Useful links for DIY

The below links provide some information on hazards and issues to be aware of in relation to Do It Yourself (DIY) projects.

Building, design and sustainability

Archicentre
Archicentre is the building advisory service of the Royal Australian Institute of Architects. It provides information and advice on the design of home renovations. Archicentre is also a home inspection company and a leading authority on building construction. This site is an online resource centre for information about buying, building and renovating.

Department of Planning and Infrastructure
The Department of Planning and Infrastructure coordinates land-use and transport planning, infrastructure development and natural resource management in New South Wales.

Building Sustainability Index (BASIX)
BASIX standards apply to all residential dwelling types and are part of the development application process in NSW. There are BASIX standards for water and energy and thermal peformance that apply to:

all new residential dwellings
alterations and additions to dwellings costing $50,000 or more
swimming pools of 40,000 litres or more.

Each development application for a residential dwelling must be submitted with a BASIX Certificate.

Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water
The Australian Government Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water develops and implements national policy, programs and legislation to protect and conserve Australia's natural environment and cultural heritage. The website provides specific information about indoor air quality, identifying potential hazards and providing links to relevant research.

Lead

LeadSmart
While LeadSmart was set up to raise awareness of lead risks in Broken Hill, it includes a number of broad resources on living and working with lead including information for renovators, what lead does to your health and sources of lead in the environment.

The Six Step Guide to Painting Your Home

This booklet provides information about lead in paint, finding out how much lead is in your paint and how to make plans to stay safe when painting and renovating. The The National Painting and Decorating Institute has also developed a series of lead safety training videos including:

Asbestos

NSW Health - Asbestos and Health Risks Factsheet

This link provides information about asbestos and how exposure to asbestos can affect human health.

Safe Work Australia
Safe Work Australia is a national policy setting body whose key role is to improve work health and safety, including exposure to asbestos, lead and other hazardous chemicals.

Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia Inc. (ADFA)
ADFA addresses the needs and interests of men and women affected by an asbestos related disease. The Foundation aims to provide the wider community with information about the hazards of asbestos exposure.

Asbestos Diseases Society of Australia Inc.
This site provides information on asbestos, its risk and to initiate programs to reduce asbestos diseases in Australia.

Workers Compensation Dust Diseases Authority
This website explains the steps you will need to take to find out whether you have contracted a dust disease as a result of your employment as a deemed worker in New South Wales and whether you are entitled to compensation.