Environmental audit with asbestos around the home

In the wake of the current issues faced with asbestos, it's essential that your home undergoes an environmental to help protect your family from harm. We caught up with asbestos auditor Brian Sketcher to discuss the finer points of safe practices.

What does your job involve?

I inspect residential and commercial buildings for asbestos. This involves writing reports and management plans about the location, condition and risk from the varying types of asbestos-containing material found. The CSIRO has identified more than 3500 products that contain asbestos.

What kinds of homes are most likely to have asbestos problems?

Almost all homes built prior to 1984 will have some form of asbestos-containing material in them unless it has been removed since installation. Asbestos was still legally importable until 2003, but by then most building products did not contain it.

Are there any danger signs that indicate there is a problem with asbestos in the home?

Look out for broken or damaged wall or ceiling sheeting. Also watch out for vinyl floor coverings in poor condition, particularly 1970s vinyl that has an asbestos felt backing. In southern states, asbestos was used in hot-water pipes and can be found as rope, pipe lagging or in a plaster form.

Can you tell me about the new state and federal government laws regarding asbestos inspection and removal?

The new Queensland laws basically adopt the two federal codes of practice on asbestos management and removal. These can be downloaded from the Australian Safety and Compensation Council's website. Queensland Health also has a free booklet available for download from their website for home owners.

What does it take to do your job?

On-the-job experience is vital. A building diploma or degree is helpful, as is having building qualifications or occupational hygiene qualifications. You need to have an eye for detail and a willingness to go into places or buildings that no one else will enter.

To ensure your family is safe around the home, have an environmental audit conducted on your house: