Parramatta residents who are concerned that their homes may contain loose-fill asbestos insulation are being urged to take up the offer of a free expert inspection through WorkCover NSW.
An investigation by the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) into houses that contain the insulation has identified, from government records, a house within the Parramatta LGA that had loose-fill asbestos insulation.
HACA has written to the owners of that home and met with Parramatta City Council to discuss the possibility that other homes in the Parramatta LGA may also have loose-fill asbestos installed.
Loose-fill asbestos is insulation made from raw asbestos that was crushed into a fine state and sold as ceiling insulation throughout the 1960s and 1970s. While it is now illegal to use or reuse asbestos, at that time it was not illegal.
The product sold by a company called Mr Fluffy was installed in more than 1000 homes in the ACT, and there is some evidence to suggest that it may have been on sold to another supplier who installed the product in homes in New South Wales.
Any home-owners who have houses or units constructed pre-1980 and are concerned that their property may contain loose-fill asbestos insulation are encouraged to contact WorkCover to register for a free inspection.
Parramatta City Council CEO Greg Dyer said he urged residents who are concerned that their homes may contain the insulation to take up the offer of a free inspection, which is available until August 2015.
“This is timely reminder of the need to be vigilant and aware of the risks posed by asbestos in all its forms,” Mr Dyer said.
“If you suspect your home may contain loose-fill asbestos it’s important that you do not enter the roof space yourself, and instead get expert advice and assistance from WorkCover. They will ask a licensed asbestos assessor to contact you to make a time to investigate.”
Not all homes constructed pre-1980 with insulation contain asbestos. There are various other forms of insulation that can look like loose-fill asbestos insulation. The only way to know is to have a licensed asbestos assessor test the material.
The program is being offered by WorkCover NSW. To enquire about the free testing service call 131 050 .