16 Campbell St, Bowen HillsWebsite: www.qnt.cfmeu.org.au

Phone: 07- 3231 4600 Fax: 07-3231 4699

MARCH 2017

While thousands of residents in the path of cyclone Debbie have been evacuated for their own safety a hidden killer may be lurking after the storm is over.

Upon return to your home after the storm has come and gone residents need to be very aware of the hidden dangers of exposure to deadly asbestos fibres.

If the cyclone does cause severe structural damage as expected, all care must be taken to avoid picking up, touching or further disturbing the broken debris that may litter the area.

Many older buildings in cyclone Debbie’s path, both commercial and residential (pre 1990) were built using asbestos containing materials. These include fibro wall sheeting, hardiplank cladding, corrugated super 6 roof sheeting, lino, and vinyl tiles, to name a few.

The CFMEU recommends the use of a professional accredited asbestos removalist to limit the potential health impact on residents, and their families.

The CFMEU also recommends that people do not dispose of asbestos themselves. Asbestos has to go to separate landfills areas, and no one except professionals should be touching it.

Authorised by M. Ravbar Divisional Branch Secretary CFMEU Q/NT Construction & General Division

Cyclone Debbie - Asbestos exposure

Asbestos cement sheeting

Corrugated asbestos EXTERNAL wall lining

Asbestos FLOOR TILES

ASBESTOS ADHESIVE

Asbestos DEBRIS

ASBESTOS SUPER 6 ROOFING

Asbestos CEILING TILES

Asbestos WALL

EXAMPLES OF ASBESTOS CONTAINING MATERIALS FOUND AROUND OLDER HOMES