Asbestos was commonly used in building materials between the 1940s and 1980s. Now that the health risks are known, it is no longer used in Australia.
Asbestos comes in 2 forms:
- Friable: is loosely bound and can generally be found in several forms of insulation including old heaters, old hot water services and pipe insulation. Friable asbestos is more likely to release fibres and is more of a health risk.
- Non-friable: is bound and less likely to release fibres unless it is damaged. Non-friable asbestos is generally found in sheets used in walls and ceilings, cement roof tiles, flues, water pipes and ceramic tile underlay (also known as bonded asbestos).
For more information on asbestos, see the Department of Health's Asbestos—A guide for householders and the general public.
Mandella Reserve
Some pieces of non-friable asbestos sheeting were found in Mandella Reserve on Jacobena Place in Templestowe in February 2019.
Non-friable asbestos sheeting is low risk when left undisturbed. It is not considered harmful unless it is being cut, drilled, sawn or broken to release dust or fibres.
Further investigation and testing of the area revealed contaminated soil in the reserve. Fencing has been installed around the reserve while safe removal of the soil was undertaken.
Clean up works at Mandella Reserve
Works to clean up and remove asbestos contaminated soil from Mandella Reserve are now complete. Works to upgrade and re-establish the reserve are now underway.
The removal was completed by asbestos specialists, including a removalist contractor and environmental hygienist. SAS Safe Asbestos Solutions concluded removal works on Tuesday 26 November 2019.
The environmental hygienist, Identifibre, provided a final clearance certificate on the same day.
The pathway between Jacobena Place and the primary school is now open. Works to re-establish the reserve and install a new playground are in progress.
Who completed the clean up?
Asbestos specialists including a removalist contractor and environmental hygienist managed the clean up and daily air monitoring during the removal of contaminated soil.
- Asbestos removalist contractor SAS Safe Asbestos Solutions
- Environmental hygienist contractor Identifibre
Removal of the contaminated soil was completed via closed containers to avoid any spillage with temporary fencing around the reserve.
What investigation was undertaken after the asbestos was found?
The first specialist report was received on 8 March 2019 and further investigation was conducted. This has included removal, fencing, notification and testing.
- Removal: Pieces of asbestos sheeting have been removed and further investigations are underway.
- Fencing: As a precautionary measure, fencing has been installed around the reserve.
- Notification: Signage has been erected and neighbouring properties have been notified.
- Testing: A range of testing has been undertaken, including:
- Air monitoring: A full 8 hours of air monitoring has been conducted and the clear results showed no asbestos in the air.
- Surface search: An environmental hygienist has conducted a surface search and the report indicated that based on visual surface inspection and air monitoring there was no immediate risk.
- Subsurface excavation: It was suggested that there may be value in subsurface excavation testing in some areas of the reserve. Council engaged specialists to undertake subsurface excavation samples throughout the reserve. This testing was completed during the week commencing Monday 4 March.