New asbestos website launched for homeowners in Canterbury

Homeowners undertaking repairs and renovations in Canterbury can now access a website to learn about the risks associated with asbestos and how these are best managed. www.asbestosaware.co.nz was developed by the Combined Health and Environment Risks Programme Control Group (CHER) which is made up of government and local body agencies working on the rebuild.

“With over 130,000 homes in the Canterbury region, and a large proportion of those undergoing repairs, it’s important that homeowners and small contractors understand the risks associated with asbestos and receive the best advice to manage that risk,” says CHER spokesperson Kathryn Heiler from WorkSafe New Zealand.

“It’s imperative that homeowners and small contractors in Christchurch are aware of the requirement to manage asbestos carefully. Asbestos Aware provides a one-stop-shop where they can access this information,” Ms Heiler says.

Anyone who is about to embark on repairs and renovations should check out the website and make sure they are familiar with what asbestos looks like, how to test to confirm it is present and then how to manage it, if confirmed in your home.

Asbestos creates a health risk only if it is disturbed or broken up and fibres are released into the air. Don’t expose yourself and your family to this risk. If homeowners are commencing work and they think asbestos is involved, take precautions to manage the risk.

Houses built, altered or refurbished between 1940 and up to the 1990s may contain asbestos and the only way to know for sure whether it is present is to have it tested. It is estimated that over 70,000 dwellings in Christchurch have asbestos containing materials present. Asbestos Aware encourages homeowners to contract appropriately qualified people to test for and manage the removal of asbestos.

Remnants of disturbed asbestos can remain in the home long term if removal is not managed correctly. This can impact on future owners who may be unaware of work that has been undertaken. As a result, it is important that removal is carefully managed.

Homeowners and renovators will be targeted through councils, DIY stores and other key outlets to direct them to the website and encourage them to take note of the advice provided.

ENDS

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