City of Canning - Asbestos

Asbestos

Reporting incorrect asbestos handling.

Last updated on: 07 October 2021

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If there is a demolition or handling of asbestos issue currently in progress, or there is an imminent public health issue, please contact the City on 1300 4 CANNING (1300 422 664) to report your request. You can call this number 24-hours a day for urgent / high priority assistance.
This will allow an officer to respond with the highest priority.

Asbestos was commonly used in building materials due to its durability, fire resistance and insulation properties.
When asbestos material is left undisturbed it is relatively harmless.
Manufacturing of all asbestos products ceased in 1987.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that was widely used in the manufacture of building materials and other products.
In Australia the use of asbestos was phased out in the manufacture of building products through the 1980s and completely banned in 2003.
Asbestos was processed and mixed with materials to produce a variety of products.
The most common product used in residential properties is asbestos cement. Asbestos cement products typically contain 10-15% asbestos.
Asbestos cement products pose little risk to health when they are in good condition and undisturbed. However, homeowners must take precautions when removing the products, renovating or doing maintenance work.

If a fence is made of cement sheeting, was installed before 1990 then it is highly likely to contain asbestos and should be treated as such.
In most cases the condition is unlikely to be an immediate problem but these products need to be properly managed. Good management of your fence includes:
maintaining fence in good condition
removal of the fence if it has deteriorated or become damaged
keeping sheeting panels intact
using safety precautions when maintaining, repairing or removing sheets.
If the fence is very badly damaged then removal is recommended, however, it is best for neighbours to negotiate between themselves to reach a solution on any fence issue/s.
A useful tool is the guidelines provided by the Department of Commerce to help you understand the Dividing Fences Act 1961 (the Act) and outlines processes for neighbours to agree on the fence that divides their properties, to determine boundaries and to share the cost of construction and maintenance.
The Act also enables the courts to deal with disputes that may arise over dividing fences. You can view the guidelines here.
Any person handling and disposing of asbestos containing materials is required to comply with the requirements of the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992.
It is generally recommended that a WorkSafe licensed asbestos removalist be used for asbestos removal.
Contractors can be found in the Yellow Pages under Asbestos Removal.

The City regulates asbestos through the Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992 (HAR). Important features of the HAR include:
prohibition (with exemptions) of the sale, supply or use of asbestos cement products
requiring reasonable measures be used for the storage, maintenance, repair, removal, and disposal of material containing asbestos (reasonable measures are defined)
Environmental Health Officers (EHOs) respond to concerns about the inappropriate condition, handling and disposal of asbestos containing materials.
EHOs also assist customers to liaise with WorkSafe WA (Tel. 1300 307 877 Email safety@commerce.wa.gov.au) regarding inappropriate handling of asbestos on work sites.
The City proudly supports the Asbestos Diseases Research Institutes Asbestos Awareness Month.

This type of request cannot be anonymous.
Contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed, as well as provide the City the ability to clarify information to ensure officers have a safe working environment.
Personal information is not disclosed to any person without consent.

If you have concerns regarding the inappropriate condition, handling or disposal of asbestos, you can report this here.
To report an issue with asbestos, click the relevant type below.
An officer will action within five (5) working days, including contacting you to clarify the nature of the complaint, check on any possible safety risks for City staff and explain the complaint process.
Your contact details are required when lodging this issue to ensure a proper investigation can be completed.

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