensed asbestos removalists.
If you have anything to add to the debate on asbestos please call Sarah on 0272 007 680 or email sarah@employmenow.co.nz.
Have a safe and productive week.
SB