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Contact usWhere may I find asbestos in my house or workshop?
Diagram of a house depicting the typical locations where asbestos can be found in the home.
Asbestos materials may be found in the following:
- asbestos ceiling tiles
- asbestos cement sheet
- asbestos roof tiles and eaves
- cement sheet walls – including brick cladding
- moulded products such as flues, downpipes, guttering, water and sewerage
- door seals on ovens
- electrical switchboards
- fire blankets
- vinyl floor tiles
- lagging and jointing using tape and rope
- paint – typically industrial epoxy
- sprayed insulation
- Tilux sheeting in place of ceramic tiles in bathrooms
- carpet underlay
- tile backing
- putty
- lift shafts
Asbestos was also commonly used in the manufacture of brake disc pads.
The most common places that asbestos is found in homes is in the wet areas. For example, cladding behind showers, sinks, toilets and in laundry areas.
A comprehensive list of possible asbestos containing products and materials is contained in the Safe Work Australia 'Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in Workplaces'. This is available on the Safe Work Australia website on the publications page.
It is very difficult to identify asbestos by looking at it. If you are uncertain about what a substance is, you should treat it as though it contains asbestos. The only way to be certain is to have a sample analysed by a laboratory. A licensed asbestos removalist or occupational hygienist could also help with identification. A search facility for locating a Licensed Asbestos Removalist in Tasmania in your area is linked here.