Loose-Fill (Mr Fluffy) Asbestos Removal in Canberra

Loose-fill asbestos insulation, raw amosite or crocidolite asbestos used as ceiling insulation, was blown into more than 1000 Canberra homes between 1968 and 1979. If a property might be affected, the ACT Government's Register of known affected homes is the place to check before anything else.

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What loose-fill asbestos removal in Canberra actually involves

Anyone doing, or engaging someone to do, work that may disturb asbestos contamination in the roof space, wall cavity or sub-floor of an affected building must tell the regulator at least 5 business days before the work begins. Whoever engages a worker at an affected property must tell them about the asbestos and give them a copy of the current asbestos contamination report. Development and building work at an affected property is limited to work that is essential for health, safety or reasonable living conditions, or work associated with demolition.

Demolition

A Class A licensed asbestos removalist must be engaged to remove the asbestos, and the whole demolition must comply with the Work Health and Safety Act 2011 and the Dangerous Substances Act 2004. The demolition itself must be notified to WorkSafe ACT at least 5 business days before it starts, with no fee for the notice. Neighbours within a two-house range receive a letter and an information pack before work begins, and the house comes down only once an independent licensed assessor has issued a clearance certificate for both friable and non-friable removal.

A person in white coveralls, hood and respirator seen from behind, shining a torch along a roof space where grey loose insulation lies between the timbers — loose-fill asbestos removal, Canberra. Illustrative example.

Selling an affected home

A homeowner selling an affected property must disclose to any prospective buyer that it is on the Register and contains loose-fill insulation. An occupancy prohibition stops the property being lived in after a change of ownership, except by an approved occupant: someone who has lived there continuously since the property was added to the Register, or a support person the Minister approves.

Homes known to be affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation are required by law to have a safety tag (a warning sticker) displayed at the electrical meter box and switchboard. Check the Register before any renovation, demolition or sale; the suburbs page shows the ACT Government's own counts for four suburbs.

A grey meter box and switchboard on a rendered wall with a white tag fixed to the switchboard door reading CAUTION ASBESTOS — loose-fill asbestos removal, Canberra. Illustrative example.

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