Where Asbestos Hides in NSW Homes — And Why Testing Matters During Asbestos Awareness Week
Asbestos Awareness Week is a timely reminder that asbestos remains one of the most misunderstood risks in NSW homes. Even though asbestos was banned in 2003, one in three Australian properties still contain asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) often in places homeowners don’t expect. If you’re wondering where asbestos hides in NSW homes, the answer is: often in places homeowners never expect.
The NSW Government and the Environmental Defenders Office (EDFA) continue to warn that asbestos cannot be identified by sight alone, and disturbing it without proper assessment exposes people to unnecessary risk.
At Assessment Corp, our role is clear: Make asbestos identification, testing, and compliance simple and safe across NSW.
Your Quick Guide Where Asbestos Hides:
Most homeowners are surprised by how many building materials still contain asbestos especially in homes built before 1990.
1. Bathrooms & Laundries
Wall sheeting
Vinyl floor tiles
Backing on linoleum
Wet area linings
Bathrooms are one of the most common places where asbestos hides in NSW homes, many homeowners don’t realise where asbestos hides in NSW homes, especially in wet areas and old cement-based materials.
2. Roofs & Eaves
Corrugated cement sheeting
Roof tiles
Soffits and eaves
Guttering and downpipes
Roofs and eaves remain another major area where asbestos hides, particularly in older fibro properties.
4. External Areas
Garages and sheds
Carports
Fences (especially older “fibro” fencing)
Garden sheds or outhouses
5. Electrical & Insulation Materials
Old switchboards (with asbestos insulation panels)
Millboard insulation
Backing boards around fuse boxes
If a material is old and cement-based, there is a reasonable chance it may contain asbestos. Before any demolition or repair work, it’s essential to identify where asbestos hides to avoid compliance issues and health risks.
How Assessment Corp can help!
Assessment Corp aligns with NSW Government and EDFA messaging by focusing on safety, compliance, and independent assessment.
Our services include:
✔ Licensed Asbestos Assessors (LAA)
Perform inspections, air monitoring, and clearance certificates.
✔ NATA-Accredited Air Monitoring
Scientifically validated results for safety and compliance.
✔ Unexpected Asbestos Find Assessments
Rapid response when suspicious materials are discovered.
✔ Clearance Certificates
Legally required documentation after asbestos removal works.
✔ Removal Supervision (Not Removal)
Independent oversight ensuring removalists follow safe practices.
Unexpected asbestos find?
Speak with our Licensed Asbestos Assessors for compliant asbestos testing and NATA-accredited air monitoring.
We service homeowners, builders, councils and insurers across NSW.
Sources & References:
- NSW Health — NSW Government Asbestos Safety guidelines
- SafeWork NSW – Asbestos Handling Rules
- Health NSW – Asbestos Health Risks
- Australian Government – Asbestos Safety & Eradication Agency (ASEA)
