From 1 September 2017 a Contract for Sale and Purchase of Land must include a warning that if the dwelling was constructed prior to 1985 then the purchaser should make enquiries to determine if the premise contains loose-fill asbestos.   The warning recommends the purchaser;

• Search the Loose-Fill Asbestos Insulation Register.
• Check if the local council holds any records on premises that have Loose Fill Asbestos.

What is Loose-Fill Asbestos (LFA) and Why is it Dangerous?

In the 1960’s and 70’s raw crushed asbestos was used in ceilings as insulation.  Asbestos fibres remain in the property after the LFA insulation is removed.  These fibres are easily inhaled and overtime can damage the lungs resulting in lung disease and respiratory illness.

What happens if a property has Loose-Fill Asbestos (LFA?)

If the property has been identified as containing LFA then:

• It will be on the National Loose Fill Asbestos Register.
• The Council will include a warning in the S149(2) Certificate in the contract that the property is affected.
• Once on the register the property will have a mandatory Warning Tag on it.

How to remove a property from the Register?

To remove a property from the register the dwelling must be demolished and the soil remediated.   After remediation the property will be inspected by a Licensed Asbestos Assessor and a Clearance Certificate issued.  Only then will the property be removed from the register.

You can check if a property is on the register through the NSW Office of Fair Trading Website.