7 April 2014

Seeking tougher laws on residential asbestos management

| Canfan
Join the conversation
3

Advocates are calling the government to force homeowners with properties containing ‘Mr Fluffy’ loose asbestos to have an asbestos management plan, as this would bring them under the same laws that govern commercial buildings.

The ACT government has issued a ‘recommendation’ that homeowners have inspections done and the subsequent report should be available to any tradespeople doing work on their homes. However this is not legally binding.

The construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union would like to see this go further, having submitted a formal recommendation to the ACT government that all 1050 Mr Fluffy homes be subject to much stricter safety measures.

Residential asbestos management plans cost around $1000, making an expense that many homeowners can’t afford, particularly given $100 million had been spent between 1987 and 1992 to clean the roof cavities of all 1050 homes with the insulation. It would appear that remnant asbestos poses a significant public health risk across Canberra, particularly when properties are renovated.

Join the conversation

3
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest

How will tougher laws help these homeowners?

It cost $100,000 per house to clean out the insulation, 20 years ago?

I’m surprised that nobody has commented on this issue which potentially affects all of Canberra in one way or another. In case anyone is too nervous to post their comments on this site, there is a Fluffy Owners and Residents’ Action Group that has been set up to help owners and tenants… http://www.fluffyaction.com/390249622. Some of the comments on the community voice page sound really sad.

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.