The Boorowa community is being urged to consider whether there is the possibility their homes may contain loose-fill asbestos insulation.
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The Boorowa Local Government Area (LGA) was recently added to a list of eligible LGA's where home owners concerned they may have loose fill asbestos can have a free testing program undertaken by Workcover NSW.
"The aim of the program is to identify the extent of the issue and to develop risk management measures to reduce the risk of harm to home owners or the public," Boorowa Council's general manager Anthony McMahon said.
"It is understood that people may be uncertain about the consequences if asbestos is identified, however now is the time to find out given that the State Government have taken an interest in the matter with a public enquiry recently commenced."
The NSW Government is offering the free asbestos testing service and property assessment for a period of 12 months (commencing approximately at the start of November 2014) for eligible residences.
Residents who own homes built before 1980 and suspect their home may contain loose fill asbestos insulation can contact WorkCover on 131 050 to apply for the testing service and to find out if they are eligible to have their property tested and assessed for the material.
Samples of material will be taken away by a licensed asbestos assessor and tested to determine if they are loose-fill asbestos.
All concerned home-owners and prospective owners of properties built before 1980 are encouraged to register for the free testing service being offered by the NSW Government because the only definitive way to tell if loose material in the roof space is asbestos is through sample analysis under microscopic examination.
WorkCover have advised that where a sample is confirmed to be loose-fill asbestos, the affected homeowner will be eligible for a free technical assessment by a licensed asbestos assessor.
The licensed asbestos assessor will advise on and confirm the adequacy of risk controls in the identified home and will provide advice on adequate risk control measures.
To register for the free testing service or to obtain more information, residents are urged to contact WorkCover on 131 050 or visit their website via workcover.nsw.gov.au.
