Safety: how to spot asbestos in vintage items

Step by step

1. 1

   Step 1: Know where it hides

   Common places include old ironing board heat rests, heat mats, fire blankets, oven gloves, hair dryers, heaters, stoves, lino and vinyl backing, textured ceilings, Fibrolite sheet and Super Six roofing.

2. 2

   Step 2: Look for warning signs

   Grey fibrous board, crumbly heat proof pads and old heat resistant cloth in good condition are low risk if left alone, but dangerous if damaged.

3. 3

   Step 3: Leave it alone

   Don't take apart old heaters or appliances to find out. If an item is damaged and might contain asbestos, mist it with water, double bag it and seal it.

4. 4

   Step 4: Test if needed

   An accredited lab can test a small sample. Your local council or WorkSafe can point you to one.

5. 5

   Step 5: Disposal

   Take bagged asbestos to a council approved disposal site. Never put it in household rubbish.

6. 6

   Step 6: Selling

   If an item might contain asbestos, say so or don't sell it. Junkie takes safety reports seriously.