Fact sheet - Asbestos

Easy guide - Asbestos

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. In the past, it was used in building materials, but it is now banned from use.

Asbestos fibres are dangerous when they are breathed in.

Many houses in Tasmania were built before 2003 and may have used building materials that contain asbestos.

Is asbestos dangerous?

Asbestos in your home may not be a problem if it is left undisturbed.

Damaged, crumbled or crushed asbestos can be a problem for human health. When asbestos fibres are inhaled or swallowed, the small fibres can get stuck inside the body. This may cause illness and can lead to death.

What is Homes Tasmania doing about asbestos?

Homes Tasmania takes asbestos very seriously. In 2009, we looked at the properties we own to see if they contained damaged asbestos. At that time, we removed or repaired any building materials that were damaged or in poor condition. We are continuing to work hard to remove asbestos from homes.

If there is asbestos in your home, but it is not damaged, then it can be left alone. We want you to know where asbestos might be in your home. That way, you can check it from time to time and make sure it is OK.

If you notice any damage, let us know straight away. A lot of the time, the areas that contain asbestos are on the outside of a home and might be damaged by the weather.

It is also a good idea to look out for damage when you and your tenancy officer do an inspection of your home. If we think there is damaged asbestos in your home, we will act quickly.

Sanding and drilling make asbestos a problem

Your lease says you cannot do any renovations to a Homes Tasmania home. Please do not do any sanding or drilling in your home. This could create a problem with asbestos.

Buying a former social housing home

Before you buy a former social housing home, we suggest you talk to a builder about asbestos. Registered builders are the best people to talk to. They understand how to deal with asbestos. Once you buy the home, maintenance and upgrades are your responsibility. We suggest that you avoid disturbing any asbestos that is at your home.

Steve's story

Steve lives in a Homes Tasmania home. A few weeks ago, there were a lot of storms.

After the weather settled down, Steve noticed that the eaves at the back of the house were damaged. He was worried that some of the lining sheets in the eaves might contain asbestos. He rang Homes Tasmania straight away.

We inspected the home, repaired the damage and removed the damaged asbestos.

For more information contact Homes Tasmania

Phone: 1300 665 663

Office hours and locations.

Email: tenancyservices@homes.tas.gov.au

You can also visit www.worksafe.tas.gov.au to find more information.

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