Do I need to worry about asbestos when hanging pictures?

[YasHaskell]

Hi, I have just moved into my new (old) villa and want to hang some pictures. The units were built in the 60s and renovated at various times. There are a few hooks remaining from previous owners but I want to get someone to hang a very heavy mirror. I've read that there might be asbestos 'wall linings' in homes from this era, but I don't think picture hooks would penetrate that far. I'm pretty sure the walls are just plasterboard. Do I really need to pay $800 to a licensed asbestos assessor to visit the property? So many expenses!!!

[EricL]

Hello @YasHaskell 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about asbestos.

From a health and safety perspective, I think its very important to test your home for asbestos. Think of it as knowledge gained as you now know which parts of your home have asbestos and which parts don't. You'll know if it's safe to drill into walls and ceilings. You'll never have to second guess because you've had a proper assessment done. Plus, should you ever decide to sell the property you can tell the prospective buyer that you've had an asbestos assessment done. My best advice is to get two more quotes for the asbestos assessment and find a better deal.

Let me call on our experienced members @TedBear, @JoeAzza and @Nailbag for their recommendations.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

[TedBear]

Hi @YasHaskell,

If the picture hooks are held up by thin pins, it is unlikely that your walls are asbestos, because nailing into asbestos isn't easy. 

If the hooks are screwed into the wall then they may be asbestos (assuming that they aren't brick).

Another way to find out would be to pick a test spot (where you intend to put a hanger, or an out-of-sight location), put a strip of masking tape vertically and loosely on the wall at that spot. (You are trying to catch dust in it.) Then using a hand drill and a very small drill bit (and wearing a dust mask), dip the tip of the bit into water & slowly drill a short way into the wall. If it's plaster it will go in easily and you'll have white powder stuck to the tip &/or under the tape when you remove it. If it's asbestos, it will be hard to drill into (so stop) and you will have grey dust on the drill tip &/or on the tape.  

(Do not use a power drill to take this small sample of wall material, just in case it is asbestos. )

[Nailbag]

Hi @YasHaskell 

A visual sign of internal walls with asbestos/cement sheeting is that the joins will typically have a low profile flat cover strap over them (see image). Whereas plasterboard won't.

But I think initially you can do a couple of basic safe-guard checks yourself. You can simply start with lightly tapping a nail into the wall. If it goes in reasonably easily it's probably old horse-hair plasterboard. But if you can barely make a dent or the nail bends, Its likely to be some form of fibro sheeting so, then I would follow @TedBear instructions to the letter. If you there think it's asbestos, then it would be worth getting a few quotes on a professional opinion.

Nailbag

[YasHaskell]

Thanks very much Ted bear! If the outer walls are not asbestos is there a danger of there being asbestos behind them? I don't know what is meant by 'wall linings'. 

[YasHaskell]

Thanks Nailbag, no, I'm pretty sure the walls I can see are plasterboard. Just worrying about what might be behind them. 

[JacobZ]

Hi @YasHaskell,

"Wall linings" is a generic term that refers to the material used on the inside of your home's frame that closes in the wall. A wall lining is typically plasterboard or fibre cement sheeting. In pre-1980s homes, wall and ceiling linings often contained asbestos.

Asbestos was present in a variety of building materials used for a variety of purposes, including but not limited to wall linings and insulation in walls and ceilings. Even if there is no asbestos present in the wall linings, there is some potential that it could be present behind them in other forms.

While it may just confirm that there is no asbestos present in your home, having a professional assess your home will give you peace of mind that it is safe to proceed with your projects. The cost to have a professional give the all clear is much less than the potential cost to you, your family and your neighbours' health if you are not safe. 

My advice is, if you are not sure, have a professional come and check.

Ensuring you are informed about asbestos and how to manage it is also going to be worthwhile. Each state and territory government in Australia has different resources available, so it is worth checking out the State and territory advice on asbestossafety.gov.au.

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob