Fires, floods, storms and cyclones can damage asbestos materials, increasing the risk of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos in disaster events
Fires, including bushfires, and extreme weather events such as floods and cyclones occur regularly in Australia, often damaging buildings and structures containing asbestos.
Cleaning up after a disaster is significantly more dangerous and more expensive for properties with asbestos materials, as previously bonded asbestos fibres can easily become loose and airborne.
Asbestos exposure can occur during clean-up or demolition work, when debris and damaged materials are handled and moved around. Exposure can also occur when walking around the site to assess damage.
Using a licensed asbestos removalist is the best way to remove asbestos, but this may not always be possible following a flood or storm.
General precautionary measures
- Take all advice from emergency and clean up personnel on the ground.
- Do not enter your property until you are advised that it is safe.
- Wear protective clothing whether you believe asbestos may be present or not.
- sturdy footwear and heavy-duty work gloves
- disposable coveralls (with long sleeves and trousers)
- P2 face masks.
- Keep children and animals clear.
- Building rubble should not be buried on your property as it may contain hazardous materials including asbestos.
- DO NOT put asbestos waste in household bins or skip bins that are not designated for asbestos waste.
- DO NOT spread ash and debris around your property, or move it extensively, particularly if asbestos materials were used in your home or other structures.
- Dampen the contaminated area with water to minimise any dust.
- DO NOT use high pressure water sprays to clean asbestos materials.
First responders
First responders, like firefighters, police and emergency services, are at the greatest risk of asbestos exposure in the aftermath of a disaster event.
First responders have been trained in how to identify and mitigate asbestos risk. They will also have access to personal protective equipment designed to minimise exposure in disaster or emergency events.
Following the instructions of first responders is important for your safety, the safety of your community and the safety of the first responders.
