The flood water may finally be subsiding, but other deadly home hazards still rise across much of New South Wales.
Heavy rains and floods hammered vast regions of the state last week, with homeowners and businesses leaving their properties in their thousands to escape the natural disaster.
The situation was declared a natural disaster, with more than 80 flood warnings put in place by Sunday afternoon. The SES responded to more than 4900 incidents over the weekend, with over 5000 volunteers deployed nationwide.
However, as thousands of residents were given the green light to return home Monday, concerns are now rising about what other risks could be awaiting them as part of the arduous cleanup process.
Loose debris, collapsing structures and exposed sharp edges are some of the most common threats those unfortunate returnees face. Still, according to experts, the deadliest often goes completely unnoticed and can put those exposed to health at risk for years to come.
…Asbestos.
Flood-damaged and exposed material found in homes, buildings, and structures, as well as discarded debris, is often contaminated with deadly building materials that have been outlawed nationwide.
An unseen risk
Asbestos can be found in any home built before 1990, with deadly construction materials used to manufacture more than 3000 building and decorator products.
It leads to the death of more than 4000 Aussies per year – more than double the nation’s annual road toll.
Those cleaning up flooded homes built before 1990 are at higher risk of unmasking asbestos at any time, with the product also found under flooring, around pipes, behind walls and in fences, roofs, and garages.
TV’s renovation star Cherie Barber is an Ambassador for the National Asbestos Awareness campaign after losing her grandfather to asbestos-related disease.
The home reno expert and author is familiar with the risks associated with asbestos exposure and has warned those on clean-up duty to be wary of the potential dangers of the material.
“When homes and other buildings containing asbestos are damaged or destroyed during floods, wind and storms, asbestos-containing materials can become eroded, disturbed, broken or friable, causing a health risk to homeowners, property owners, property managers and the community if these materials aren’t managed correctly and disposed of safely,” Ms Barber said.
How to manage post flood Asbestos hazards
Cherrie says home and business owners should take the time to brush up on their asbestos recognition skills before commencing with cleaning up their flood-damaged property.
“Before commencing the clean-up, to protect themselves, their families and communities, property owners must visit the asbestos awareness website to learn how to identify and manage asbestos safely,” she said.
“When it comes to managing asbestos, the first rule is, if you think a building material, product or debris may contain asbestos, treat it as if it is asbestos and take all the necessary precautions in line with regulations.”
“If asbestos needs to be removed, people should only use professional licenced removalists because it’s not worth the risk.”
Post-flood property hazards
- Collapsing structures or surfaces
- Sharp edges or objects
- Protruding nails
- Broken materials (glass/ timber/ metal)
- Floating debris
Weekenders and shack-style homes in the state’s coastal regions have been identified as some of the most at-risk properties in the wake of the flood damage, with many constructed from fibro sheeting meanwhile, rural properties often house sheds, fencing and storage facilities made from asbestos-containing materials.
And while risks are significantly reduced for those living in more modern, post-90s properties, asbestos remains a hazard due to the likelihood of washed-up debris floating in from nearby properties.
“When storms and floods hit, whole buildings and even stockpiled asbestos-containing materials can be picked up by floodwaters and moved from one location to another,” Ms Barber said.
“So, even if your home was built after 1990, it is possible that during floods, miscellaneous debris, including asbestos-containing materials from elsewhere, can end up on your property and pose a risk.”
“Should you find displaced structures and debris containing asbestos on your property, it’s vital that these materials are managed safely and in line with regulations.”
