The NSW Government is providing free tests across 28 Local
Government Areas for homeowners concerned their ceiling insulation may contain
loose-fill asbestos installed in the 1960s and 1970s, mostly by Canberra-based
company ‘Mr Fluffy’. Homeowners outside these areas may arrange ceiling testing
through a licensed asbestos assessor. If the result is positive, the cost of
the test will be refunded and the free testing will be extended to that LGA.
Only a qualified occupational hygienist or licensed asbestos assessor should
inspect ceiling spaces for asbestos insulation and arrange proper testing. Find
out more information on the Service NSW website.
Another potential fiber is polybenzimidazole or PBI fiber. Polybenzimidazole
fiber is a synthetic fiber with a high melting point of 760 °C (1,400 °F) that
also does not ignite. Because of its exceptional thermal and chemical
stability, it is often used by fire departments and space agencies.
Since the 1980s, many asbestos-product manufacturers have filed for bankruptcy
due to the volume of lawsuits against them. Johns Manville set an important
precedent by filing for bankruptcy in 1982 and resolving it six years later by
setting up the $2.5 billion Manville Personal Injury Settlement Trust, which
provides compensation to present and future claimants. This plan was considered
a novel use of bankruptcy law at the time, but many other companies have set up
similar trust funds since then.
Homeowners that receive asbestos-positive results, like Mr Swinburn, have two
options.The first would see the state government purchase the premises and land
at market value, as if free of asbestos. The government, which has budgeted
$280 million for the buybacks, would then demolish the premises and remediate
the land, before selling it. This is the only suitable option for owners of
multiple dwelling units or strata properties. The second option, appropriate
for rural properties (more than two hectares), would have the state government
purchase the premises only, while the property owner retained ownership of the
land. Again, the premises would be valued as if it were asbestos-free. The
government would then demolish the premises and remediate the land, after which
the owner could rebuild.Property owners in the 28 listed areas, with homes
built before 1980, can register to receive free sample testing. Mr Swinburn
said while their decision depended on the house valuation, they would likely
demolish and rebuild.
Even in its soft form, asbestos is extremely resistant to heat, and the air
between the fluffy mineral fibers slows down the transfer of heat through the
material. The fibrous nature of asbestos also allows manufacturers to mix it
into other materials, such as paper, cement and spray-on coatings, and even
weave it into fabric.
Loosely bound materials containing asbestos are not commonly found in domestic
houses. They were primarily used in commercial and industrial settings for fire
proofing, sound proofing and insulation, but can be found in some old domestic
heaters, stoves, hot water systems and associated pipe lagging and in the
backing of vinyl and linoleum floor coverings.
After conducting new tests in 2014, Australian government officials had to
inform residents the so-called “Mr. Fluffy homes” were still heavily
contaminated. Because removing the asbestos in the homes poses such a
challenge, the government has actually found it less costly to buy the homes
outright and demolish them.
We will accept domestic quantities of asbestos at the Hyland Highway Landfill
(by appointment), double wrapped in heavy black builders plastic in 20 kg
packages, as per the guidelines. Before you dispose of the asbestos please make
your payment at a service centre (Moe, Morwell, Traralgon and Churchill) and
bring your receipt to the gatehouse. We cannot accept payment at the gatehouse.
Asbestos not correctly wrapped in manageable sized packages (20 kg or less)
will not be accepted.
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