Queenslanders reminded about the dangers of asbestos

Queenslanders are reminded about the dangers of asbestos this week, as Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) marks Asbestos Awareness Week with a free live-streamed safety session on working safely with asbestos.

Quick summary: WHSQ's session addresses the risk of disturbing asbestos-containing materials during home maintenance, particularly when cleaning roofing and fences with high-pressure water blasters. Homes built or renovated before 1990 may contain asbestos products, and this awareness campaign aims to keep Queensland households safe.

Why This Asbestos Safety Session Matters

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said WHSQ will use the online safety session to inform the public about dangers linked to cleaning asbestos fences and roofing with high-pressure water blasters. This kind of work can release fibres into the air, creating a health risk for anyone nearby.

"If you're working on a property that was built or renovated before 1990, it's likely to contain products with asbestos in them," Ms Grace said.

"More than 3000 asbestos containing materials were used in the construction of residential homes at that time."

Identifying Asbestos at Home

WHSQ also plans to launch a series of short films this week, helping Queensland residents identify asbestos at home before starting renovation or maintenance work. Recognising these materials early reduces exposure risk for homeowners, tradies and the wider community.

Common areas where asbestos may still be present include:

• Roofing sheets and guttering
• Fibro fencing and cladding
• Under-floor sheeting
• Older insulation materials

Staying Safe During Asbestos-Related Work

Safety experts consistently caution that asbestos can be very dangerous when disturbed, so anyone planning work involving suspected asbestos materials should seek professional advice first. Improper handling significantly raises the risk of asbestos-related diseases, so awareness and preparation matter.

For businesses and workers who regularly encounter asbestos on site, having clear asbestos safety documentation in place supports compliant, safe work practices. SafetyDocs also provides an asbestos roof restoration SWMS for teams undertaking roofing work where legacy materials may be present.

This campaign follows similar safety warnings issued elsewhere in Australia. SafeWork SA has warned tradies about asbestos dangers, while the Northern Territory has also reminded tradies to think twice about asbestos before starting work on older properties.

The full story is available here.