Safe working practices for renovators
There are important risks to consider when renovating, especially for older homes. Hazardous materials that could become exposed during renovations include asbestos, lead (in some paints), treated timber, volatile compounds and powdered materials.
Help protect the health of your household and neighbours by becoming informed on hazardous materials and safe practices when renovating. Certain activities should only be carried out by a trained professional.
Hazardous materials
Visit DIY Safe for a list of potentially hazardous materials in buildings, and tips for safe renovation practices.
Asbestos and its removal
Inspecting, removing and disposing of asbestos is dangerous and complicated. This should always be carried out by professionals who have completed the necessary training.
Visit the Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Taskforce website for more information.
Bonded asbestos
Bonded asbestos is when asbestos fibres are bonded to another material, such as a cement or resin binder. A Safework NSW licence is needed to remove 10 square metres or more of bonded asbestos.
Resources
Asbestos awareness provides renovators with access to many existing sources of information about how to deal safely with asbestos products. Go to the asbestos awareness website for more information.
Office of Environment and Heritage
59-61 Goulburn Street, Sydney
PO Box A290, Sydney South NSW 1232
Tel: 9995 5000 (switch)
TTY: 9211 4723 (for hearing impaired callers)
Office of Local Government for information on collection, storage, transport and disposal of asbestos waste.
5 O’Keefe Avenue
Nowra NSW 2541
Tel: 4428 4100
NSW Health
73 Miller Street
North Sydney NSW 2060
Tel: 9391 9000
TTY: 9391 9900
SafeWork NSW for information on asbestos and health risks, and do-it-yourself safely dust and fume hazard information.
92-100 Donnison Street
GOSFORD NSW 2250
Tel: 4321 5000