11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness in Melbourne (previously 10675NAT)
As part of the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011 all individuals who could come into contact asbestos must complete asbestos awareness training. In order to meet these requirements, plumbers, carpenters, cablers, and other professionals in the ACT were required to take the 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness Training (previously 10675NAT).
Although it is not mandatory to complete the course outside of the ACT, companies and governments are increasingly adopting the course as the gold-standard in asbestos awareness training. Ask AlertForce to contextualise the course for your workplace.
The asbestos awareness course approved by ACT is 11084NAT. Previous course was numbered 10314NAT.
What training is required for asbestos awareness?
Individuals are required to complete the 11084NAT asbestos awareness course (previously 10675NAT), to meet ACT requirements. It is your responsibility as a PCBU to ensure that your workers have been trained by an approved training provider.
The only prerequisite for the 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness course is that the student be able to read, speak and understand English.
How is training delivered?
While online training is not currently available, it is acceptable to receive asbestos awareness training via a live webcast.
The course is designed to be completed in a minimum of four hours. Although the exact duration can vary depending on who offers the course, and how many students are enrolled, the minimum time frame must be followed.
AlertForce is approved by ASQA for this course to be delivered across the country. Only a few RTOs are permitted to deliver this course nationally.
Why should you complete an asbestos awareness training course?
Asbestos Awareness 11084NAT is the course that is required in ACT and Canberra.
If you have completed asbestos training before January 2008, it will not be accepted. The course must be provided by a registered accredited organisation between January 8, 2008 and June 30, 2014. The course should be CPCCDE3014, Removing Non-friable Asbestos. This is a higher level course than the awareness course.
The course is designed to reduce health risks associated with asbestos. A list of occupations where workers are exposed to asbestos is provided by the Minister’s Declaration of Occupations. Training is required for all workers whose occupations are listed in the declaration of occupations. Other asbestos-related occupations, such as architects, AC mechanics, and civil engineers, also require training.
What’s the cost of the Asbestos Awareness Training course 11084NAT?
The price of the Asbestos Awareness Training course 11084NAT (previously 10675NAT) can vary depending on where you live and who provides the course. In Brisbane the price ranges from $220 to $250. Outside of Canberra the course is less popular because it’s not mandatory. Many workers from outside Canberra need the training in order to work on construction projects in Canberra.
These prices are standard. Most companies offer discounts for group training. If you have 10 or more workers that need the Asbestos Awareness Training course (previously called 10675NAT), you may be eligible for the discount.
What can you expect to learn after completing the Asbestos Awareness course 11084NAT?
The 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness course (previously referred to as 10675NAT) is designed to teach workers to identify asbestos. This course DOES NOT deal with asbestos removal or its encapsulation.
By the end of the course, participants should be able identify the health risks and hazards associated with asbestos. Asbestos is a significant risk factor for lung disease. Asbestosis is another name for this condition. Asbestos can cause cancer in humans and increases the risk of lung diseases.
Asbestos was not banned in Australia until December 2003. It is still found in older homes and buildings in the form or insulation, tiles, and wallboards.
Asbestos is also found in brake shoes, elevator equipment, ductwork and electrical panel partitions.
The course explains how asbestos is dealt with once it has been discovered. Most asbestos cases must be reported to and dealt with by a qualified asbestos removal company or encapsulation company.
PCBUs can provide asbestos awareness training to ensure the safety of all individuals on the construction site, including workers, contractors and visitors.
What Accreditation will I receive?
After you complete 11084NAT (previously 10675NAT), you will be given a final assessment to determine if you have understood all the information presented during the course. You will receive a Nationally Accredited Statement of Attainment if you pass.
Before entering a construction site, asbestos awareness training in the ACT is mandatory. As an employer, you must ensure your employees receive this training. ACT has approved the 11084NAT course in Asbestos Aware. This course is only available via live webinars or face-to-face and is only offered by qualified training organisations.
You may also take asbestos courses online here.
11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness in Brisbane (previously 10675NAT)
As per the Work Health and Safety Act of 2011, asbestos awareness training must be completed by all individuals who may come into contact with asbestos. To meet these requirements, builders, carpenters and cablers as well as plumbers and other professionals working in the ACT over a period of several years were required to complete the 11084NAT course in Asbestos awareness training (previously 10675NAT).
Even though it is not explicitly legislated outside of the ACT to complete this course, there is a growing trend in companies and government adopting this course as the gold standard around asbestos awareness training. Ask AlertForce about contextualising the course for your workplace.
The current asbestos awareness course approved by the ACT is 11084NAT (previously 10675NAT). The previous course was numbered 10314NAT, the standard for learning to identify asbestos.
What Is the Training Requirement for Asbestos Awareness?
Individuals must complete the 11084NAT course in asbestos awareness (previously 10675NAT) to meet the ACT requirements for asbestos training. As a PCBU, it is your duty to ensure that all of your workers have received this training from an approved training provider.
If you have a reasonable belief that you or one of your workers may be working with asbestos-containing material (ACM) in Australia, you must arrange for this training to be conducted by a qualified training provider. You must also keep a record on who has been trained, and when. In Queensland, the white card is required for anyone entering a building site. There are no prerequisites to the 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness. The only prerequisite is that the student must be able read, understand and speak English. If a person cannot read or write in English, he or she can hire a translator. However, translators are usually not provided by the training organisation.
How Is the Training Delivered?
Whilst online training for asbestos awareness is not available it is acceptable to receive training online via a live webinar. The 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness is also available face-to-face. These asbestos awareness courses must also be delivered by a certified registered training organisation (RTO).
The courses are designed to be completed within a minimum time of four hours. The exact duration of the course can vary depending on the company that offers the course and the number students but the minimum time frames must be adhered to.
AlertForce has been approved by ASQA to deliver this course across the country. There are only a small handful of RTO’s permitted to deliver this training nationally.
Why Do You Need to Complete an Asbestos Awareness Course?
In ACT and Canberra, certain workers are required to complete the 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness Course (previously 10675NAT). Workers on construction sites must complete the 11084NAT Asbestos Training Course (previously known as 10675NAT). Asbestos exposure is known to increase your risk of developing asbestosis, an inflammatory lung disease. This condition can cause shortness of breathe and permanent lung damage. It can even increase the risk for lung cancer. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011, requires that asbestos identification be taught, trained, and informed. The 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness is currently the approved course to meet these requirements.
Your previous asbestos training will not be accepted if you completed it before January 2008. The course must be offered by a registered accredited training organisation between January 2008 and the end of June 2014. It should be something like CPCCDE3014 Removing non-friable Asbestos, which is a course at a higher level than the awareness course. If the course does not meet these requirements then training in 11084NAT Asbestos Awareness Course (previously known as 10675NAT), will be required.
The training course has been designed to reduce the health risks associated with asbestos. The Minister’s Declaration of Occupations is a list of occupations that workers can reasonably be exposed asbestos. The training is required for any worker whose occupation is listed in the Minister’s declaration of occupations. Along with plumbers and builders, other workers who work in asbestos-related occupations include architects, AC mechanics and civil engineers.
What is the cost of the 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness Training?
The price of the 11084NAT course in Asbestos awareness training (previously known as 10675NAT), can vary depending on the region and the company that provides the course. The average price of this course in Canberra, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne is $227. In Brisbane, the price ranges between $220 and 250. The course is less popular outside of Canberra, because it isn’t mandatory. However, many workers who live outside Canberra will need the training to do construction work in Canberra.
These are the standard prices. Many companies offer discounts on group training. You may be eligible for a discount if you have ten or more workers who need the 11084NAT course in Asbestos awareness training (previously known as 10675NAT).
What will you learn by completing the 11084NAT course in Asbestos Awareness?
The 11084NAT course in Asbestos awareness (previously known as 10675NAT), is designed to teach workers how to identify asbestos. The course does NOT deal with the removal of asbestos or its encapsulation.
Participants should be able to identify the health hazards and risks associated with asbestos by the end of the course. Asbestos exposure is a major risk factor for lung damage. This is also known as asbestosis. Asbestos is also a human cancer-causing agent and increases the risk of lung disease. The 11084NAT course in Asbestos awareness training (previously known as 10675NAT), also covers asbestos identification. Participants will also learn about the most common materials that contain asbestos and where it is most likely to occur.
In Australia, asbestos wasn’t banned until December 2003. Asbestos has been banned in Australia since the 1980s. Although asbestos is no more used, it can still be found in commercial and domestic properties built before the ban. Asbestos is a cheap material that was used to make a variety of construction materials. Older homes and building may contain asbestos in the form of insulation, tiles and wallboards.
Asbestos can also be found in brake shoes and elevator equipment. Asbestos can also be found in cooling towers, ductwork, and electrical panel partitions.
The course also explains how to deal with asbestos once it has been detected. In most cases, asbestos must be reported and dealt by a qualified asbestos abatement company or encapsulation firm.
PCBUs, with the asbestos awareness training they provide, can ensure that the building site is safe for all individuals, including workers, contractors, visitors and anyone else who may be required to visit or occupy the site.
What Accreditation will you receive?
After completing 11084NAT (previously known as 10675NAT), a final test is administered to determine whether you have understood the information provided during the course. If you pass the assessment, you will receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.
Remember before entering a construction site in the ACT, asbestos awareness training is mandatory. You as an employer must ensure that your employees have access to this training. The current course approved by the ACT is 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness. These courses are offered via live webinar or face to face and are only available through qualified training organisations.
AlertForce recommends that you complete the nationally recognised version even if you do not work in the ACT. You can also take asbestos online courses here.
11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT)?
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, asbestos awareness training is required for all individuals who work in fields that may involve contact with asbestos. Builders, carpenters, cablers, plumbers, and other professionals who work in the ACT for several years have needed to take the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT) to fulfil these requirements along with White Card Training.
The 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the current ACT-approved training course for asbestos awareness training. It replaces the 10314NAT as the standard for learning how to identify asbestos.
What Is the Training Requirement for Asbestos Awareness?
To meet the ACT training requirements for asbestos awareness, individuals must complete the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), it is your responsibility to ensure that your workers have completed this training through an approved training provider.
Across Australia, if you reasonably believe that you or your workers will work with asbestos-containing materials (ACM), you need to arrange this training with a qualified training company. You also need to maintain a record of who has been trained and when the training was completed. In the ACT is mandatory for any person entering a construction site just like the white card in most states of Australia. There are no specific prerequisites for undertaking training in 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). The only requirement is that the student should be able to read, understand, and converse in English. If an individual cannot read and write in English, they may hire an accredited translator. However, translators are not usually provided by the training organisation.
How Is the Training Delivered?
Asbestos awareness training courses are not available online. Face-to-face delivery is required for the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). These asbestos awareness training courses also need to be delivered by a qualified training organisation.
The courses are typically designed to be completed in a minimum of four hours. However, the exact length of the course may depend on the company offering the course and the number of students.
AlertForce is approved by ASQA and the licence holders of 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) to deliver this course nationally.
Why Do You Need to Complete an Asbestos Awareness Course?
The 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is required for specified workers in ACT and Canberra. All work conducted on building sites requires workers to complete 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training (previously 10675NAT). Exposure to asbestos is known to increase the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called asbestosis. This condition can lead to shortness of breath and permanent lung damage. It may even increase the risk of lung cancer. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires that information, training, and instruction is provided for identifying asbestos. Currently, 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the approved training course to meet these requirements.
If you completed training prior to January 2008, your previous asbestos training is not accepted. For training completed between January 2008 and June 2014, the course must have been offered through an accredited registered training organisation and be something like CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos which is a higher level course to the awareness one. If the training course did not meet these requirements, training in 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) will be required.
The purpose of the training course is to reduce the health and safety risks associated with asbestos exposure. The Minister’s declaration of occupations is a long list of occupations where workers may reasonably be exposed to asbestos. Any worker with an occupation listed in the Minister’s declaration of occupations needs to complete the necessary training. Along with builders and plumbers, bricklayers, stonemasons, architects, AC mechanics, civil engineers, scaffolders, and roof tilers need to complete the asbestos awareness training.
How Much Does 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness Training (previously 10675NAT) Cost?
The average price of the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT) can vary, depending on the company providing the course and the region. In Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, the typical price for this course is $227. In Brisbane, you may pay between $220 and $250. The course is not as popular outside of Canberra because it is not mandatory although many workers residing outside Canberra will obviously need the training if doing construction work in Canberra.
These are just the typical prices. However, many companies offer discounts for group training. If you have six or more workers that require the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT), you may qualify for a group discount.
The ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund may allow some individuals to receive a partial refund. Individuals must apply to receive this refund, which is typically delivered after the completion of the course.
Can my business get training funding?
In certain circumstances businesses who are related to the construction industry in the ACT will be eligible for training funding. AlertForce are able to organise this on behalf of your business if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check Training Fund Authority website here or call us to discuss your staff eligibility.
What Will You Learn by Completing the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT)?
The primary purpose of the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is for workers to learn how to identify asbestos. The course does not deal with the removal or encapsulation of the asbestos.
By the end of the course, participants should understand the hazards and potential health risks associated with asbestos. The main risk of asbestos exposure is lung damage, which is also called asbestosis. Asbestos exposure also increases the risk of lung cancer and is classified as a human carcinogen. 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training (previously 10675NAT) also covers the identification of asbestos. Participants also learn where asbestos is most likely to be found and the materials that commonly contain asbestos.
In Australia, asbestos was not banned until December 2003. However, asbestos has not been used in building materials for domestic properties since the 1980s. While asbestos is no longer used, it is still often found in domestic and commercial properties that were built prior to the ban. Asbestos was an inexpensive material that was used in a wide variety of construction materials. Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos in the insulation, tiles, wallboards, gutters, downspouts, flashing, plaster, cement, and vinyl flooring.
Asbestos may also be found in elevator equipment, including brake shoes. Electrical panel partitions, cooling towers, and ductwork are also areas where asbestos may be found in older properties.
The training course also explains the necessary safety procedures for addressing asbestos after it is detected. In most cases, the asbestos must be properly reported and dealt with by a qualified asbestos abatement or encapsulation company.
With the asbestos awareness training, PCBUs can ensure that a building site is safe for workers, contractors, visitors, and any other individuals who may need to occupy or visit the site.
What Accreditation Will You Get?
After completing the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT), an assessment is conducted to determine if you understood the information presented during the training course. If you pass this assessment, you receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.
Asbestos awareness training is required before entering a building site. If you are an employer, you need to ensure that your workers receive access to this training. 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the current course approved in the ACT. While these courses are not available online, they are offered by qualified training organisations.
AlertForce recommend that you do the higher qualification CPCCDE3014A if you reside outside of Canberra as this gives you more flexibility. You can view our asbestos awareness and removal courses here just below. You can also do a bunch of asbestos courses online here.
What Is Asbestos, and Do You Need a Licence to Remove It?
What is asbestos, and how is asbestos removed? These are a couple of the most common asbestos-related questions. Depending on where you work, you may need to know how to deal with asbestos. Here is what you should know.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a natural mineral found in rocks and soil. It was used for decades for its ability to help strengthen materials. It was also affordable and fireproof, making it a popular insulation material. Other common uses for asbestos include:
- Roofing shingles
- Floor tiles
- Ceiling tiles
- Countertops
- Asbestos cement products
- Automobile components
Australia banned the use of asbestos in 2003 after recognising the potential health risks that come from breathing the material. At the time, about 90% of all asbestos fibre was used for asbestos cement manufacturing. As asbestos was only banned close to 20 years ago, it is still found in many older building materials.
There are two main types of asbestos—friable and non-friable asbestos. Friable means “easily crumbled.” Friable asbestos poses more of a health risk, as it is easily crumbled when handled, which can release small fibres into the air. Inhaling asbestos dust increases the risk of a variety of health issues, including:
- Asbestosis
- Pleural disease
- Lung cancer
- Mesothelioma
Asbestosis and pleural disease are two non-cancer diseases that are caused by inhaling airborne asbestos fibres. Asbestosis is scarring that occurs in the lungs. This scarring prevents oxygen and carbon dioxide from passing through the lungs easily, which can make breathing more difficult.
Pleural disease is a type of non-cancerous lung disease that alters the membrane surrounding the lungs and the chest cavity. The membrane thickens, which can lead to breathing problems.
Tens of thousands of Australians are diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases each year. Due to the dangers of asbestos, the government places strict requirements on its removal. Failure to comply can result in steep penalties.
The laws around asbestos were also recently updated. Under the WHS Act, all companies should comply with the model Codes of Practice for dealing with asbestos-containing material (ACM) and asbestos products. Luckily, training is available to ensure compliance and minimise the health risks of dealing with asbestos waste.
The model WHS regulations require businesses with work environments that include a risk of exposure to asbestos to complete certain steps. This often includes construction sites, automotive plants, and other industrial sites. Here are some of the requirements:
- Train workers who may be exposed to asbestos.
- Maintain an asbestos register.
- Use an asbestos management plan.
- Obtain a licence to remove asbestos.
While these requirements apply to persons conducting a business or undertaking (PCBUs), workers also require training to identify asbestos and remove it.
How to Identify Asbestos?
Businesses must mark locations where asbestos may be found throughout the workplace. However, workers in certain industries must also be prepared to identify asbestos. 11084NAT (previously 10675NAT) Asbestos Awareness is the required training course for anyone at risk of exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos awareness training is necessary for a wide range of professions, including bricklayers, stonemasons, air-conditioning mechanics, building inspectors, civil engineers, and dozens of others. Even if you do not handle asbestos, you may need to know how to identify it.
Unfortunately, asbestos is not easy to identify based on its appearance. Identifying asbestos involves knowing the types of materials that may potentially include asbestos. After suspecting a material may contain asbestos, further analysis is often needed to confirm the presence of the harmful material.
How Is Asbestos Removed?
The safe removal of asbestos requires a licensed asbestos removalist, which includes businesses that meet the requirements for asbestos removal. Individual workers do not obtain a licence. However, you may still need training to participate in the removal process.
The procedures and requirements for the removal of asbestos are covered by the Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act. If you are a construction worker or involved in work that may include exposure to asbestos products, you may need to complete training.
The type of training depends on the type of asbestos and your role in the asbestos removal process:
- CPCCDE3014 Remove Non-Friable Asbestos
- CPCCDE3015 Remove Friable Asbestos
- CPCCDE4008 Supervise Asbestos Removal
The CPCCDE3014 course is necessary for the removal of over 10 square metres of non-friable (Class B) asbestos materials. The CPCCDE3015 course is required for the removal of any amount of friable (Class A) asbestos. Both courses include prerequisite training.
Before enrolling in CPCCDE3014 or CPCCDE3015, you must complete CPCCWHS1001—Prepare to Work in the Construction Industry. The CPCCWHS1001 course is often called white card training.
No matter your training needs, AlertForce can help ensure that you meet industry standards and government regulations. AlertForce is a leading registered training organisation with a wide range of courses in cities throughout Australia. Browse training courses to learn more.
Conclusion
Asbestos remains a danger in specific settings. Construction workers, industrial workers, electricians, and plumbers may face asbestos exposure. Training is needed to identify asbestos in the workplace and safely remove it.
Asbestos awareness training is necessary for those in professions that include the risk of exposure to asbestos. Asbestos removal courses are required for anyone involved in the removal of friable or non-friable asbestos. If you need asbestos training, browse upcoming asbestos courses from AlertForce.
What Is the 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials?
Work Health and Safety Regulations cover a wide range of safety training including the previously known 10559NATCourse in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.. This course is now known as 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
The 10852NAT Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials is a mandatory training program for any Plumber or Electrician working in the ACT.
The course teaches you the knowledge and skills to assist in identifying asbestos and minimising exposure.
What Is the Training Requirement for 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials?
As of July 1st, 2019, all tradespeople working with materials that may contain asbestos fibres must complete the 10852NAT (previously known as 10559NAT) course. This regulation applies to workers in Canberra and the rest of the ACT.
Previously, workers only needed to complete training for the removal of asbestos containing materials (ACMs). The ACT Government and industry groups developed the new requirements to help bridge the gap between the various training programmes.
The ACT Government passed amendments to the WHS Regulation 2011. The regulations now state that anyone in occupations that may involve working with ACMs needs to complete an approved programme. Examples of occupations that may include exposure to asbestos include:
- Electricians
- Gas fitters
- Plumbers
- Cablers
- Air-conditioning mechanics
- Emergency services workers
- Building and construction workers
10825NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials course does not replace 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). The ACT Government added 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) as a mandatory training course in 2014. 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is also a prerequisite for 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
Besides completing the awareness course, you need to arrive wearing high-visibility clothing and safety boots. Participants must also be at least 16 years old.
Changes to the WHS 2011 regulations do not impact the removal of asbestos. Workers still need to complete the necessary courses to receive a license for the safe removal of friable or non-friable asbestos.
How Is the Training Delivered?
10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials is not available online although there is a requirement to do the final theoretical assessment online in a face to face class environment (your training provider will provide you with the necessary equipment to make that happen). You must complete the theoretical and practical training face to face. The program includes classroom instruction and practical application.
To complete the program, you need to enrol through an approved registered training organisation (RTO). Only enrol in courses approved by E-Oz Energy Skills Australia.
AlertForce is accredited through E-Oz Energy Skills Australia to deliver 10852NAT Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials.
Why Do You Need to Complete an Asbestos Containing Materials Course?
10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials is a mandated requirement for Plumbers and Electricians working in the ACT. Asbestos remains an ongoing threat to the community, especially for those who work in the construction industry.
If left undisturbed, ACMs do not create a significant health risk. However, when workers handle the materials improperly, tiny fibres may become airborne.
The airborne fibres increase the risk of various health issues including respiratory and lung diseases. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are a couple of examples of diseases that workers may develop.
Amendments to the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 now require the Nationally Accredited training. The changes to the regulations enhance the protection of workers who carry out minor work or routine maintenance on ACMs.
How Much Does the 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials Training Cost?
The average cost of the program is roughly $500. However, a variety of factors influence the cost. You may find that the price is slightly higher or lower at different RTOs or regions.
Some companies also offer discounts for training involving large groups. If your company has a group of employees who require training, enrolling all at once may reduce the cost.
Can my business get training funding?
In certain circumstances businesses who are related to the construction industry in the ACT will be eligible for training funding. AlertForce are able to organise this on behalf of your business if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check Training Fund Authority website here or call us to discuss your staff eligibility.
What Will You Learn by Completing the 10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials?
A person competent in this unit will be able to identify asbestos containing materials and implement the necessary controls measures before performing work that may involve activity that will potentially liberate the asbestos fibres from their bonding material.
The program also includes practical application, allowing participants to demonstrate their understanding of the techniques discussed in the class.
The general course content includes:
- Work site preparation practices
- Safe methods for drilling and cutting
- Decontamination practices
- Using personal protective equipment (PPE)
By the end of the training, you should understand how to identify ACMs and work safely around them. This involves the use of PPE to protect against exposure along with safe cutting and drilling techniques to limit airborne fibres.
What Accreditation Will You Get?
After completing the course, you receive a Statement of Attainment. The statement provides proof that you have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely work around asbestos containing materials.
10852NAT Course in Working Safely with Asbestos Containing Materials is the approved course in the ACT. If your job requires you to work around ACMs, you now need to complete this programme. However, if your job requires the removal of asbestos, you still need to complete CPCCDE3014A or CPCCDE3015A.
A copy of the AlertForce support letter from Energy Space is here
More information can be found at the Access Canberra site here.
11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT)?
According to the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, asbestos awareness training is required for all individuals who work in fields that may involve contact with asbestos. Builders, carpenters, cablers, plumbers, and other professionals who work in the ACT for several years have needed to take the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT) to fulfil these requirements along with White Card Training.
The 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the current ACT-approved training course for asbestos awareness training. It replaces the 10314NAT as the standard for learning how to identify asbestos.
What Is the Training Requirement for Asbestos Awareness?
To meet the ACT training requirements for asbestos awareness, individuals must complete the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). As a Person Conducting a Business or Undertaking (PCBU), it is your responsibility to ensure that your workers have completed this training through an approved training provider.
Across Australia, if you reasonably believe that you or your workers will work with asbestos-containing materials (ACM), you need to arrange this training with a qualified training company. You also need to maintain a record of who has been trained and when the training was completed. In the ACT is mandatory for any person entering a construction site just like the white card in most states of Australia. There are no specific prerequisites for undertaking training in 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). The only requirement is that the student should be able to read, understand, and converse in English. If an individual cannot read and write in English, they may hire an accredited translator. However, translators are not usually provided by the training organisation.
How Is the Training Delivered?
Asbestos awareness training courses are not available online. Face-to-face delivery is required for the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT). These asbestos awareness training courses also need to be delivered by a qualified training organisation.
The courses are typically designed to be completed in a minimum of four hours. However, the exact length of the course may depend on the company offering the course and the number of students.
AlertForce is approved by ASQA and the licence holders of 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) to deliver this course nationally.
Why Do You Need to Complete an Asbestos Awareness Course?
The 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is required for specified workers in ACT and Canberra. All work conducted on building sites requires workers to complete 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training (previously 10675NAT). Exposure to asbestos is known to increase the risk of an inflammatory lung condition called asbestosis. This condition can lead to shortness of breath and permanent lung damage. It may even increase the risk of lung cancer. The Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 requires that information, training, and instruction is provided for identifying asbestos. Currently, 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the approved training course to meet these requirements.
If you completed training prior to January 2008, your previous asbestos training is not accepted. For training completed between January 2008 and June 2014, the course must have been offered through an accredited registered training organisation and be something like CPCCDE3014 Remove non-friable asbestos which is a higher level course to the awareness one. If the training course did not meet these requirements, training in 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) will be required.
The purpose of the training course is to reduce the health and safety risks associated with asbestos exposure. The Minister’s declaration of occupations is a long list of occupations where workers may reasonably be exposed to asbestos. Any worker with an occupation listed in the Minister’s declaration of occupations needs to complete the necessary training. Along with builders and plumbers, bricklayers, stonemasons, architects, AC mechanics, civil engineers, scaffolders, and roof tilers need to complete the asbestos awareness training.
How Much Does 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness Training (previously 10675NAT) Cost?
The average price of the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT) can vary, depending on the company providing the course and the region. In Canberra, Sydney and Melbourne, the typical price for this course is $227. In Brisbane, you may pay between $220 and $250. The course is not as popular outside of Canberra because it is not mandatory although many workers residing outside Canberra will obviously need the training if doing construction work in Canberra.
These are just the typical prices. However, many companies offer discounts for group training. If you have six or more workers that require the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training course (previously 10675NAT), you may qualify for a group discount.
The ACT Building and Construction Industry Training Fund may allow some individuals to receive a partial refund. Individuals must apply to receive this refund, which is typically delivered after the completion of the course.
Can my business get training funding?
In certain circumstances businesses who are related to the construction industry in the ACT will be eligible for training funding. AlertForce are able to organise this on behalf of your business if you meet the eligibility criteria. You can check Training Fund Authority website here or call us to discuss your staff eligibility.
What Will You Learn by Completing the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT)?
The primary purpose of the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is for workers to learn how to identify asbestos. The course does not deal with the removal or encapsulation of the asbestos.
By the end of the course, participants should understand the hazards and potential health risks associated with asbestos. The main risk of asbestos exposure is lung damage, which is also called asbestosis. Asbestos exposure also increases the risk of lung cancer and is classified as a human carcinogen. 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness training (previously 10675NAT) also covers the identification of asbestos. Participants also learn where asbestos is most likely to be found and the materials that commonly contain asbestos.
In Australia, asbestos was not banned until December 2003. However, asbestos has not been used in building materials for domestic properties since the 1980s. While asbestos is no longer used, it is still often found in domestic and commercial properties that were built prior to the ban. Asbestos was an inexpensive material that was used in a wide variety of construction materials. Older homes and buildings may contain asbestos in the insulation, tiles, wallboards, gutters, downspouts, flashing, plaster, cement, and vinyl flooring.
Asbestos may also be found in elevator equipment, including brake shoes. Electrical panel partitions, cooling towers, and ductwork are also areas where asbestos may be found in older properties.
The training course also explains the necessary safety procedures for addressing asbestos after it is detected. In most cases, the asbestos must be properly reported and dealt with by a qualified asbestos abatement or encapsulation company.
With the asbestos awareness training, PCBUs can ensure that a building site is safe for workers, contractors, visitors, and any other individuals who may need to occupy or visit the site.
What Accreditation Will You Get?
After completing the 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT), an assessment is conducted to determine if you understood the information presented during the training course. If you pass this assessment, you receive a Nationally Recognised Statement of Attainment.
Asbestos awareness training is required before entering a building site. If you are an employer, you need to ensure that your workers receive access to this training. 11084NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (previously 10675NAT) is the current course approved in the ACT. While these courses are not available online, they are offered by qualified training organisations.
AlertForce recommend that you do the higher qualification CPCCDE3014 if you reside outside of Canberra as this gives you more flexibility. You can view our asbestos awareness and removal courses here just below. You can also do a bunch of asbestos courses online here.
Mesothelioma in Australia
The use of asbestos products in Australia came to a halt more than a decade ago, but the threat of asbestos exposure — and asbestos-related disease — continues to thrive.
The danger remains real. It’s not going away anytime soon.
An estimated 700 Australians still are dying annually from malignant mesothelioma, the rare and aggressive cancer caused by exposure to toxic asbestos fibers. Twice as many will die each year from asbestos-related lung cancer.
The National Strategic Plan for Asbestos Management and Awareness was a step in the right direction. Its goal is the elimination of all asbestos-related disease, but it will require increased vigilance and many, many more years before that goal is reached.
Australia once had the highest reported per capita rate of mesothelioma in the world. Although it no longer has that distinction, it takes decades to significantly change course with asbestos.
Asbestos was once used in Australia so extensively that it became ubiquitous. The abuse and misuse of the naturally occurring mineral left more than one generation at risk of exposure.
It was once coveted for its versatility, affordability and heat resistant capabilities with almost anything. It was used so extensively with no regard for its long-term toxicity, or the damage it could do.
It still lingers today most everywhere, becoming more dangerous as it ages and becomes more brittle. Experts estimate a third of the homes and commercial structures in Australia — most of those built before 1980 — still contain asbestos products.
Any remodeling, renovation or demolition of those structures sends the asbestos fibers airborne, where they can unknowingly be inhaled or ingested.
Asbestos is in the plumbing and electrical circuits, the walls, floors and ceilings. Although those involved in new construction are not at risk anymore, those same tradesmen working on older structures are very much at risk. Anything that is cut, drilled or punctured releases the microscopic fibers.
The long latency periods (20-50 years) between exposure and diagnosis also means those who worked in various industries many years ago still could be threatened today.
Experts are expecting as many as 25,000 more Australians to die from mesothelioma in the next 40 years, despite the cleanup efforts being made today.
The professions most at risk include:
- Shipbuilders and ship renovators
- Military, especially U.S. Navy
- Construction workers of different trades
- Factory workers
- Insulation workers and technicians
- Railroad workers
Asbestos is no longer mined here. It is no longer imported. Consumption peaked in the 1970’s, although it use remained strong in the manufacturing industry for another decade. Most states and territories banned it in the 1980s, but the national ban of the product did not begin until 2003.
The cleanup has been an arduous process. Asbestos remains a part of the Australian legacy. Many asbestos-containing products, including gaskets and friction materials, millboard, cord, yard and cement articles were imported until the early 2000s. They remain in place today.
Unfortunately, the prognosis for most being diagnosed with mesothelioma is not good. It typically comes with a 6-12 month life expectancy. Although mesothelioma takes decades to develop within a person, it metastasizes quickly once it has taken hold in the lining around the lungs or abdomen.
If diagnosed early, though, the prognosis is considerably better because of advancements in therapy. A multidisciplinary approach that includes surgery, radiation and chemotherapy has allowed survivors to live two, three, four or more years.
There are now immunotherapy and gene therapy drugs being tested in clinical trials. They have shown tremendous progress, encouraging doctors to believe that mesothelioma will one day be treated as a chronic disease that someone can live with, instead of a death sentence.
The key to treatment is finding a specialty center with experience in treating it. Because mesothelioma is a rare cancer, many oncologists rarely see it, and don’t know the best ways of treating it.
The Bernie Banton Centre at Concord Hospital (Sydney, New South Wales), the Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital (Western Australia) and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (Melbourne, Victoria) are three of the top specialty facilities.
More information about clinical trials can be found at research facilities like the NHMRC Clinical Trials Centre, the Australasian Lung Cancer Trials Group and the National Center for Asbestos Related Disease (NCARD).
The National Strategic Plan wants to eliminate all risks of asbestos disease in Australia by 2030. The plan includes improvement in research, identification, removal, awareness and international leadership as it pushes for a worldwide ban of asbestos.
Until then, staying safe from asbestos disease is the goal. Vigilance is the key.
Tim Povtak is a content writer for The Mesothelioma Center and MesotheliomaPrognosis.com, an informational source for mesothelioma patients and families.
Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency comments on Asbestos Training
The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency released several case studies into best practice management of asbestos risk. Two case studies describe the approach taken by Ergon Energy, who aims to be a workplace that is free of asbestos by 2027. Asbestos Training provides an important role to play.
Ergon Energy realised that it needed to get an accurate measure of the asbestos risks to its company so it established a single point of contact for asbestos issues across all of its divisions. This avoided any asbestos issues falling through any cracks in the occupational health and safety management system. Companies in some construction and infrastructure projects have similarly established a safety team to address a single hazard, such as a gas pipeline, that travels through various sections of an infrastructure project.
The company coordinated, through the Asbestos Manager Wayne Cullen, an audit of all of its sites built prior to 2004. The company also assessed all of its customers including around 540,000 residential properties that contained a customer-owned switchboard.
Ergon Energy built an asbestos register that is available in hard copy and online that is updated immediately after any work involving Asbestos Contaminated Materials (ACM). The register allows for annual audits of high risk sites and 3 yearly visits to sites of moderate risk, as well as supporting the use of Quick Response (QR) codes to reduce paperwork on site.
Ergon strictly applied the Hierarchy of Controls is determining how to address asbestos risks emphasizing the higher orders of control. Some construction companies describe this as focusing on “above the line” controls, that is, to investigate the “hard” controls rather than relying on the “soft” controls of administrative processes of PPE. Ergon Energy’s Wayne Cullen said that
“It can be perceived as an expensive approach in implementing hard controls. Some companies tend to rely solely on Soft Controls because of this potential cost factor and because they are so much easier to implement.”
However, the company believes that the higher control measures are more effective in reducing risk of exposure and are actually more cost effective in the long term.
The geography of Ergon Energy’s home state of Queensland meant that it requires its asbestos removalists to be qualified to an ‘A class’ licence even though most work only requires a ‘B class’ licence). Cullen explains the need for this higher level of qualification through an example:
“The biggest problem for Ergon Energy is distance and remote locations. The major cost is derived from the mobilisation of suitable qualified contractor teams. In these smaller towns [out west and in the islands of the Torres Strait] there are a limited number of qualified personnel, so they have to come from the larger cities along the coast. In one case, a crew was sent out to a sub-station to remove a large quantity of bonded asbestos. However, after commencing the task, it was identified that friable asbestos was present and had to be removed [which requires an ‘A class’ licence]. Ergon Energy had to stop the job, demobilise that crew and get another qualified crew out to the site. This resulted in a huge cost to the business.”
This requirement of a higher level of competence and control than is strictly required also extends to PPE. Ergon Energy has replaced traditional P2 respirators with Powered Air Purifying Respirators (PAPR) for teams working with Silva link fuses on electricity poles, many of which contain friable asbestos. According to Ergon’s best practice case study, unlike P2 masks which require the person to be clean shaven to ensure a proper seal, PAPRs consist of a hood that goes over the person’s head and a pump that generates a constant positive air pressure, preventing any chance of airborne asbestos fibres being inhaled.
These safety changes are supported by engaging with staff about safety and explaining the process behind safety decisions, keeping paperwork as simple as possible, and making sure that additional and expert safety advice is readily available, regardless of the remoteness of the location.
The two case studies from Ergon Energy recommend these processes for satisfy contemporary safety expectations around asbestos removal:
- “There has to be someone in the organisation who is held accountable for asbestos safety. If it’s not part of someone’s day job, it won’t happen.
- If you don’t have the support of senior management, the unions and staff in the field, it’s a hard, if not impossible task.
- You need middle managers who are willing to promote a safety culture.
- While there may be great costs involved initially, higher levels of control (i.e. elimination and isolation):
- are much more effective in reducing risk of exposure to asbestos fibres
- remove the need for ongoing costly and time consuming safety practices
- often make it easier for employees to follow procedures
- provide evidence that protects the organisation from any claims of risk to public health and safety.
- Give staff ownership of the processes – include them in the decisions around safe work practices and tell them the benefits
- Keep talking about it, so that it’s not just flavour of the month and then drops away
- You need strong leaders that keep driving the practice and leading by example – that’s especially important for young apprentices and new starters because they see that it’s normal practice
- People are more likely to change their behaviour when they understand the consequences – you and your staff need to understand ‘the why’
- Make the message personal – help staff and management to understand where asbestos is in their own workplace or home and what exposure could mean to them and their families.”
Alertforce has a range of training courses on asbestos awareness, assessment and removal at https://alertforce.com.au/ohs-training-courses/asbestos-awareness/
Management Of Asbestos in Leased Buildings
Asbestos is a serious health risk that must be managed. Immediate action to comply with the legislative changes is prudent. All pre-2004 buildings with common property workplaces need to comply. Compliance is simple with good quality properly experienced and trained advisors.
Responsibility
Most would perceive that the duty for managing asbestos in buildings is the responsibility of the owner. Although that was largely true once, the Model Work Health Legislation has changed some obligations concerning the detection and management of asbestos containing materials in their leased premises to the tenant. This responsibility concerns buildings constructed before 31 December 2003 (the date that a complete prohibition in the use of asbestos in building materials was imposed). Hence, the Legislation has determined that whoever is leasing the building based on this age limit and set criteria, is accountable for maintaining an asbestos register and for preparing an Asbestos Management Plan.
Work Health and Safety Regulations 2011
Part 8.3 Clause 422 of the Regulations states:
“Asbestos to be identified or assumed at workplace
- A person with management or control of a workplace must ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, that all asbestos or ACM at the workplace is identified by a competent person.
- A person with management or control of a workplace must:
(a) if material at the workplace cannot be identified but a competent person reasonably believes that the material is asbestos or ACM – assume that the material is asbestos, and
(b) if part of the workplace is inaccessible to workers and likely to contain asbestos or ACM – assume that asbestos is present in the part of the workplace.”
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) with control of a workplace must ensure that any asbestos at the workplace is identified, recorded in a register (Reg. Clause 425) and subject to an Asbestos Management Plan (Reg. Clause 429).
The obligation to keep an asbestos register applies to buildings constructed before 31 December 2003. An asbestos register is not required to be prepared in circumstances where (Reg, Clause 425):
- the workplace is a building that was constructed after 31 December 2003
- no asbestos has been identified at the workplace, and
- no asbestos is likely to be present at the workplace from time to time
However, even if no asbestos is identified or is determined not be present based on reasonable grounds, the register must state that:
“no asbestos or ACM is identified at the workplace if the person knows that no asbestos or ACM is identified, or is likely to be present from time to time, at the workplace.” (Reg. Clause 425)
If there is uncertainty about whether asbestos is present, it must be assumed that it is asbestos or arrange for samples to be analysed.
Many might falsely presume that this obligation falls upon building owners. However, the Tenant (or Lessee) as the PCBU has had the responsibility to ensure a register is maintained and if necessary, an Asbestos Management Plan from 1 July, 2013.
Victorian and West Australian OHS Legislation
As Victoria and Western Australia have yet to take on the Harmonised Work Health and Safety Act, their legislation in general does not have the lessee of a building and who runs the business from that building as the entity that has responsibility to maintain an asbestos register or management plan.
However, his does not affect the businesses’ responsibilities under Victorian or West Australian OHS Legislation to sustain an asbestos controlled environment, ensuring and maintaining a safe workplace. This would include ensuring the control risk of exposure where asbestos is identified, the control of asbestos-related work and specify the location of asbestos.
Ensuring Compliance: Asbestos Registers and Management Plans
There is a requirement to survey the building area and identify all loose and friable asbestos as well as stable categories found in building materials. These stable Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) can be located in all manner of building materials (e.g. old concrete pits, fibro sheets, etc…).
Complying
In order to assess the situation and be compliant, a survey to ascertain which buildings were completed prior 1st January, 2004 and order an asbestos survey (buildings that were completed prior to 31st December, 2003 which were strata titled at a later date should be included).
The surveys whereby asbestos or ACM are located must be kept onsite and available. When they are located, an onsite asbestos register and Asbestos Management Plan is to be developed and made available to those who might be at risk.
If asbestos or ACM is located, and the decision made is not to remove it but leave it onsite in a stable encapsulated state, a regular audit of the building will be necessary. The location of any asbestos needs to be clearly indicated (labelled) with the asbestos register that must be maintained, outlining:
- The location of the asbestos
- The type of asbestos-containing material
- The nature of the material (friable or non-friable)
- The likelihood of the material posing a health risk
- Any work activities that may affect or cause deterioration to the material.
Depending upon the condition of the asbestos it must be removed or monitored to ensure that it is in safe condition.
Asbestos Management Plan
Every workplace where asbestos is present or may be present must have an Asbestos Management Plan. “A person with management or control of the workplace must ensure that a written plan (an asbestos management plan) for the workplace is prepared.” (Reg Clause 429).
An asbestos management plan must include information about the following:
- the identification of asbestos or ACM,
- decisions, and reasons for decisions, about the management of asbestos at the workplace,
- procedures for detailing incidents or emergencies involving asbestos or ACM at the workplace,
- workers carrying out work involving asbestos
A copy of the asbestos management plan for the workplace is readily accessible to:
- a worker who has carried out, carries out or intends to carry out, work at the workplace, and
- a health and safety representative who represents this worker and
- a person conducting a business or undertaking who has carried out, carries out or intends to carry out, work at the workplace, and
- a person conducting a business or undertaking who has required, requires, or intends to require work to be carried out at the workplace
The Asbestos Management Plan must be reviewed at least once every five years and, as necessary revised:
- Before asbestos is removed , disturbed, or otherwise work undertaken on it
- If the Asbestos Management Plan is no longer adequate
- If a health and safety representative requests a review
Asbestos removal must be done by a licensed removalist and the regulator must be notified of any work taking place.
An asbestos case study
An apartment owner in a block of 12 apartments built in the 1970s phoned the strata manager indicating that both her door and that of her neighbour were sticking. She asked the strata manager to organise a tradesman to take a look at the problem.
The tradesman took the two doors off their hinges and proceeded to shave the doors (without a catcher). The doors were tagged indicating that they were made of asbestos material however the tradesman didn’t see this tagging. As well as shaving the doors in the apartment, he took them down to the garage and worked on them.
The owner was previously in the building industry, and became concerned about the dust in her apartment, the common area, and the garage. The owner contacted the strata manager with her concerns.
Resolution
The strata manager arranged for the dust particles to be tested and it was confirmed that they were asbestos particles. Immediate measures were taken to contain it. Black plastic was placed over the carpet and soft furnishings in the owner’s apartment, as well as in the common areas. The garage was blocked off. A qualified asbestos consultant was contracted to safely clean up the areas where asbestos particles were identified.
The presence of asbestos in buildings isn’t insurable, so the owner’s corporation was responsible for costs incurred in cleaning up and replacing carpet, furnishings in the contaminated apartment, carpet in the common areas, and cleaning up the garage. Several special levies had to be raised to cover the costs.
Controversy over Discovery of Asbestos on Rottnest Island
For many years now, Rottnest Island off the coast of Western Australia has been one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country. Known for its natural beauty and fine weather, it’s been especially popular among families looking for a relaxing outdoorsy holiday.
Recent discoveries of exposed asbestos on the island, however, may be threatening that popularity. Although the local government has issued a study that declares the asbestos deposit to be ‘low risk’ chrysotile or ‘white asbestos’ that isn’t much of a threat to health, many local activists and the President of the Asbestos Diseases Society vehemently disagree.
Not the First Time
The most recent discovery was made by a tourist staying in a bungalow on the island who spotted what he initially feared was blue asbestos, the most dangerous form of the mineral. The Rottnest Island Authority (RIA) immediately fenced off the area and sent the material for testing, announcing that it was actually the less dangerous white asbestos and that it posed no threat to visitors or inhabitants of Rottnest.
This isn’t the first time asbestos has been found on the island; in 2013 a little girl found a chunk of asbestos while collecting shells and brought the dangerous mineral back to her parents to show them.
However, activists and the Australian Medical Association (WA) disagree with this assessment, pointing out that breathing in white asbestos dust and fibres can cause cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis, and that it can take years for damage done by asbestos to show. There is in fact no accepted ‘safe exposure’ to white asbestos. As a result, they criticised the government’s reaction, suggesting it was trying to save money by evading a full-on asbestos removal project.
Finding the Source
Although the source of the asbestos on Rottnest Island has not yet been identified, the most likely source is similar to many other communities in Australia that have suffered from asbestos contamination: Home construction. As with many other residential homes all across Australia, many of the structures on Rottnest Island were built years ago when asbestos in many forms was a common insulation material.
Asbestos works very well as insulation and is fire-resistant. For decades it was used in various forms – often in the most dangerous fibrous form. As long as the asbestos remains intact it offers very little danger to residents. But when these homes are renovated or torn down, the demolition process often releases huge amounts of asbestos into the environment and becomes an active problem. And even without construction the asbestos can break down due to environmental stresses or other factors and invisibly contaminate the air of a home or surrounding area. And since the diseases caused by asbestos exposure can take years or even decades to manifest, it is often difficult to trace the symptoms to asbestos exposure.
Across Australia many homeowners are every familiar with the problem of asbestos as they discover the Mr. Fluffy product in their homes, often unbeknownst to them. While the Australian government has been buying contaminated homes from affected owners in order to tear down the structures safely and dispose of the mineral, there is currently no indication that any of the homes on Rottnest contain the Mr. Fluffy product. However, it is deemed very likely that the asbestos so far found on the island originated with construction and demolition of older structures. There is a theory that the asbestos found most recently came from roof repair work done at the bungalow in 2005.
Danger to Families
Why the long delay between the roof work and the discovery of the asbestos? Chances are good the material was buried and then disturbed by weather or other natural activities, revealing it to the open air. Despite the RIA’s assurance that the white asbestos posed no real threat, many families are thinking twice about booking vacations at Rottnest until the problem has been thoroughly investigated.
Many families don’t feel confident in their ability to identify asbestos in the first place, and with the medical authorities reminding them that there is no ‘safe’ level of exposure, they naturally worry that a few weeks or even days spent on the island enjoying the scenery could make them or their children ill – if not immediately, then down the line when making the connection between the disease and the vacation.
Rottnest, known affectionately as Rotto by its loyal holiday tenants and full-time inhabitants, has been voted in the top ten favourite places for Australians to visit over the years. However, that status appears threatened by this new health risk and the perception that the RIA is not taking a serious enough position on it and is failing to protect its visitors and residents from what could be a disastrous health risk.
For its part, the RIA continues to preach calm, pointing out that an isolated deposit of white asbestos very likely stemming from an isolated construction project is no reason to assume the island is riddled with the deadly mineral. It maintains that the asbestos found on the island at no time represented significant risk to anyone, and stresses that it reacted promptly to fence off the area and perform a proper clean-up of the area the moment it was made aware of the problem.
In the end, the real trouble for Rottnest Island may not be asbestos removal or even the possibility of sickened visitors or residents launching lawsuits in the coming years. The real trouble may be the simple matter of managing fear and bad publicity, two powerful forces that have combined to disastrous effect at many other places and services both in Australia and elsewhere. No one, after all, wants to put their family at risk in exchange for a few days of fun and relaxation, and whether it is necessary or not the RIA must be considering some further efforts in order to satisfy the court of public opinion, or risk not being anywhere near the top ten of holiday destinations for Australians in the years to come.
Want to know more?
Asbestos is a serious issue in Australia. If you would like to know more about this deadly material, check out the other stories on our news feed.
To access asbestos awareness and removal training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos amendment to Work Health and Safety Regulations in the ACT to commence
In 2011 the federal government issued the Work Health and Safety model legislation and regulations, and began pushing all states and territories to adopt them with the goal to have a uniform set of laws for Work Health and Safety across the country. The aim was to have a uniform and consistent set of laws and regulations making it far easier for businesses working in multiple states and territories to comply with those regulations. With the exception of Victoria and Western Australia (who have now introduced the Work Health and Safety Bill 2014 for public comment), all states and territories have implemented the Work Health and Safety Act and Regulations.
Recently the ACT’s Legislative Assembly have recently passed the Dangerous Substances (Asbestos Safety Reform) Amendment Act 2014 which commences on 1st January 2015. This amendment takes in Chapter 8 of the Work Health and Safety Regulations with adaptation for the ACT.
How will this affect business?
Businesses undertaking work that involves the handling, removal or disposal of asbestos will have to become familiar with the amendments to ensure that their company fully complies with the new requirements from the beginning of 2015. They still are required to follow the Work Health and Safety regulations which set out the context for the management of asbestos involving:
- the training of workers at risk of encountering asbestos
- notifying the regulator of asbestos removals
- health monitoring for workers
- naturally occurring asbestos
- stricter requirements for the removal of asbestos and
- national licensing and competency standards for licensed asbestos removalists and assessors
The ACT Government developed the Work Health and Safety regulations further through the Dangerous Substances (Asbestos Safety Reform) Amendment which requires businesses to ensure they comprehend and apply the following deviations by:
- requiring all asbestos removal work to be carried out by a licensed asbestos removalist
- removing the exception in the Work Health and Safety regulations for non-friable asbestos removal not exceeding 10 square meters
- removing the exclusion on work involving asbestos when the work is only minor, routine maintenance work
- replacing the term “competent person” with “licensed asbestos assessor” to clarify that all asbestos assessment, clearance
- inspections and air monitoring must be provided by a licensed asbestos assessor (i.e. from 1 January 2015 a person must not
- remove asbestos or asbestos containing material from any premises unless the person is an appropriately licensed asbestos removalist) and
- requiring that a person who manages or controls a workplace, having to assume asbestos is present if an approved warning sign is present
What does businesses need to do?
The Dangerous Substances (Asbestos Safety Reform) Amendment Act 2014 in the ACT will impact individual workers and contractors as well as businesses. Anyone handling asbestos-containing materials or other potentially toxic materials will need to study the new regulations because they may need to complete additional training or secure a license that was previously unnecessary for the tasks they complete in their line of work.
Businesses handling asbestos contracts, utilizing heavy machinery, conducting work in the mines or otherwise completing jobs governed by the work health and safety regulations have hopefully already studied the new laws to determine how they will affect their operations. Some of the changes that some companies may need to implement are as follows:
- Workers potentially handling materials that contain asbestos may require additional training.
- All jobs that involve the removal and disposal of asbestos materials must be reported to Work Safe ACT prior to beginning the project.
- Companies may be required to monitor the health of all workers handling or removing asbestos materials.
- All workers removing and disposing of asbestos materials will need to complete training competencies and secure a license as trained removalists or assessors.
Notice that there is no longer any room for non-licensed contractors or workers to remove or dispose of materials containing asbestos, and that includes naturally-occurring asbestos. While there was a previous law that confused many businesses regarding their ability to remove small amounts of materials that contain asbestos without a license, that law is being overturned in favour of stricter standards for worker protection against exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos courses are offered online by AlertForce and works as an introduction to this crucial section of work health and safety (WHS) standards. To obtain a basic knowledge of asbestos in Australia and confidently put measures in place to reduce your risks, you should talk to the AlertForce team today.
Mr. Fluffy Heads to West Belconnen
The Mr. Fluffy saga has been playing out in Canberra for more than a decade, and it is now expanding to New South Wales and other surrounding areas. It all started 40 years ago when raw, loose asbestos was placed in thousands of residential homes to serve as insulation. It was marketed by a company now known as Mr. Fluffy because the product was marketed under the name “asbestosfluf” for the fluffy nature of the material.
It is now well known that this type of loose asbestos material can cause cancer and other health conditions 20 or more years after inhalation. The human body cannot eliminate it from the system as it does many other toxins, so the fibres collect inside the body and lead to mesothelioma or asbestosis. Thousands of Australians have died due to asbestos-induced cancer, and even more people are receiving the same deadly diagnosis of cancer every day.
The number of people affected by asbestos-induced cancer will continue to grow as long as buildings in Australia contain asbestos. While some reports state that the government was warned about the dangers of the loose asbestos fill being placed in thousands of homes throughout Canberra and NSW 40 years ago, the government is just now being forced to take action on the problem.
Recent Mr. Fluffy Updates
If you have been following the Mr. Fluffy saga, you may already know that more than a thousand homes have been identified as containing Mr. Fluffy asbestos insulation in Canberry and homes are now being identified in NSW and other areas. The ACT government has decided to buy back homes in the area so that they can be demolished and the materials properly disposed of before more people are affected by the asbestos materials.
The problem is that the federal government had not offered a loan to help the ACT government cover the expenses of such a buy back programme. That was recently changed when the federal government stepped forward with a $1-billion loan to help the ACT cover the buy backs and demolition projects essential to cleaning up the Mr. Fluffy asbestos mess.
With the financial means to move forward with the buy back programme, the ACT government started searching for a safe place to dispose of the homes demolished through the programme. Most Australian landfills do not accept asbestos materials, and there are strict laws that must be enforced to ensure more people are not exposed to asbestos fibres that get loose in the air. Those fibres are not seen by the human eye, so they are among the deadliest toxins to ever enter the environment.
The Planned Asbestos Dump
It is now being reported that all of the homes demolished in the Mr. Fluffy buy back programme will end up in the West Belconnen Resource Management Centre. This centre is a landfill in Macgregor located on Parkwood Drive. All remains of the asbestos-contaminated homes will be dumped in the West Belconnen tip which is just slight over 1 km from the closest residential area.
The Act government claims that this is the only dumping facility capable of handling the amount of asbestos-contaminated waste that will be produced as more than 1,000 homes are demolished. It is estimated that 150,000 tonnes of asbestos-contaminated material will be disposed of by the completion of the project, and there are still more homes throughout Canberra and NSW which may have even more Mr. Fluffy asbestos materials.
The estimate of 150,000 tonnes of waste is based on the estimated amount of rubbish produced by a home with three or four bedrooms. This figure is likely to go even higher since homeowners are likely going to give up some of their material possessions which are now contaminated with asbestos fibres. There are reports of families finding asbestos fibres on clothing, bedding and in carpeting.
Some reports even detail asbestos fibres found on children’s toys and in carpeting, walls and dressers used by children. All of those materials may need to be included in the waste deposited at the centre, increasing the number considerably.
Moving Forward with Mr. Fluffy
It is scary to think about children playing with toys contaminated with deadly asbestos fibres. That hints that many more Australians are likely to receive diagnoses of mesothelioma in the future, and many of them can get the diagnosis in their 20s or 30s rather than later in life since they have potentially been exposed to these fibres as young children.
Other reports have detailed asbestos insulation installed by Mr. Fluffy remaining in roofs which are now in poor condition. These roofs are in residential areas where children play and adults enjoy their daily lives, and there is a concern that the asbestos fibres will break free and contaminate the breathing air in those areas.
Since the ACT government continues to request homeowners come forward if they are aware of Mr. Fluffy asbestos in their homes, many simply don’t know whether this insulation was placed in their homes during construction or not. Others have simply not responded to the government inquiry, which means there could be many more homes contaminated than the figure currently revealed.
Now that funding for the buy back programme is in place and there is a plan for the disposal of the contaminated rubbish, the Act government will proceed with purchasing homes from families and demolishing them to prevent future exposure. Some families have already been removed from their homes because they are so contaminated they are deemed unsafe for inhabitation.
There are likely many more homes that are unsafe for inhabitation, and they will be identified as the project moves forward and testing on homes throughout Canberra and NSW continues. The problem is that this is a slow process, and thousands of people are at risk of inhaling deadly asbestos fibres in the meantime.
While no one likes the idea of disposing of this amount of asbestos anywhere in the ACT, it has to go somewhere and the faster these homes are demolished the better.
Want to know more?
Asbestos is a serious issue in Australia. If you would like to know more about this deadly material, check out the other stories on our news feed.
To access asbestos awareness and removal training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Resources:
http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/backgroundbriefing/2014-08-10/5649508
http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/up-to-150000-tonnes-of-asbestos-waste-headed-to-west-belconnen-20141118-11kt97.html
ACT Government Corrects Misconceptions Regarding Key Asbestos-Removal Rule
Any company involved in building demolition, renovations or construction must go through proper training courses regarding the safe removal and disposal of materials containing asbestos. This is a heat-resistant material that was heavily used in residential and commercial construction prior to the 1980s. It was used as insulation inside buildings as well as in wallboard, roofing shingles and indoor tile.
While asbestos was championed as an affordable material that resists and traps in heat naturally, it also releases fibres that are invisible to the eye which collect inside the lungs. Inhalation of those fibres is now linked to the development a form of cancer known as mesothelioma as well as other life-threatening diseases.
It can take more than 20 years for victims to start showing symptoms of disease, and Australians die from asbestos mesothelioma every year. Although the use of any material containing asbestos in the construction of residential or commercial buildings was banned in Australia in 2003, there are many structures built in earlier years that still contain these materials. When these materials are encountered during renovation, demolition or property maintenance, they must be removed and disposed of safely so that fibres aren’t released into the air.
When governmental regulations regarding the removal of asbestos aren’t followed carefully, the lives of all people in the area are put in danger. This is why companies are now working through the certification process to qualify as approved asbestos-removal professionals. Companies, contractors and individuals without the proper certification must call an approved professional if they believe a material containing asbestos is found during the course of a project.
Loopholes and Misconceptions about Removal
The ACT government is now taking action to close loopholes and bust myths surrounding one particular rule included in asbestos-removal regulation. The rule states that certified, approved asbestos-removal professionals must be called for all projects involving the removal of more than 10 square metres of asbestos-containing material.
For years, many companies have interpreted this to mean they can remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos materials without any training. This means that many companies have allowed uncertified, untrained workers and supervisors to remove small amounts of asbestos materials without contacting a qualified professional to oversee the work. This puts Australians in danger because even small amounts of asbestos-containing materials can release dangerous fibres into the air.
Taking it even further, some companies interpret the rule to mean that they can remove up to 10 square metres of asbestos materials per day. If a project takes 40 days to complete, that means the company may remove up to 400 square metres of asbestos without the supervision of a qualified professional before the end of the project.
Builders, contractors and other workers involved in the removal and disposal of asbestos materials have abused this rule either intentionally or out of ignorance for many years, but the ACT government is closing the loophole and clearing up any misunderstandings.
What Does the Rule Really Mean?
The rule was intended to allow uncertified workers to remove small amounts of asbestos materials when encountered over the course of a larger project. Workers are still required to receive some training in the handling and removal of these materials, even if they don’t obtain their certification or diploma in work health and safety.
The intention was never to allow uncertified and untrained workers to accept jobs removing any amount of asbestos materials. Companies have been carrying out this work without the proper training and without meeting other legal qualifications due to this one rule, and that is what the ACT government is now correcting.
The New Asbestos Removal Rules
The ACT government is making the following changes to ensure the safety of all Australians:
- All asbestos removalists and assessors will be licensed through Worksafe. All company oversight will be completed by Worksafe as well, ensuring the asbestos-removal industry is closely monitored with the strict standards currently experienced by other high-risk industries.
- New workers handling asbestos in Canberra must contact Worksafe so that their first project can be approved. This will ensure that workers moving into the area have received the proper training, are licensed and are handling these dangerous materials in line with the government’s expectations.
- Worksafe must receive advanced notification from companies completing projects that involve friable asbestos. This form of asbestos crumbles and breaks easily and is therefore much more likely to contaminate the air with asbestos fibres. These projects are currently reported after the completion of the work, but Worksafe will now demand advanced approval for such jobs.
- Any job requiring the removal of asbestos materials, friable or non-friable, must be completed by a licensed asbestos removalist. This completely does away with the 10 square metre rule, closing that loophole and leaving no room for misunderstandings of the law.
These new rules will go into effect January, 1, 2015, and will change the way many construction and remodelling companies perform their work. This may also lead to an increase in the number of companies investing in asbestos training and certification so that they can employ their own asbestos removalists and assessors.
These new rules go well beyond correcting misunderstandings surrounding the 10 square metre rule. They address a few other problems that have left the asbestos removal industry vulnerable in past years. Once the new rules go into effect, companies will have no choice but to train their workers for the safe removal and disposal of these materials or to connect with licensed asbestos removalists in their area to ensure that these materials are handled legally when identified during the course of a project.
The new rules will also give companies fewer excuses when violations of the rules are discovered or reported. The new rules are straightforward and contain fewer loopholes, so workers will have less room to talk their way out of citations when caught handling these dangerous materials improperly. This will increase business for removalists while decreasing the risk to Australians living near construction sites that contain any amount of asbestos materials.
More info on Asbestos Training
Resources:
http://www.smh.com.au/act-news/act-government-bans-builders-from-removing-asbestos-20141104-11eqbu.html
Asbestos Factory in Victoria Possibly Linked to 16 Mesothelioma Cases
Asbestos is fast becoming a dirty word in Australia. Due to the heavy use of this dangerous material in construction prior to the 1980s, many commercial and residential buildings throughout the country contain loose-fill, boards, shingles, tiles and other materials which contain asbestos. Australians are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year, and the cases are growing at an alarming rate.
In 1983, there were 156 people diagnosed with mesothelioma in the country. In 2008, there were 661 people diagnosed with the disease. Hundreds of people also die due to this illness every year. For example, there were 668 people diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2007, and 551 Australians died from the disease that same year.
These statistics are alarming, but they are reality. Many of these mesothelioma cases are due to the inhalation of asbestos fibres before the 1980s. Many Australians worked in industries that used this material heavily, and they breathed those deadly fibres into their lungs on a daily basis year after year. Those fibres collect inside the body and aren’t easily eliminated, and it takes more 20 years for signs of disease to become apparent. That is why so many people are dying today for asbestos fibres they inhaled many years ago.
Ongoing Risks
Yet, the growing rate of mesothelioma diagnosis isn’t a result only of inhalation in the past. There are thousands of buildings throughout Australia that still contain some type of asbestos material. For instance, more than 1,000 homes are currently being bought back by the government and demolished because they contain asbestos insulation marked by Mr. Fluffy.
As long as asbestos remains in our homes and offices, it is a risk for Australian citizens. It is not harmful when left undisturbed, but it may easily release fibres into the air if licensed removalists are not contacted for safe removal and disposal during remodelling and other construction projects.
The Problem in Victoria
One of the most recent discoveries of potential asbestos contamination comes out of Victoria. The problem surrounds an old factory which is no longer in use. The factory was a heavy producer of asbestos prior to the 1980s, and authorities decontaminated all buildings at the site in the late 1980s. the property was also sealed and capped to prevent any remaining asbestos fibres from escaping into the surrounding community.
Unfortunately, many people worked in that factory before the dangers of asbestos became well known in the late 1980s. Many others lived in close vicinity to the factory and potentially breathed in air contaminated with asbestos fibres before it was capped and sealed. Since it takes 20 years or longer for signs of mesothelioma from asbestos inhalation to manifest itself, it makes sense that reports of mesothelioma cases are now starting to surface.
Between 2001 and 2013, there were 16 diagnosed cases of mesothelioma in the region of this factory. According to Michael Ackland, acting Chief Health Officer, this rate is slightly higher than what is expected for an area that size within that time period. This has sparked concern that many people in the area may have been exposed to unhealthy amounts of asbestos in the past, but it also raises the question of whether the factory is safe for the surrounding community as it stands today.
Addressing the Victoria Asbestos Problem
In order to determine whether the old factory continues to contaminate the air and soil with asbestos fibres or not, the Environment Protection Agency will oversee testing in the area. The testing will be conducted by an environmental hygienist without connections to the government or factory. The air in surrounding residential areas will be tested in addition to the soil and roof spaces.
There are also 10 residential structures in the area that will undergo testing due to previous connections to asbestos materials. If these homes are found to contain asbestos fibres in the air, roof spaces or soil, they may be considered dangers to the community just like the old factory.
The government will also talk to the 16 people diagnosed with mesothelioma to determine their connections to the factory. It is possible that at least some of them are former employees of the factory before it was decontaminated and capped. This means that they may have been exposed to asbestos fibres for many years before the dangers of the material were realized.
What Happens After Testing?
The test results will determine whether the Victorian factory and those 10 homes continue to present a threat to residents of Victoria or if the increasing rate of mesothelioma is due to inhalation of fibres prior to the 1980s. The course of action taken by the government will depend on the findings of those tests, so it is too early to predict what may happen in the area moving forward.
If the factory is determined to be a present health risk for community members, it is possible that the government will have it demolished and the site cleansed of all asbestos materials. More drastic measures may need to be taken if high levels of asbestos are found in the soil at the factory or in surrounding communities. Many community members may be impacted if asbestos fibres are found in the air within communities surrounding the factory.
Tips for Residents
It is important for all Australians to understand the risks of handling asbestos materials. Anyone believing that their home or office building may contain an asbestos material of any type should contact a licensed asbestos removalist. They can thoroughly examine the property to determine what type of asbestos is present, how much of the material is present, and whether fibres are currently contaminating the air.
Professional removalists can also take on the project of removing these materials and decontaminating the site so that it is safe. It is crucial that residents not undertake construction projects that involve these materials without the assistance of licensed removalists. There are companies in Victoria with the expertise and asbestos training needed to safely remove these materials without releasing deadly fibres into the air.
Resources:
http://www.smh.com.au/victoria/victorian-cancer-spike-prompts-asbestos-testing-20141026-11c19m.html
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CDAQFjAC&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.safeworkaustralia.gov.au%2Fsites%2FSWA%2Fabout%2FPublications%2FDocuments%2F706%2FMesotheliomaInAustralia2012.pdf&ei=JiNcVNiKFc2iyATivYCYCA&usg=AFQjCNF_TwzfXtF49SV1K6lL5ubscYR2yQ&bvm=bv.79184187,d.aWw
$1 Billion Bill for Asbestos Contamination Case
Clean-up for Mr Fluffy houses could cost $1 billion
Solving the problem of homes contaminated with asbestos in New South Wales will not come cheap, according to ACT Government statements to the Canberra Times, which put the cost of buying the contaminated houses for demolition as high as $1 billion.
Chief Minister Katy Gallagher told ABC News the state would need to buy the approximately 1,000 contaminated houses in order to demolish them, and that she had already begun receiving valuations from affected owners, with some coming in at upwards of $1 million.
More than 1,000 houses in the south of New South Wales had their roof cavities filled with loose-fill asbestos by the Mr Fluffy company during the 1960s and 70s (Mr Fluffy stopped operating in 1979). While the first negative health effects of asbestos were discovered in 1899, Australia did not start regulating it until the late 1970s, with white asbestos finally banned in 2003.
The ACT government is currently in talks with the Commonwealth Government, she said, and was also looking at recouping as much as $700 million of the costs by selling the land on after the houses had been demolished.
“There is an issue about cash flow and there is an issue, if we proceed with a demolition program, how fast people would want to relinquish their homes and move out,” she said. “The true cost will not be known until we finish the program.”
The fate of the occupants is also raising concerns, as despite the contamination many still have outstanding mortgages that need to be paid. This can cause strife when families need to move out and have trouble paying both rent for their new accommodation and their existing mortgage payments.
The ACT government has announced an emergency support package of up to $10,000 per household with an extra $2,000 per dependent child, to help those living in Mr Fluffy houses move out. To qualify, they must have been advised by an asbestos assessor that they needed to leave.
Grants of $1,000 are also available for those still living in contaminated homes who have been advised to destroy contaminated items.
Government was warned of contamination 25 years ago
The Australian Commonwealth was given expert medical advice in 1988 on the health risks that houses insulated with Mr Fluffy asbestos posed, say the Fluffy Owners and Residents’ Action group, citing documents obtained through freedom of information legislation requests.
The group says that the Commonwealth had received reports from both occupational health academic Dr David Douglas and the National Health and Medical Research Council concerned that more deaths would ensue if people lived in houses insulated with Mr Fluffy.
Dr Douglas told the Canberra Times that the Mr Fluffy contamination was “a public health asbestos problem far greater than any documented elsewhere in the world” and that exposure levels to the fibres by those who had been hired to install the insulation were “likely to have been as high as any ever recorded”.
The reports also raised concerns that children were more vulnerable to contracting mesothelioma (a form of cancer in the lining of the lungs or other organs) from exposure to asbestos fibres. Asbestos is a class-1 carcinogen, a category it shares with arsenic, plutonium, mustard gas and formaldehyde.
The government of 1988 was preparing to remove the insulation from the ceilings of over 1,000 homes in a five-year, $100 million program. However, this program failed to remove all the asbestos from the affected houses.
Although the program was carried out, it has been discovered that the asbestos insulation was not removed from 12 houses and many of the houses that were cleared have been found to still be contaminated by residual asbestos. Owners now await a decision from the ACT and Commonwealth Governments on whether to demolish the houses.
Professor Bruce Armstrong, who was Director and Professor of Epidemiology and Cancer Research at the National Health and Medical Research Council at the time, told the Canberra Times that it was known then that asbestos had escaped some houses’ roofs and contaminated the living spaces.
The risk of developing mesotheliuma was 25 times higher for those living in Mr Fluffy homes than the base population, he said, rising from 26 deaths per million to 650.
“It should be noted that the National Research Council’s estimates were based on exposure to mixed asbestos fibres including chrysotile which carries a lower risk of mesothelioma than does amosite. Thus the risk in the Canberra houses would be likely to be greater than the above estimates would suggest,” he said.
In his report, Professor Armstrong had advised the government to quickly remove the asbestos from both the roofs and living spaces, also pointing out that residents would be anxious if they thought they’d be exposed to the carcinogen, fearing for both for their health and the future of their property.
“Anxiety and fear are major causes of disability. The levels of both will rise the longer people continue to live in the asbestos insulated homes,” he said.
Founder of the Fluffy Owners and Residents’ Action Group Brianna Heseltine told the Canberra Times that anxiety and stress levels were “off the charts” and that she did not see many options for the government.
“They either decide that there is an acceptable death toll among the Mr Fluffy owner and resident population, or they come together to eliminate the risk,”
It defied belief, she said, that the New South Wales government had not re-evaluated its stance on the danger of the fibres, which was that they weren’t a threat so long as they weren’t disturbed. Dr Douglas’ report, she said, raised the risk that the asbestos could escape through the tiles and that damage to homes caused by wind, water and fire could also raise exposure levels.
Want to know more?
Asbestos is a serious issue in Australia. If you would like to know more about this deadly material, check out the other stories on our news feed.
To access asbestos awareness and removal training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Paralympians inspire safety at work [VIDEO]
Transcript
Working at heights training and other OHS programs are vital for reducing the risk of injuries in Australian workplaces. A fall from height can often result in serious injuries, such as paralysis.
Because of the high rates of accidents in local businesses, some of Australia’s most inspiring athletes have signed an alliance to help increase safety awareness.
The Australian Paralympic Committee has partnered with the Safety Institute of Australia in order to deliver targeted messages directly to workers. Paralympians will be travelling the country, sharing their real-life injury experiences with workers.
It is hoped the stories these athletes can share regarding their own struggles and rehabilitation will create a more tangible impact on OHS strategies than traditional training.
Allowing those who have sustained workplace injuries to share their experiences is just one way employers can boost OHS standards. Another is working at heights training from AlertForce.
Where is asbestos found in the home?
Here are the top 6 places where asbestos is found around the home. Asbestos was a common building material in Australia prior to the 1990s. Beneficial for fire, sound and water proofing, this material was used extensively when building and renovating homes and commercial properties across the country.
This means that many homes built before 1990 therefore contain asbestos containing materials (ACMs)– posing a risk for any homeowner or professional undertaking renovations or demolition. You won’t necessarily release asbestos unless you are undertaking home renovations. If you have a house built before 1990 and you suspect ACM’s it’s worth getting the opinion of an expert.
Understanding the risks in the home is vital for ensuring families and workers are not accidentally exposed to this deadly material. A key consideration is engaging the services of a qualified professional – who has successfully completed assessment training – to conduct testing and appraisals before any work is undertaken on older homes.
For small jobs, however, it may not be reasonable to invite a professional in your home. In these situations, it is important that you are aware of the potential risks.
If your home or a property you are renovating was built prior to 1990, here are the six key areas where asbestos materials may be present:
1. The bathroom
As asbestos was often used as waterproofing and insulation, it is unsurprising that your bathroom is one of the most significant locations likely to contain this material.
The most common areas for asbestos to be present include the walls, ceilings and floors – particularly if cement sheeting was used during construction.
Another space to be aware of is the insulation around hot water pipes and hot water heaters. In its friable form, asbestos was often sprayed onto pipes to protect against heat loss – making this a key concern for renovators and plumbers. Friable asbestos around pipe insulation requires professional removal help.
2. Living areas
If the property contains a fireplace, this is one location that is likely to contain asbestos. The product was proven to slow the effects of flames, making it an ideal fireproofing material. However, if the product was to burn, the resulting ash and dust would be a serious risk to health and safety if inhaled.
It is also recommended to be mindful of the total fire and smoke system, including the flue pipes.
Another location to consider is underneath the floors and within the roof space, as asbestos could have been used to insulate in these areas.
3. Kitchen
As a heat and waterproofing material, asbestos was often used in the kitchen splashbacks – that is, the panels around kitchen sinks and draining boards.
Additionally, asbestos will likely be present in the roof, walls and under the flooring. If your kitchen contains vinyl flooring, the material was often used as backing – so keep this in mind if you are ripping up old tiles or vinyl.
4. Outdoors
Due to the insulating and waterproofing materials of asbestos, this product was commonly used in exterior cladding. Be mindful of walls and roofs made from imitation brick cladding, concrete and even flat, patterned and corrugated sheeting.
Fibro homes are the most at risk of asbestos exposure, as this form of building material tended to always contain asbestos in Australia. Another area to consider is the guttering around your home, as asbestos fibres can collect here following storms.
In the backyard, any fencing and sheds built from similar exterior materials are also likely to contain asbestos products. Fences were built using asbestos up until the 1990s, with many constructed using “Super Six” fencing, according to the Queensland Asbestos Management Services.
5. Vehicles
Your home is not the only area where asbestos may have been used in the past. Mechanics and vehicle owners also need to be aware of the risks in their automobile.
Asbestos was used extensively in the automotive industry, with a ban on the products not introduced until December 2003. This means that if your car was manufactured prior to 2004, you could be at risk.
You need to take care when carrying out maintenance on the brakes, clutches or gaskets in particular. Any items installed or purchased before 2004 could contain asbestos fibres, creating a significant risk to your health and wellbeing.
If these parts become damaged in any way, you should take the vehicle to a trained and qualified professional as soon as possible and inform them of the asbestos risk.
6. Electric meter board
Not only could asbestos protect against water, heat and fire, it was also often used as an electrical insulation. Asbestos was added to other materials in the manufacture of electrical backing in a similar way to the creation of cement sheeting.
According to Ausgrid, electrical meter boards installed before 1988 may contain asbestos materials. Another important clue is the colour of your board, as relevant electrical boards were typically black.
The meter boards may also be stamped with one of several product names – Lebah, Ausbestos, Miscolite and Zelemite. Otherwise, it could have a caution sticker placed on or inside the box.
When employing an electrician to work on your board, it is important that you make them aware of the potential asbestos risk. You should also discuss the work that is required and how they will manage the potential risk of exposure for themselves, you and your family.
Additionally, if working as an electrician in Australia, it is important to undertake asbestos awareness training to ensure you can identify and respond to deadly materials. This online course will give skills and knowledge to understand your risks and control the hazards related to your work.
Awareness training (free here)
With asbestos such a significant threat in Australia, it is important that you are able to identify the material in all locations within the home.
For those working in any trades related to plumbing, construction and electrical work, it can be a very real hazard present each time you pick up your tools. For this reason, it is vital that you and your employees complete the necessary asbestos awareness training.
This course is offered online by AlertForce and works as an introduction to this crucial section of work health and safety (WHS) standards. To obtain a basic knowledge of asbestos in Australia and confidently put measures in place to reduce your risks, you should talk to the AlertForce team today.
Are you ready for Safe Work Australia Month? [VIDEO]
Transcript
We all know how important occupational health and safety strategies are in Australian workplaces. In an effort to boost awareness and encourage more businesses to adopt these life-saving practices, Safe Work Australia has launched its preparations for this year’s safety month.
Safe Work Australia Month will be held in October this year. The theme for 2014 is Work Safe, Home Safe, which reminds us that our families are the most important reason for OHS standards.
If you want to get involved in safety month this year, you can consider taking part in one of our OHS training programs or signing up to become a safety ambassador in your community.
For more information on the workshops and events scheduled next month, visit SafeWorkAustralia.gov.au.
Third annual Mesothelioma Registry released [VIDEO]
Transcript
Asbestos exposure is a very serious problem in Australia, with people in a range of occupations facing potential contact with this deadly material during the course of their employment.
For employers, asbestos awareness and removal training is one of the best methods of mitigating the risk of exposure in the workplace.
To help workers understand the risks, Safe Work Australia – together with Comcare – have released the third annual Australian Mesothelioma Registry report.
According to the report, 575 people were newly diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2013. More than two-fifth of these patients are male, with 80 per cent being over 60 years of age.
Asbestos exposure continues to be a problem in Australia, with 60.9 per cent of workers surveyed by Safe Work Australia having experience possible or probable exposure in 2013.
For more information on asbestos awareness training, talk to AlertForce today.
WHS News Recap – WHS obligations [VIDEO]
Transcript
When dealing with work health and safety in the workplace, it is vital that you understand your obligations as a manager, director or officer.
The recent changes to the Work Health and Safety Act have meant that the company is no longer held primarily responsible for accidents, injuries and fatalities. This responsibility has also been extended to cover business officers and senior managers.
The ACT became the first Australian state to prosecute an individual under these new regulations. In a case involving the electrocution of a dump truck driver in 2012, the ACT Work Safety Commissioner identified a number of failings regarding the company director’s responsibilities.
When the proceedings continue in December this year, the company officer is facing a potential $300,000 penalty. This shows just how important it is for directors and managers to understand their obligations, including the provision of relevant OHS training and personal protective equipment.
For more information on these or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
WHS News Recap – Working at Heights [VIDEO]
Transcript
August is National Tradies’ Health Month, which means now is the best time to consider the Work Health and Safety risks that face tradespeople in Australia every day.
Working at heights is a common OHS hazard among tradespeople, with many individuals required to climb ladders and enter roof spaces to complete their work in the trades. With around 10 per cent of all work-related injuries caused by a fall from height, it is easy to see how working at heights training can benefit our nation’s tradies.
And this consideration is becoming more important, as the number of tower blocks and apartment buildings being raised across Australia continues to climb. Population growth is driving demand for more space-efficient housing solutions, which is in turn influencing a need for trained construction workers.
When individuals are working above ground on any project, having the right protection in place is key. Without training and fall-arrest systems, employers risk substantial fines or even injuries and fatalities on site.
For more information on these or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up: August 2014
Asbestos awareness and removal is a vital consideration in Australia, as products containing the deadly fibres are discovered each day.
The country’s extensive history with asbestos has made this material a serious threat to homeowners and employees in many industries. It is important, therefore, that Australians know what trends and discoveries are affecting buildings and work across the country.
Here are just five recent headlines that shed some light on how asbestos continues to impact on local and international operations.
NSW joins asbestos campaign
As the campaign to remove loose-fill asbestos from home in the ACT continues, the NSW government has come on board, offering free inspections to any home built before 1980 in high-risk areas.
Thus far, NSW has lagged behind the ACT in terms of addressing the “Mr Fluffy” crisis, claiming that the asbestos was safe as long as fibres were undisturbed.
However, as the campaign to demolish affected ACT homes moves forward, NSW Finance Minister Dominic Perrottet announced the state would conduct health assessments in affected homes to make a better informed decision.
“The NSW government is absolutely committed to ensuring the health and safety of all citizens in this state,” Mr Perrottet said in an August 15 statement.
“This commitment stands when it comes to the issue of asbestos.”
Fronting the campaign is the NSW Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA). This organisation is chaired by WorkCover’s Acting General Manager Work Health and Safety Division Peter Dunphy.
“While the investigation will help determine the extent of properties that may be impacted it is important to remember that the risk of exposure to asbestos in buildings containing loose-fill asbestos is likely to be very low if the asbestos is undisturbed and sealed off,” Mr Dunphy explained.
He added that sprayed asbestos insulation is a “highly hazardous” product, and should not be disturbed by homeowners or workers who have not undertaken asbestos removal training.
“Only qualified tradespeople with training in suitable asbestos control measures can work in any areas identified as containing asbestos.”
Garden mulch asbestos contamination discovered
A recent asbestos scare has seen a number of Bundaberg residents unintentionally putting their homes and gardens at risk.
Many locals purchased garden mulch from the Bundaberg Regional Council rubbish tip. Unfortunately, a resident last month discovered small pieces of asbestos present in the product.
After sending the product away for testing, the tip continued to sell the mulch until the results were returned. This meant that dozens of residents had time to purchase and use the contaminated product.
A spokesperson from the council explained to NewsMail that residents who had bought the mulch were being contacted and offered assistance. The council planned to send a qualified professional to each home to test gardens and undertake any necessary decontamination.
Since the incident, measures have now been put in place to obtain contact details for those purchasing the council’s mulch, as well as improving monitoring of what is being dumped. Asbestos products are not normally allowed in the affected tip site, which means that material has likely been incorrectly disposed of.
Anyone concerned about their garden should contact the Bundaberg Regional Council on 1300 883 699.
Drive for education in Wollongong
The Wollongong City Council has pushed for increased asbestos education for residents. In addition to publishing a list of approved and licenced removalists, the council will also release an asbestos education program.
Developed by the Asbestos Education Committee, these measures will ensure that local residents are aware of their responsibilities regarding asbestos assessment and removal.
“All of the councillors were unanimous in expressing their concerns about the effects of asbestos on people’s health and believed council should and could do more to protect the health of Wollongong residents,” Councillor Jill Merrin told the Illawarra Mercury on August 10.
Unlicensed asbestos removal results in fines around the world
A number of recent court cases have seen unlicensed removalists be landed with heavy fines. While these trials were located overseas, they each demonstrate the serious nature of unauthorised asbestos handling.
In particular, an American man from Woodbridge, New Jersey has been given five years in prison for undertaking unlicensed asbestos removal in schools, homes, churches and pre-school centres.
The man came under investigation after authorities discovered asbestos dust and material had been left in a day care facility he had been charged to clear.
“[He] exhibited tremendous greed and callousness with his unlicensed and unsafe asbestos removal, putting the health of young children at risk so that he could turn a profit,” acting state Attorney General John Hoffman said in a statement.
Another case in the United States has seen a man from Lebanon, Oregon fined more than US$13,000 for allowing an unlicensed individual to undertake an asbestos project on his home.
Issued by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, fines regarding unauthorised asbestos work are handed out regularly to property owners and businesses. This particular fine was followed by a $8,800 penalty issued to a cafe in the same area that engaged the services of an unlicensed contractor.
This shows that it is important not just for removalists to access the appropriate licences, for also for homeowners to ensure they hire the right people to undertake asbestos-related work.
Unlawful demolitions a problem in Rockdale
The unauthorised demolition of a home in Bardwell Park, NSW is just the tip of the iceberg in regards to unlicenced renovations, according to the Rockdale Council.
While the owners of this particular property were given a stop-work order and a clean-up notice, a spokesperson from the council claims there are “dozens and dozens” of homeowners who are working on their homes without approval.
These individuals are not only putting themselves at risk, but also creating hazards for the health of neighbours and workers by potential asbestos contamination.
The home in this particular instance was over 70 years old, which means it is very likely it contained asbestos products, as reported by The Leader on August 15.
A suggestion raised by locals is for approved and assessed demolitions to be given official notices to be displayed prominently on the site. This will help the community identify illegal works, and should boost the number of unauthorised projects the council is informed of and able to stop.
The Rockdale Council has reissued warnings regarding older homes, particularly those that may contain asbestos materials. Residents who are planning renovations or demolition should engage a suitably licenced individual to assess the asbestos risk and, if required, carry out the removal.
Non-compliance with the clean-up notice could result in a fine up to $1 million for a business and $250,000 for an individual.
Want to know more?
Asbestos is a serious issue in Australia. If you would like to know more about this deadly material, check out the other stories on our news feed.
To access asbestos awareness and removal training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
WHS News Recap – Traffic Management [VIDEO]
Transcript
Traffic management training is a serious work health and safety consideration for businesses across almost every industry. However, some sectors are more at risk than others, according to recent headlines from around Australia.
In particular, audits of mining companies in Tasmania in recent months have revealed troubling gaps in OHS standards. With safety inspectors overworked and underpaid, concerns have been raised regarding the efficiency of monitoring and controlling hazards.
Mining vehicles often reach immense size and weight, so preventing collisions is vital to reducing the number of fatalities in the industry. Fortunately, this is where comprehensive traffic management training can help.
Another area of significant concern is forklift safety in the manufacturing and warehousing industries. A Perth company was recently fined $30,000 when two untrained employees were injured after a forklift toppled over.
Operating a forklift is a high-risk occupation, so it is important that workers access all the necessary permits and training before jumping behind the wheel.
For more information on these or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
WHS News Recap – Confined Spaces [VIDEO]
Transcript
Confined spaces can pose many work health and safety risks, due to dangerous atmospheres and limited entry and exit points.
This is why it is important for employers to understand the hazards their workforce could be facing, particularly in relation to accidents, injuries and fatalities in confined spaces.
Unfortunately, a recent case in Victoria has seen an employer fined for a second time regarding a fatal confined spaces incident in 2010.
Originally, the company was fined $80,000 for work health and safety breaches when a worker was overcome by carbon dioxide while moving stock in a confined space. With the right level of confined spaces training, the individual may have been able to identify the hazard and vacate the area before inhaling a fatal dose.
This year, the same company now may have to pay damages to another employee, who suffered anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder after witnessing the accident.
This incident demonstrates how vital it is to provide employees with a safe working environment in which to complete their duties.
For more information on this or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
Road surfacing safety a primary concern
Those undertaking a traffic management and control training program may be taking the first step towards a career in road construction and surfacing. Creating quality road infrastructure is a massive local industry, worth over $280 billion, according to Roads Australia.
With more than 817,000 kilometres of road network already laid across the country, maintaining the existing roads and building new network connections takes a lot of work. This is why civil contracting roles are always in demand, with more than 70,000 individuals employed in this sector in 2012, the Australian Bureau of Statistics revealed.
Unfortunately, this essential industry can pose many risks to employees’ health and safety. When working on or near public roads, there are always traffic hazards present. Vehicles are one of the leading causes of work-related injuries and fatalities, according to Safe Work Australia.
Because of this, working near traffic has been defined as a high-risk activity, under the current Work Health and Safety Act.
As with any high-risk industry, understanding and controlling the hazards is a crucial consideration. Fortunately, with the right level of training and education, workers can easily minimise WHS risks. This is particularly important for traffic controllers – who are required to work directly with both civil and public vehicles.
Understanding the risks
In regards to addressing the risks traffic controllers face, industry authority, the Australian Asphalt Pavement Association (AAPA) has published an article in the most recent Asphalt Review dispatch.
The publication highlighted the importance of workshops and training for traffic controllers, citing a number of issues that may be influencing high injury and accident rates.
There have been a number of incidents that demonstrate the high-risk nature of surfacing work, particularly in regards to traffic managers. AAPA spokesperson Robert Busuttil pointed to one tragic day in November 2010, when two controllers were killed in separate events only hours apart.
On this day, a 45-year-old worker and a 23-year-old man within his first week on the job were both struck and killed by reversing trucks. Both men were employed as traffic controllers at the time of their death.
Following these accidents, the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) released a report looking into the WHS failings present in the road surfacing sector.
The key concerns identified in the 2012 dispatch included:
- A lack of hazard awareness and induction training to both controllers and the persons responsible for creating Traffic Control Plans (TCPs)
- Failing to update TCPs to specific jobs and locations
- TCPs not inclusive of indirect hazards and how roadwork activities can affect a site
These dangerous issues are causing major hazards, as traffic controllers continue to work with limited knowledge of the risks they face each day. Additionally, managing the public and internal traffic can be difficult when not given an adequate or up-to-date control plan.
Addressing these concerns is a crucial consideration for any person working in or planning to enter the road surfacing industry.
Education is the key
Traffic controllers are a vital part of any civil construction project, with their work protecting the lives of their colleagues and the public. However, it is important that individuals employed in this role do not forget their own safety.
Fortunately, increasing the awareness and understanding of personal and site-wide hazards is simple when the right training and education is in place.
In this regard, the AAPA has developed a new workshop to improve WHS outcomes on civil construction sites. The Road Surfacing Awareness for Traffic Controllers course is aimed at improving the recognition of the hazards associated with related projects.
This important training program will include competencies relevant to:
- Unique risks traffic controllers could experience – such as proximity to hot materials and working on public roads
- Factors that can affect traffic control measures – including the introduction of work-related vehicles
- Identifying issues which may compromise work quality and lead to extended project time and increased exposure to risks
Launched this month, the safety and awareness program is designed to help any worker who may be required to manage a traffic control plan. Additionally, supervisors and those responsible for approving or auditing these schemes can also benefit from the training.
Quality education from the beginning
Prior to undertaking employment in the construction, road surfacing or similar industry, individuals are encouraged to seek all necessary training. Rather than waiting until accidents and near-misses occur, undertaking a traffic control program as a preemptive measure can help mitigate potential risks.
In particular, any person who may be required to work as a traffic controller must access the mandatory traffic and pedestrian management and control training. Under state and federal legislation, all employers have a legal obligation to ensure only competent and adequately trained personnel are appointed as traffic controllers.
However, each state and territory is subject to different regulatory requirements. Understanding the specific courses and training needs in your area can be difficult. This is why it is recommended that you contact a registered training provider who can direct you to the most appropriate course for your needs.
This includes knowing when refresher training is required and which programs are needed prior to any work being undertaken. If you need any more information on traffic management and control programs, or want to access WHS training relevant to your industry, talk to the AlertForce team today.
AlertForce can help you meet your legislative requirements, as well as creating a training program that suits your role and WHS needs.
Asbestos dumping prompts call for education
A recent spate of illegal asbestos dumpings has highlighted the need for more awareness and control over this dangerous material.
On August 12, a large amount of asbestos was discovered strewn along the side of a busy road in North Rocks, NSW. This incident required hours of dedicated work safely contain and remove the material.
Several roads were closed as the clean-up was undertaken, and Council General Manger Dave Walker explained that it was difficult to tell just how much asbestos had been dumped. It appeared likely that the material has been deliberately thrown from the back of a truck, as it was spread across a 300m distance along three separate roads.
The council were taking this incident very seriously, and a full and thorough investigation is now underway. If caught, the individual responsible could face a fine up to $1 million and seven years in prison. Alternatively, if a business is found to be the source of this material, penalties would climb to $5 million.
“Asbestos dumpers are the most inconsiderate and reckless of all illegal rubbish dumpers – they put the long-term health of innocent people at risk,” Mr Walker said.
Educating individuals and businesses on safe asbestos removal
While most people should now be aware of the dangers of asbestos material, it seems that many individuals are still practising unsafe dumping and removal. Unfortunately, this is not only putting themselves at risk, but also their families, friends and members of the public.
When an untrained person attempts to remove asbestos from their home or business, it is possible that the deadly fibres could become attached to their clothing, skin or hair. If the individual then heads home without changing their outfit, they are unintentionally exposing everyone they come into contact with to the material.
This means that your family and friends could be inhaling asbestos fibres all because you failed to undertake safe removal procedures. This is just one reason why it is vital that any person who may be required to work with or near asbestos is provided with the necessary asbestos awareness training.
As we head into spring, it is likely that the warmer weather could encourage more homeowners to start DIY projects. Home renovations and amateur construction projects are a hot bed for asbestos exposure, with untrained members of the public unaware of the potential danger.
This is why a number of licensed asbestos removal contractors and disposal facilities across Australia have launched a campaign to spread awareness.
“Exposure to asbestos is very dangerous there are many risks involved in the removal but if people are given the correct procedure to follow and the right equipment to wear there will not be any problem,” explained Justin Castelluzzo, part-owner of Adelaide-based waste management company, Metro Waste.
“We tell every person that comes to the yard what’s involved in correct asbestos removal and disposal and we still get a number of enquiries each day regarding the process.”
While educating the public regarding the danger of asbestos works to a point, it is also vital businesses dedicated to the removal of the deadly material access all the necessary licences and training.
Often, companies and individuals rely on official removalists to undertake the process of containing and disposing of asbestos in the home or worksite. If these organisations are staffed by workers who have not obtained adequate education, permits or licences then significant hazards are likely.
How to become a qualified asbestos removalist
If you are interested in working as a qualified asbestos removalist, or have launched a business with this intention, it is vital that you understand how to access the necessary qualifications and licences.
Under the Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations, there are two key licences required by those removing asbestos products. Essentially, the Class A licence allows individuals to work with all kinds of asbestos, while the Class B is limited to non-friable material only.
These levels can be obtained by accessing the relevant asbestos removal training through a registered training provider, such as AlertForce.
Other crucial considerations are the asbestos supervisory licence and the assessors qualification. In some cases, asbestos removal projects will require a supervisor to be present at all times, while others may only need a qualified person on standby.
Conducting asbestos assessments with the intention of removal requires a person to hold specialist skills related to identification of hazards and control of air monitoring. Without the relevant Level 5 qualification, individuals should not be employed in this role.
More information on these particular obligations can be found at Safe Work Australia, or through your state’s affiliate authority.
To access the necessary asbestos removal training to get yourself started in this career, talk to the AlertForce team today.
Government body fined after workplace death
Traffic management training is an important consideration not just for employees, but also any members of the public. Vehicles of any size or shape can pose serious risks to people’s health and safety, and it is the employer’s responsibility to ensure these hazards are mitigated.
When contractors are engaged to carry out high risk tasks, this issue becomes even more vital. A person conducting a business or undertaking cannot safely assume that a contractor will perform the necessary hazard checks. It is therefore up to the employer to ensure the individual has received the necessary training and understands the correct risk management processes.
This was demonstrated recently when a local government council was fined after a bystander was struck and killed by earth-moving equipment on a landscaping site in Stirling, Western Australia.
Failure to keep the public safe
The accident, which occurred in November 2011, involved a contractor who has been hired by the council to undertake landscaping works outside a community centre.
In the same area, a group of individuals were clearing a shed. The contractor had repeatedly told these people to stay clear of the vicinity. Unfortunately, when the landscaping machinery was being reversed up an incline, it struck and killed a man from that group.
The Perth Magistrates Court found that the employer, the City of Stirling, had failed to ensure the contractor had completed risk assessments in the area before performing the work. Additionally, the obligation for an employer to satisfy itself that the contractor was adequately reducing risks was also not met.
Because of this, the Court fined the City of Stirling more than $20,000 in compensation and costs. This decision was reached after much deliberation, with the final order being laid on August 6.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch explained that the tragic death of the bystander should serve as a reminder to employers to ensure that safety measures are always in place.
“This is especially important when mobile plant such as bobcats are in use in and around public areas,” he said in an August 6 statement.
“The case also provides a reminder that workplace safety is the responsibility of not only the contractor performing the work, but also the organisation that engages the contractor.”
As the City of Stirling employed the contractor to carry out the landscaping work, it was then the obligation of the government officer overseeing the project to ensure a job safety assessment (JSA) had been carried out.
“It was not alleged that the City of Stirling’s failure to require a JSA caused the man’s death, but had the City taken these measures, the risk of harm would have been reduced or eliminated,” Mr McCulloch said.
Traffic management in public areas
Traffic management and control is not only to ensure those operating vehicles and mobile machinery follow the rules onsite. This training is also vital for protecting pedestrians and avoiding preventable accidents involving members of the public.
In particular, pedestrian management is a vital component of any traffic control training course. While this is most important for projects undertaken in public areas, it can also be beneficial for on-site work to ensure visitors and bystanders are protected.
When construction, maintenance, landscaping or any other work is being carried out close to where you can reasonable expect members of the public to occupy, it is vital that pedestrian controls are in place.
In the case above, the contractor had allegedly told the bystander to stay clear of the worksite. However, if physical boundaries had been in place, for example, the accident may not have occurred.
The very best solution for preventing traffic-related injuries and fatalities is to keep pedestrians and vehicles physically separated. This can be done by simply installing temporary barriers around workspaces. In the Western Australian case, mobile fencing could have been utilised to clearly mark where the worksite began.
However, in some circumstances this is not always possible. For instance, if the landscaping work required the contractor to move across the entire community centre grounds, it would not be reasonable for the complete area to be fenced-off.
Protecting the public with traffic management training
When physical barriers are not a reasonable solution, there are fortunately other options that can be put in place. In particular, any person operating a work-related vehicle near the public should be provided with traffic management training to ensure they understand the risks to themselves and others.
Another consideration could be to have a stand-by employee checking the area is clear before machinery is moved. In the case outlined above, the accident occurred when the equipment was reversing up an incline. It is possible that the bystander did not see or hear the machinery coming towards him, and was not visible to the operator.
In this case, simply having a spotter standing nearby could have ensured that both the member of the public and the driver were aware of each other.
Alternatively, the driver – knowing that people were nearby – could possibly have chosen to turn the machinery around. By reversing, the contractor potentially cut down his own field of vision and impacted on his ability to identify the risks and stop before the accident occurred.
There are many potential factors that could have resulted in a different outcome. Understanding how these influencers relate to your own undertaking is a crucial consideration. Fortunately, you can find out more information through comprehensive traffic management training.
To improve the safety at your site, get in touch with the AlertForce team to access training for you or your staff today.
WHS complaints rise in Queensland
New figures from the Queensland Work Health and Safety (WHS) authority show that the number of construction-related complaints has climbed significant over the past year.
This is according to an August 3 article published in The Sunday Mail, which revealed reports concerning safety breaches on local sites climbed to 2,765 for the 2013-14 financial year. In comparison, complaints reached just 2,092 in 2012-13 and 1,764 in 2011-12.
One of the key influencers driving the increased complaints is the growing public awareness of WHS standards. While in the past, the majority of complaints were issued from internal sources, recent years have seen nearby residents and passersby become more widely represented in the figures. According to The Sunday Mail, this could be because the popularity of shows such as The Block and House Rules, which commonly feature segments outlining safety procedures and awareness.
In addition to the rise in complaints issued, a WHS Queensland (WHSQ) representative has reveals that there were 10 workplace fatalities throughout the entire 2013-14 financial year. However, the current statistics show two people have died in work related incidents within a week.
One of the individuals was killed when the trench they were working in collapsed and engulfed them, while the second died after falling six metres on a construction site.
These incidents, and the WHS breaches that result in complaints, are demonstrations of the importance of correct safety procedures in workplaces. When policies are not present or not followed correctly, businesses can be hit with substantial fines or even experience serious accidents.
Making a WHS complaint in Queensland
For any individual who discovers a serious WHS breach, informing the proper authorities is vital for protecting the health and safety of employees and the public.
WHSQ supports this important process by offering an online complaint form as well as a direct phone line for those wishing to make a report. If an individual does not wish to reveal their identity, complaints can be made anonymously. This is important for any contractor or employee who may not feel comfortable reporting on their boss or colleagues.
Once a complaint has been received, WHSQ will review the details and take action depending on the nature of the breach. In many cases, this involves sending a Department of Justice representative to the site in question and ensuring those working in the area are aware of their obligations and best practice policies.
The Department of Justice inspectors issued more than 1,300 improvement notices in Queensland in the 2013-14 financial year. Around 750 projects were forced to halt their work due to non-compliant and high-risk activity.
Although the number of fines was down on previous years, 32 employers still received penalties of between $200 and $3,600 last year. The drop in overall fines issued is largely attributed to the change in philosophy by the Department of Justice. Now, the focus has been placed on working with builders and contractors to boost compliance prior to incidents being reported – rather than responding to accidents.
Addressing the rising complaints
With the number of complaints continuing to climb across Queensland’s construction sites, the Office of Fair and Safe Work Queensland has revealed plans for a 2014-17 action plan.
This initiative will target “critical risks/issues related to fatalities” within the construction industry, with a focus on traffic management, falls prevention, site supervising and mentoring of young workers.
Another important factor for employers and workers to consider is asbestos exposure, with issues related to the dangerous fibres making up more than a quarter (28 per cent) of total complaints.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to address these concerns in workplaces and construction sites across Australia. In fact, there are a few simple measures that can be put in place to mitigate the risk of serious WHS breaches and non-compliance.
What can employers do?
When responding to the high number of workplace complaints, employers working in high-risk industries – such as construction – probably already have policies in place to boost safety.
However, in some cases, a basic knowledge of the WHS standards may not be enough to avoid accidents and injuries. In particular, when employees are not continually supervised and reviewed, they could make changes to their work behaviours which fail to meet safety requirements.
This is why it is vital that employers regularly check up on their workers and keep them informed and aware of their changing WHS needs. Additionally, employers, supervisors and site managers should undertake the following standards to ensure that best practices are being followed at all times.
– Know the regulations and requirements
When you want your workers to follow correct WHS policies, it helps to hold a thorough understanding of these practices yourself.
It is therefore important that all leaders and stakeholders access the relevant education that can help boost WHS compliance. This could include contacting your local Work Safe Authority, or undertaking comprehensive WHS training.
– Educate your workers
As well as increasing your own understanding and knowledge, it is vital that you provide all relevant workers with the necessary training to protect themselves and others. By giving employees access to these qualifications, they are more likely to work within industry standards.
While some competencies may be more relevant than others, the construction industry is an area that requires a large number of skills to operate safely. For instance, most workers within the building sector will need some level of working at heights training throughout their career.
This is reflected in the high number of workplace fatalities that are related to falls and working at heights. Once an individual is working two metres off the ground, their risk of serious injury or death increases dramatically. With much in construction work involving roofs and tall structures, this is an important consideration for all industry employers.
– Have all necessary equipment available
In addition to accessing the necessary training and education for you and your workers, it is crucial that the worksite offers all necessary safety equipment and set-ups.
Many WHS complaints involve environmental and situational issues, such as ladders being set on uneven ground or scaffolding placed under live power lines. Additionally, a lack of personal protective equipment is also a common reason for complaint.
For instance, a worker climbing over a roof without a fall-arrest system in place may be grounds for an official WHS complaint. Alternatively, unstable or unsecured scaffolding may also be cause for alarm.
Addressing these issues is easy, when employers invest in the right equipment and environmental reviews. However, knowing which systems would be most beneficial and being able to identify and address potential risks is vital.
With WHS training and reviews, employers can ensure that they and their workers understand these factors – significantly reducing their risk of accidents and injuries.
If you need more information on your WHS training requirements, or how to improve safety on your construction site, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Monthly News Roundup: July 2014
Another month has passed with serious asbestos revelations making headlines around the world. Staying up-to-date with asbestos-related news is an important consideration for any employer, as it helps increase awareness of the potential risks you and your employees could be facing.
With this in mind, here are four of the top asbestos-related revelations that dominated the news channels around the world in July.
Telstra terminates NBN asbestos subcontractors
Health and safety has become one of the defining features in the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). With various risks and hazards present across the process, companies working on this vital project are encouraged to boost safety wherever possible.
This focus has led to a number of important policies, such as the introduction of mandatory NBN safety and awareness training for individuals working in particular roles.
Recently, major NBN employer Telstra has revoked accreditation of a number of subcontractors and individual workers, according to a July 28 article from The Australian.
“This decision was made after audits showed they were not meeting safety standards we expect for this type of work. These accreditation breaches were not limited to asbestos work, but included other issues such as traffic and pedestrian management,” Telstra spokesperson Nicole McKechnie explained.
Last year, the rollout was delayed due to a series of asbestos scares, demonstrating the need for NBN individuals to undertake comprehensive asbestos awareness training.
More schools closed due to asbestos scares
Asbestos exposure is a serious hazard for many workers in Australia. Unfortunately, this risk can also affect people unrelated to their occupation – such as homeowners performing renovations.
Another major asbestos hazard is the historical use of the material in schools built across the country. This means that a significant number of children could be exposed at any time.
It seems that not a month can pass without another school being closed due to asbestos discoveries – and July was no different. In particular, Willetton Senior High School in Western Australia was closed down on July 22 in response to suspected asbestos.
“We’ve known Willetton is an old school and has been scheduled for major work as part of the rebuilding program,” David Axworthy, a spokesperson from the Education Department told ABC Australia.
“The buildings that are to be demolished later in the year are routinely monitored and checked so during that routine inspection they found some broken ceiling tiles and other residue … that contained asbestos.”
There are many schools facing potential asbestos risks, according to a 2013 government report, with several institutions in WA listed as needing immediate attention.
New threat in Gaza war
Residents in Gaza are not only facing the persistent threat of mortar shells and rockets. The war-ravaged southern communities are now being exposed to a secondary danger – asbestos.
A recent media report has picked up on the increased risk of asbestos inhalation, due to structures and buildings being destroyed in the fight.
Fortunately, the local councils are working hard to replace any asbestos roofs that may be in the line of fire. However, as shells continue to drop across the communities, the threat is becoming increasingly urgent.
“The problem is mainly with front-line communities, which are most vulnerable to rocket and mortar fire,” Council Head Haim Yalin said, according to Middle Eastern news publication Haartz.
“Warehouses and other buildings also have asbestos roofs, but our first priority is to replace the roofs of residential structures.”
Mr Yalin revealed that there are around 700 residences with asbestos roofs located along the Gazan perimeter. This means that any initiative to replace the dangerous materials will be a lengthy and consuming endeavour.
Former BHP worker wins asbestos damages case
A landmark case concluded in New South Wales last month, with a former BHP worker awarded more than $2 million in damages.
The ex-employee claimed that he was exposed to asbestos in the early 1980s due to negligence from his employer. The plaintiff is now suffering from terminal mesothelioma as a consequence of inhaling the fibres.
On July 31, the Dust and Diseases Tribunal found BHP guilty of negligence related to work health and safety standards. The Court then decided BHP would have to pay the worker $2.2 million in compensation.
“While today’s verdict is a significant victory for Mr Dunning and his family, it does not take away from the fact that he is dealing with an incurable, terminal disease as a result of BHP’s negligence,” Joanne Wade, asbestos lawyer with Slater & Gordon expressed.
“We are extremely pleased that Mr Dunning can now move on and concentrate on spending his remaining time with his loved ones.”
For more information on asbestos in Australia, check out our news feed. Get in touch with the AlertForce team to access a range of vital asbestos training programs.
OHS News Recap – NBN Safety and Awareness [VIDEO]
Transcript:
The National Broadband Network is being steadily rolled out across the country, with more Australian homes connected to the service every week.
As the project continues its campaign, regional workers may soon see job opportunities to land in their area. Overall, construction of the network is expected to employ 18,000 individuals, according to Deloitte.
The project to connect every Australian to fast broadband has started to infiltrate regional towns, with this activity expected to pick up this year. Over the past 12 months, 20,000 premises in remote and regional areas have been connected to the network. But there is still a lot of work to do.
Fortunately, those interested in taking part in the rollout, and working on sites in regional communities, can access the mandatory NBN safety and awareness training online through AlertForce.
For more information on these or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
August is National Tradies’ Health Month
The health, safety and wellbeing of tradespeople in Australia is under the spotlight this month, as industry bodies launch the National Tradies' Health Month.
Throughout August, the Australian Physiotherapy Association – together with work boot manufacturer and supplier Steel Blue – will be supporting initiatives which raise awareness of the hazards in many trade industries. Of particular importance are musculoskeletal health issues, caused by lifting, slips, trips and falls.
"Too many tradies are injured on site every day, 80 per cent of injured workers in Australia are tradies and labourers," Steel Blue General Manager Ross Fitzgerald explained.
"We have been working closely with the Australian Physiotherapy Association to encourage a behaviour change amongst tradies, to make them more aware about the importance of health and safety, at work and home."
Trades can be the most dangerous occupations in Australia, with a vast and complex range of hazards present each time an individual commences work. Because of this, around 10 Victorian tradespeople are badly injured at work each day, according to WorkSafe Victoria. This means that 3,560 tradies sustain an injury that requires workers' compensation each year.
"The number of deaths, injuries and safety breaches prove that everyone – builders, contractors and workers – must do more to make sure workers get home to their families safely every night," WorkSafe Chief Executive Denise Cosgrove said.
According to Safe Work Australia, around 10 in every 100,000 workers claim compensation related to musculoskeletal disorders. Nearly a quarter of all roofers, labourers and plumbers experience back pain, muscle stress and strain from lifting equipment or slips, trips, and falls when handling materials.
"The injuries caused on sites are not always life threatening, but are often painful, costly and result in long periods off work," said Ms Cosgrove.
Unfortunately, when workers require time away from employment, mental health becomes another major issue among tradespeople. Statistics released on the official Tradies' Health website reveal that 18 per cent of injured workers sought mental health services after six months off work. After a year off, that number increased to 30 per cent.
What are the risks to tradies' health?
There are many potential risks to the health and safety of tradespeople in Australia. With these roles often playing a crucial factor in a number of industries, addressing every hazard can be challenging.
To help tradies and employers understand the risks facing tradespeople, here are five of the most common hazards.
- Working at heights
Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolding and other heights account for around 25 per cent of all workplace fatalities, according to WorkSafe Victoria.
Many trades-related occupations can require an individual to work above the ground. Every time a tradesperson climbs a ladder, they are putting themselves in danger of a serious injury or even death.
Fortunately, simply strategies can be put in place to avoid these accidents. In particular, employers should provide all at-risk individuals with necessary fall-arrest systems and working at heights training.
- Asbestos exposure
When a tradesperson works on a building or structure that was built before 1990, there is a significant risk of being exposed to deadly asbestos fibres.
Each time a worker cuts into a wall, for example, the resulting dust could contain asbestos. If the individual was to then inhale the dust, they would forever be at risk of developing an asbestos-related lung condition.
It is important for all workers who may be working in environments that contain asbestos to access the necessary information and guidance. For instance, older buildings should have a register that indicates the presence of asbestos so workers can avoid dangerous areas.
Additionally, undertaking asbestos awareness training will ensure workers are able to monitor and identify asbestos fibres in any workplace – which is ideal for tradespeople who often move from site to site.
- Electricity
Electricity is a major concern for some tradespeople, as their occupation may involve working directly with wires and other electrical equipment. For others, it is less of a persistent threat but can still pose a risk when working in certain locations.
Any tradesperson who may come into contact with electricity during the undertaking of their duties can follow a few simple practices to ensure their own safety. These include personally checking wires and equipment are not live before handling them and wearing the necessary protective equipment – such as thick gloves and rubber-soled boots.
- Heavy lifting
Musculoskeletal disease is one of the most common injuries reported among tradespeople, with the culprit usually being unsafe lifting procedures.
Back pain and muscle sprains are typical results of incorrect lifting, and these injuries can seriously affect a person's ability to continue physical work. If a tradie was to permanently injure their back, they could lose their entire income due to not being able to complete the tasks they are trained for.
It is therefore crucial that practices are put in place to promote safe lifting techniques, such as warming up and stretching before undertaking any strenuous labour. Whenever possible, physical lifting tasks should be avoided – employees need to understand when a crane, forklift or wheelbarrow is suitable.
Additionally, tradies need to be encouraged to ask for help. Some individuals may believe that asking for help would make them seem weak and unable to perform their job – however, seeking assistance is recommended and demonstrates an admirable knowledge of one's own limits.
- Excessive noise
Tradespeople are often required to use loud equipment and machinery during the undertaking of their duties. For instance, an electrician may need to operate drilling equipment to access the wires in a structure.
Excess noise can also be a risk when operating a heavy vehicle or working close to other construction work. Unfortunately, once you feel pain the damage is already done, so it is important to put preventative measures in place.
Examples of this could be wearing earmuffs or plugs whenever you are using a hand drill or other loud piece of equipment. Noise-related hearing damage is permanent, so don't just put up with excessive sounds – talk to your employer or human resources department about the protection and policies you need.
How can you get involved with National Tradies' Health Month?
There are a number of ways individuals and corporations can take part in National Tradies' Health Month. A variety of events are being held across Australia, raising awareness of the hazards tradespeople face and methods to control these risks. A list of the events can be found on Tradieshealth.com.au.
Alternatively, employers and tradespeople can register to host their own event – as well as access a range of WHS resources to share with staff.
For a more unique and interactive approach to boosting hazard awareness, individuals can play the online game. The Australian Physiotherapy Association and Steel Blue have released this fun and informative game to encourage increased participation in WHS initiatives.
Need more information?
If you need more information regarding occupational health and safety in the trades, or would like to access a relevant training program, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Seven step action plan for small business safety
If you own and operate a small business in Australia, then it is your responsibility to ensure your employees are provided with a safe working environment.
Work-related injuries and accidents are a serious issue across many industries, with a significant number of fatalities and workers' compensation claims being lodged each week.
According to Safe Work Australia, almost 100 people had died in work-related incidents in 2014 by the end of July. This amounts to nearly one fatality every second day. Reducing this number is an important work health and safety (WHS) consideration for any Australian business owner, as even one preventable death is too many.
Fortunately, SafeWork SA has released a seven step safety guide and checklist for small businesses. By following this plan, employers and owners will more effectively understand and meet their obligations regarding Australian WHS standards.
This action plan includes practical advice on how to improve safety in the workplace, with general information that can apply to a vast range of industries and occupations.
Seven steps to safety
There are many ways an employer can meet their obligations as a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU). Safe Work Australia explains that, as far as is reasonable practical, the primary duty of a PCBU is to ensure the health and safety of workers (and visitors to the workplace) is not put at risk.
In particular, it is vital that business operations and conduct does not create unnecessary hazards. This is why the seven step process is crucial for any persons launching a startup enterprise or running an existing small business.
The guide, released on July 30, encourages employers to work with their workers when addressing potential risks in the workplace. Safety improvements can be implemented more efficiently and effectively if all employees are aware of their responsibilities and requirements.
Prior to commencing the seven step process, PCBUs should compare their current operations with the WHS snapshot. This document helps employers identify where there is room for improvement and which areas should be priorities.
Once this has been completed, the seven step action plan should be put in place.
1. Set up a safe workplace
The very first action you need to take as a small business owner is to ensure the working environment is supportive of WHS standards. This includes investing in quality machinery, mitigating trip hazards and supplying any necessary personal protective equipment.
This step can generally be achieved by engaging a Safe Work representative to review your site. Once the potential hazards have been identified, policies and protection can be enacted to prevent accidents.
Other PCBU responsibilities include installing WHS information sheets and reporting procedures, to ensure workers and visitors are aware of crucial risks and practices. A common example of this is to have evacuation procedures prominently displayed in the workplace, where both employees and the public can find it.
2. Consult
As well as engaging the services of an official representative, employers should involve their workers in the WHS process. In South Australia, this is a legal requirement under the WHS Act (2012).
Your employees often have first-hand knowledge of the potential hazards they face during business conduct, so they can provide valuable insight into your WHS policies.
Consulting with your workers is not only beneficial for you, but will ensure that every worker is aware of the risks in the workplace. This review and discussion should take place whenever business processes and practices change, as any minor adjustments can affect potential WHS hazards – putting uninformed workers at risk.
3. Manage hazards
Once you have identified and addressed the numerous hazards in the workplace, ongoing management policies need to be put in place.
Having procedures in place will ensure that workers continue to follow WHS standards, particularly as regular reviews are made.
4. Train and supervise
Training is one of the most vital factors in improve WHS outcomes, as misinformed and untrained employees can struggle to understand and adequately address their risks.
Your WHS training requirements will vary depending on the industry in which your business operates. However, it is the duty of the employer to know and access the correct courses and programs for their staff.
For instance, any business that involves handling or working near materials that may contain asbestos could benefit from asbestos awareness training.
As well as investing in the required education, employers need to ensure that adequate supervision is provided to monitor new workers and those undertaking unfamiliar tasks. A competent supervisor will ensure that safety policies are being followed and correct procedures are in place.
5. Maintain safety
Once the required training and policies have been integrated into the business, employers need to regularly check that these processes are still being utilised and have remained relevant and effective.
Hazards and operations can evolve throughout the life of a business, which means that original WHS standards may not suffice for future risks. By carrying out regular reviews and maintenance, PCBUs can ensure best practice policies are in action at all times.
6. Keep records
Documenting injuries, incidents and near misses is an important legal requirement for any business. This includes recording any maintenance, inspections and tests you perform.
By keeping this information on file, you can respond when your Safe Work authority requests the reports – which may occur in the event of an accident. This will also make it easier for you to monitor health and safety in the workplace, so you can quickly and efficiently act when potential issues are identified.
7. Monitor and review
As your business grows and evolves, so too could the hazards. It is therefore vital that you regularly review and improve your WHS standards and policies to suit your changing business.
If you need any more information on monitoring WHS in your business, or would like to access the training your staff require, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
OHS News Recap – Working at Heights [VIDEO]
Transcript:
Working at heights training is an important consideration in many industries across Australia, but some sectors are more dangerous than others.
In particular, the high risk forestry industry recently announced plans to continue a partnership designed to improve worker safety and awareness. The New South Wales WorkCover authority has signed an ongoing agreement with the Forestry Corporation to provide training in areas such as working at heights, traffic management and driver safety.
Within the construction sector, high winds kept workers on their toes in Victoria and New South Wales earlier this month. As bad weather swept across the country, various WorkCover bodies issued warnings regarding working at heights and the dangers of structure collapse.
As winter continues to create havoc across Australia, and spring approaches, workers in the southern states in particular need to prepare for ongoing strong winds.
For more information on these or other OHS stories, check out the articles on our news feed.
Safety audit reveals gaps in Tasmanian mines
Mining is one of the most dangerous industries in Australia, with employees at every level facing a range of potential work health and safety (WHS) hazards.
In fact, approximately 3 fatalities occurred per 100,000 workers in 2013. Although this was a great result for the industry, which has seen historical fatality rates reach up to 12.35 deaths per 100,000 employees, it still highlights the dangers present in this sector.
Sustaining WHS standards is therefore a serious consideration for any employer in the resources sector. Unfortunately, mining business owners in Tasmania have their work cut out for them, according to a recent audit conducted by the University of New South Wales’ School of Management.
The independent report, commissioned last year and published this month, found that serious deficiencies have led to various safety incidents over recent months. Lead study author, Professor Michael Quilan explained that Tasmania’s regulatory framework is “deficient in a number of regards”.
“It’s imperative critical gaps in existing rules be addressed because most, if not all, are pivotal to preventing fatal accidents,” he explained in the audit.
In particular, Professor Quilan investigated the training, presence and pay of safety inspectors across the industry. His findings revealed serious shortfalls in the number of mining-qualified competent persons available on a full-time basis.
The industry stakeholders surveyed by Professor Quilan commonly identified training as an area where improvements are needed. For instance, several interviewees claimed that no inspectors were available who held specific training and knowledge for the unique hazards associated with coal mining.
A lack of succession planning could be the leading cause of this issue, with no adequate training or induction processes in place when staff turnover occurs. Because of this, Professor Quilan urged Tasmanian mining employers to adopt mandatory training requirements, such as the policies currently in place in Queensland and other resource-reliant states.
The benefits of training in the mining industry
There are many reasons why training is a crucial consideration for mining employers, including the vast range of potential hazards each employee faces on every shift.
For instance, due to the complex nature of many mining occupations, a worker could be subject to risks related to confined space, traffic control and machinery entrapment all at one time.
Training individuals to recognise and address these hazards should not only help improve WHS standards, but can also lead to more efficient operations and increased profitability. This is because a decline in safety incidents will reduce the amount of time needed for injury recovery and accident investigations. In turn, this should lead to more time focused on daily operations and business-as-usual endeavours.
Because of the complexities of mining work, knowing what WHS training to access can be a challenge. To help you reach positive safety outcomes in your business, here are just four areas where training and qualifications can be beneficial to miners.
– Traffic management
Whether the mining operations are above or under the ground, traffic management training should be a vital consideration for any employer. This is because the resources industry often relies on large and heavy mobile equipment to move product across sites and through freight channels.
A particular hazard of underground mining is when these vehicles are required to enter the same shafts and confined spaces as pedestrian workers. Operating vehicles in shared tunnels can lead to collisions and crushing if adequate WHS policies are not in place.
Fortunately, traffic management training can help any employee understand the risks and avoid potential accidents. In particular, the use of vehicles in shared spaces – above or below ground – can be controlled to strict safety standards if each individual holds the necessary qualifications.
– Confined spaces
Underground mines can be dangerous environments to work in, due to the risk of poor atmospheric conditions, cave-ins and disorientation. Employers can protect their employees against these risks in a number of ways.
Workers should be provided with comprehensive confined spaces training before entering any area with limited entry points. This competency will ensure that individuals are able to monitor their environment and utilise any necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) if a hazard is present.
For instance, atmospheric testing can help employees identify whether oxygen levels are fluctuating – due to poor ventilation or an unexpected release of gas. If unsafe environmental conditions are detected, workers must be able to safely find, don and operate breathing apparatus and any other relevant PPE.
– Hazardous materials
Some mining situations can require individuals to handle or work alongside hazardous materials. In particular, explosive substances are commonly used in these situations.
Training is an important requirement which must be accessed before workers are given permission to handle such material. Unsafe or misinformed use of these items could lead to serious accidents, such as preventable fires and explosions.
Additionally, radioactive materials are sometimes present in mines – potentially creating significant health risks. Using the right PPE and protective clothing is crucial to avoid necessary exposure to unsafe materials.
– Emergency response
No matter how safe your workers are, accidents can happen. This is why it is vitally important that certain employees are trained and aware of their duties in an emergency.
If an incident was to occur on your site, having qualified workers on staff will ensure that would-be rescuers do not put themselves in danger. This is of particular importance when dealing with confined spaces, where a significant number of fatalities are related to emergency response, rather than business-as-usual operations.
If you would like more information about WHS risks in the mining industry, or want to access the relevant training, contact the AlertForce team today.
Understanding asbestos in Australia
Asbestos exposure is a very real threat in Australia, with new discoveries made almost every week. Homeowners, contractors and workers all face serious asbestos-related risks across each state and territory.
Fortunately, minimising the work health and safety hazards posed by asbestos exposure is relatively simple. Any employee undertaking work that may result in them handling or inhaling these dangerous fibres should access an asbestos awareness training program.
Additionally, it is important that any person who is planning to renovate, build, demolish, work on or cut into a structure that may contain asbestos understands the risks they are facing.
To help prepare yourself and your staff against asbestos hazards, here are a few basic facts and information related to this deadly material.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral fibre which has traditionally been used as insulation. Falling into two groups – Serpentine and Amphibole, asbestos comprises of six kinds of fibres. These are:
- Chrysotile (White asbestos)
- Anthophyllite
- Amosite (Brown or grey asbestos)
- Crocidolite (Blue asbestos)
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
Generally, asbestos containing materials in structures and buildings fall into two categories – friable and non-friable. This related to whether the asbestos fibres are bonded to their structure, with friable materials poses serious risks to health and safety due to unbonded and airborne fibres.
What are the risks?
While asbestos was traditionally considered a useful and valuable material, this substance can seriously impact on the health of any person exposed to it.
In particular, airborne asbestos fibres can be easily inhaled and settle into the lungs of a builder or tradesperson. Once breathed into the lungs, asbestos can lead to a person developing serious illnesses and diseases. The most common conditions caused by asbestos are:
- Asbestosis – scarring of lung tissue. This generally causes breathing problems and is irreversible
- Lung cancer – after 20-40 years of incubation, tumours develop in and around the lungs
- Mesothelioma – a deadly cancer of the lining around the lungs and abdomen. This condition is largely incurable and can lie dormant for up to 40 years before developing
- Benign pleural diseases – non-cancerous conditions that affect the lining of the abdomen and lungs
Hundreds of people are diagnosed with these diseases every year in Australia, with the number of mesothelioma cases not expected to peak until 2020. Overall, the global asbestos awareness authority, The Mesothelioma Center, believes that at least 35,000 Australians are expected to die from this disease within the next four decades.
The history of asbestos in Australia
When asbestos was originally discovered, it was heralded as a diverse and useful tool in the construction of homes, structures and tools. This is because asbestos has an excellent durability, is fire resistant and insulates against heat, damp and electricity.
Asbestos was commonly used in Australian homes between the 1940s and 80s. Additionally, extensive asbestos mining operations were in place across various sites, creating a massive industry in certain towns.
However, it wasn’t long before international studies regarding the health risks of asbestos fibres lead to nationwide bans. Each form of asbestos was subject to individual bans until, finally in December 2003, all use of asbestos was completely prohibited in Australia.
Unfortunately, much of the damage was already done. Up to one-third of all homes built in Australia contain asbestos products, with any property constructed prior to 1990 likely to pose some risk to health, according to the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Because of this, asbestos exposure continues to be a serious factor for any homeowner considering renovations, contractor or tradesperson working on older structures and building managers.
Responding to asbestos discoveries
It seems as though not a week can pass without some form of asbestos exposure making the headlines in Australia.
As asbestos discoveries continue to be made, any individual working on building sites and structures need to ensure they can identify and respond to potential asbestos fibres.
Fortunately, Safe Work Australia has published a Code of Practice outlining the recommended responses related to national occupational health and safety standards. In particular, this document addresses the identification of asbestos as the first step in managing risks related to the dangerous fibres.
A person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in Australia has a duty of care to their employees and visitors to their site. Because of this, it is vital that PCBUs understand how to safely control asbestos risk in the workplace.
First, if an employer suspects asbestos may be present, they must engage a competent person (someone trained to handle and test samples) to the material.
Until tests are completed, it is recommended that any suspected asbestos materials are treated as if they are definitely contaminated. This will mitigate the risk of accidental exposure.
Secondly, investing in asbestos awareness training is a recommendation for any employee in trades and building related occupations across Australia. This should ensure that potential asbestos materials are easily identified and avoided to minimise the risk of exposure.
Ensuring all workers can effectively identify asbestos is a key factor in protecting not just themselves, but also the public. In some cases, construction work can cause fibres to become airborne and impact on neighbouring properties. When contamination is possible, a trained employee should respond by halting work and seeking further advice from a competent and qualified worker.
For example, work was recently halted in a discount store in Tasmania after renovation work potentially put workers at risk. The owner of the store had undertaken work by ripping up tiles that potentially contained asbestos.
Despite failing to invest in an inspection prior to commencing work, the renovations were finally stopped and the store closed for testing after employees were present in the store for some hours.
This dangerous potential exposure to asbestos fibres has put not only the renovation contractors at risk, but also the employees and shoppers present in the store while work was being undertaken. If the employer, renovators and staff had access asbestos awareness training prior to the renovations, the identification of asbestos tiles may have been made much earlier – mitigating this unfortunate exposure.
Safe removal of asbestos
If asbestos is discovered in the workplace, the safest option is usually to remove all contaminated materials. However, the act of removing asbestos can pose more serious risks than working around it. This is because disturbing and handling asbestos will usually lead to fibres becoming airborne.
Fortunately, it is not difficult to put safe removalist practices in place, particularly when engaging a third-party business to conduct this work.
In particular, building managers, employers and home owners should employ a competent team or person to undertake removal work. This includes investing in a business that has provided asbestos removal training to its entire staff.
Even homeowners can get into trouble when incorrectly removing asbestos. A Canberra couple were recently convicted for failing to safely and completely remove contaminated materials from their home during major renovations.
While the homeowners had identified and removed some asbestos from the ceiling before undertaking demolition work, two kinds of asbestos were discovered in the rubble once the work had been completed.
This was because the couple had gone ahead with the demolition without investing in a general asbestos assessment. Instead, they told the contractors that all the asbestos had been removed – putting themselves, their children and the workers at risk of exposure.
The couple pleaded guilty to the charge and were each fined $1,650, according to the Canberra Times.
It is easy to see how asbestos training and qualifications can help all Australians avoid asbestos risks, whether they are homeowners, employers or business managers.
For more information on asbestos awareness and removal training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Occupational disease report highlights asbestos concerns
Respiratory diseases caused by exposure to asbestos in the workplace have declined in recent years, according to a recent report from Safe Work Australia.
The fifth edition of the Occupational Disease Indicators study, released on July 8, studied a number of priority work-related conditions, including lung diseases and cancers developed after contact with asbestos products. Trend rates of these diseases, as well as high-risk occupations and preventative policies, were identified in this report.
Overall, five of the eight priority diseases showed a decline in prevalence between 2000 and 2011, with the remaining three categories – occupational cancers, noise-induced hearing loss and mental disorders – all remaining steady.
Worker compensation claims related to respiratory conditions, including those caused by asbestos, fell by 49 per cent during the nominated period. In particular, the rates of Australian employees reporting asbestosis fell from 36 claims per million population, in 2000-01 to just seven in 2010-11.
In the same time, the rate of occupational cancer reported by workers remained relatively steady. However, the incidence of claims due to mesothelioma – caused by inhalation of asbestos fibres – steadily increased from 11 to 33 cases per million Australians between 1983 and 2003, before falling to 28 cases in 2010.
The 20 year growth in mesothelioma claims can possible be contributed to the long-term incubation of the disease, with exposure to asbestos leading to the disease over a potential 20-40 year period.
As respiratory disease and occupational cancer each started to decline in recent years, this may be an indication that modern practices and policies concerning asbestos in the workplace have started to make a difference for employee health and safety.
In particular, the country-wide ban of asbestos products which came into effect in 2003, coupled with extensive removal projects and asbestos awareness training, have ensured that workers in Australia understand the risks of inhalation and exposure.
The history of asbestos in Australia
Asbestos has a long and extensive history in Australian workplaces, particularly due to its use as a flame and water resistant insulation product.
Australia had the highest per capita use of asbestos in the world between the 1950s and 70s, according to Asbestos.com. A vast range of occupations and industries relied on this material, including construction, textiles and mining.
While mesothelioma cases began being reported as early as 1962 in Australia, the use of amosite (brown) asbestos continued into the late 1980s. Furthermore, some products that contained the dangerous fibres were still in use until December 2003.
In addition to the asbestos use across the country, parts of Australia were considered mining hubs for particular forms of the material. This includes crocidolite (blue) asbestos, which was mined extensively in the Western Australia town of Wittenoom from the 1930s until the mine was shut down in 1966.
Despite the fact nation-wide bans began to come in force in the 1970s, residents across Australia are still at risk of asbestos exposure due to remnants of its use in past decades. In particular, houses and buildings built prior to 1990 are likely to contain the deadly fibres in some form.
This fact commonly puts construction workers, renovators, plumbers and other tradespeople at risk of exposure and inhalation. Because of this, asbestos assessment, awareness and removal training has remained vital consideration for employers across a wide range of industries.
Asbestos awareness training
Any person conducting a business or undertaking has a duty of care to ensure their employees are aware of the risks present in the workplace.
If an individual is required to perform work that may result in asbestos exposure, whether manufactured or naturally occurring, asbestos awareness training is highly recommended. Accessing a relevant program ensures that the worker understands their risks and is able to respond safely to asbestos discovery and exposure.
In particular, some individuals may be employed in a capacity which requires them to undertake asbestos removal work. In this circumstance, further training could be mandatory, depending on the size and type of asbestos discovered.
According to Safe Work Australia’s asbestos code of practice, training and supervision is a key consideration when performing asbestos-related work. For instance, all employees who are required to wear personal protective equipment, such as breathing apparatus, must be given offered a course that provides adequate competencies to ensure safe fitting, use, maintenance and storage of the devices.
Furthermore, supervision should be provided when dealing with significant asbestos removal projects. Individuals able to offer this service need to have completed a training program, such as the AlertForce Supervise Asbestos Removal course.
For more information on this, or any other asbestos-related training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up: June 2014
Another month has passed in Australia, bringing more asbestos headlines into local and international spotlights. Understanding the prevalence of asbestos materials around the world is an important step towards addressing this hazard in workplaces across the country.
With asbestos-related news never far from the front page, it is easy to see how many businesses and employees could benefit from asbestos awareness and removal training. By undertaking this competency, individuals can increase their ability to identify and prevent relevant risks to their health and safety in the workplace.
Australia saw many asbestos headlines in the news over the past month. The following are just a few:
Parents reassured school campsite is safe
A recent asbestos discovery at a popular school camping site has caused anxiety and worry among parents in the ACT, but Parks and Conservation Service head Brett McNamara has reassured the public that the contamination is not a danger to health and safety.
The education directorate head of infrastructure, Rodney Bray, joined Mr McNamara at a hearing on June 23, as reported by The Canberra Times. Mr Bray explained that small pieces – “generally the size of your thumbnail ” – of asbestos cement sheeting had been discovered at six sites in Birrigai.
Mr McNamara explained that because the pieces had been discovered on top of the soil, it was possible that they had been washed there in recent rains. Qualified personnel had already picked up all visible material, he explained, and further removal work would not be required.
“I know only too well what horrible stuff this [is] and there’s no way that we’d risk anyone’s health out there,” he said. “I’m confident that […] it’s safe.”
Tests have shown that the material is bonded asbestos cement, which is generally safe if not handled, broken or crushed. Mr Bray believes that extensive removal work, including digging up layers of soil and taking it to a disposal site, would be “prohibitively expensive” and would not be required as long as visible pieces were taken care of.
“Unless a child was to pick it up and rub in their hands and breathe it or ingest it, it’s very low-risk material,” he concluded.
However, parents with children attending camps in the area are encouraged to educate their kids on the risks of handling asbestos materials.
Queensland asbestos scare after school fire
Extensive air monitoring and asbestos removal came into effect at a Queensland school on Sunday June 22 after a fire damaged a building that contained the dangerous material.
Firefighters wearing breathing apparatus were able to bring the fire under control within an hour, containing the incident to a single classroom and verandah.
Air monitoring conducted on Monday morning found the rest of the school was safe to occupy, so classes went ahead as usual. Those scheduled in the damaged building relocated to the school hall, an Education Department spokeswoman told the Brisbane Times.
“Electricity has been reconnected to the school and fencing has been erected around the damaged building,” she said.
The fire at Woodridge North State School is believed to have been deliberately lit, according to The Courier Mail.
Asbestos authority calls for demolition of Mr Fluffy homes
The head of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, Peter Tighe, has called for the government to demolish those houses affected by the Mr Fluffy asbestos contamination in the ACT.
Speaking to ABC News channel 7.30 ACT on June 20, Mr Tighe explained that demolition is the only way to eliminate the potential health risks. He described current asbestos management plans as “band-aid solutions”.
Around 1,000 homes had loose asbestos insulation installed in the late 1960s and 70s. A federal government program launched in 1988 attempted to remove this material from all the properties, but recent tests have revealed many homes still contain the dangerous fibres.
Families currently living in the affected homes are being urged to invest in asbestos assessments, with some discovering their property is no longer safe to occupy. One Canberra mother explained to ABC that they do not have the resources to demolish their home, but as it is no longer a liveable environment it needs to come down.
“This house has to be knocked down, it can’t be lived in,” she said. “There is no remediation for this house, and as best I know, that’s the same as every single house affected by Mr Fluffy.”
The demolition of these homes will take extensive investment, as each property needs to undertake asbestos removal measures conducted by a qualified business or team. In an effort to support families through the demolition and renovation stages, the government has announced a scheme to waive asbestos disposal fees.
Environment Minister Simon Corbell explained that by removing the associated costs of disposal, families could save between $4000 and $10,000 when knocking down and rebuilding their homes.
However, Mr Corbell reminded homeowners that they would still be responsible for demolition and haulage charges, including the engagement of a licensed asbestos assessor or removal workers to undertake the work.
The Fluffy Owners and Residents’ Action Group founder Brianna Heseltine responded positively to this announcement, but believes more needs to be done.
”This is the first announcement of financial assistance for Mr Fluffy home owners since its 18 February letter. Our collective sigh of relief is probably audible all around Canberra,” she told The Canberra Times.
”I am also particularly pleased to see the ACT government allocate funds to facilitate a long-term solution to the Mr Fluffy issue, as opposed to costly medium-term band-aids.”
Incentives to encourage correct asbestos disposal in NSW
The NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has announced a scheme to improve the affordability of asbestos disposal in an effort to reduce illegal dumping.
Officially launched on July 1, the Householders’ Asbestos Disposal Scheme is currently being trialled in 24 councils across NSW with the hope that the program will be extended in the future.
During the trial, residents will able to dispose of small amounts of wrapped bonded asbestos for $102 per tonne, rather than the normal charge of $290 per tonne. This figure comes from a $50 incentive offered to renovators who correctly wrap and dispose of asbestos products, as well as the waiving of the waste levy on bonded asbestos.
“Illegal dumping is costly to clean up and potentially harmful to human health and the environment,” Environment minister Rob Stokes explained.
“This trial will assess how effective a more affordable and accessible asbestos disposal scheme will be in reducing instances of illegally dumped asbestos waste,” he added.
Improving asbestos awareness in your workplace
As these stories demonstrate, asbestos is a prevalent issue across Australia. Fibres and bonded material can be discovered at any time in buildings built or renovated prior to the total ban of asbestos products in 2003.
Because of this, it is important for all employers and building managers to ensure their staff hold the relevant skills and knowledge to easily identify and address asbestos contamination. If you would like more information on asbestos awareness training, contact the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos training mandatory in the ACT
Asbestos awareness training is now mandatory for all employees in the Australian Capital Territory likely to come across this dangerous material during the undertaking of their work.
From September 30 this year, any employee working in the occupations identified by Attorney-General Simon Corbell without the required qualifications will be liable for penalties up to $6,000. Additionally, the employer or company responsible for the worker will also face fines up to $30,000.
This mandatory training announcement is expected to affect around 12,000 workers in at least 64 occupations across the ACT. These requirements apply not only to supervisors but from apprentices and trainees up every level of an onsite organisation.
While construction workers are the main focus of this announcement, individuals from a huge range of occupations are required to take part in training. All employees undertaking work on homes and properties, including plumbers, landscapers, locksmiths and cleaners, are expected to participate in training. Mechanics working with brake lines are also included within the requirements.
The law goes far beyond this list, impacting on anyone an employer has reason to believe will work with asbestos materials. Some circumstances will even extend to people working in the vicinity of asbestos, such as interior designers conducting in-home consultation of pre-1990 homes during renovations.
Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe told the Canberra times that the responsibility would be on the employers to ensure their workers access the required training. However, this onus could leave gaps in various industries.
”The problem area in particular is going to be subcontractors. The big companies pretty much understand it and they’ve done a lot of work in this space, but it will take a while for all the small employers to get their head around it,” he said.
Mr McCabe welcomed the introduction of mandatory training in the ACT as a positive step forward for Australian OHS standards. He believes that other states and territories should be watching and taking notice of the ACT’s lead.
The benefits of mandatory asbestos awareness training
An example of how asbestos awareness training can help improve occupational health and safety (OHS) standards in various industries was recently seen by the Brisbane Magistrates Court. While many people believe only builders and other construction workers can benefit from asbestos qualifications, training may have helped a Queensland painter avoid significant fines.
This painter is facing a potential $50,000 penalty in response to unsafe use of a high-pressure water spray unit on an asbestos roof. The clean-up bill, which could reach $100,000, covers the removal of dangerous asbestos fibres from the customer’s and neighbouring roofs.
Painters and roof cleaners are warned that where there is exposure to risks from asbestos contamination, they must use methods that do not release asbestos fibres into the air. Fortunately, asbestos awareness training can ensure that painters and relevant workers are able to easily identify the surfaces that may contain the material, enabling them to enact proper procedures.
Similarly, in Western Australia, a company was fined last month simply for failing to identify the presence of asbestos in with workplace. WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch explained that local work health and safety (WHS) laws require employers and building managers to record the presence and location of any asbestos on an official register.
“In this case, although the company did make some attempt to address the asbestos issue at its other workplaces, it did not ensure that information about asbestos at its workplaces was passed along to all relevant parties, including any outside contractors who worked at their sites,” Mr McCulloch said in a media release.
“If a building may contain asbestos, everyone having any control has a responsibility to ensure that it is documented – from the employer, main contractor or self-employed person to the building owner or property manager.”
As well as keeping an official register on site, information about the presence of asbestos is also required to be shared with anyone who enters the workplace, to ensure relevant precautions and measures can be put in place.
Training and licences in Australia
Buildings built before 1990 would probably contain asbestos, especially in the eaves, internal and external wall cladding and ceilings, especially in bathrooms and laundries.
The training would ensure workers were confident in identifying asbestos and understood the rules about reporting it, and the risks. Awareness courses on their own, however, would not qualify workers to disturb friable forms of asbestos or materials larger than ten square metres.
To safely undertake the removal of these hazardous materials, Australians in all states and territories are required to hold a Class A or Class B licence. Investing in asbestos removal training ensures that workers are able to conduct this work without risk to themselves and others.
However, understanding the difference between the training is crucial for any worker who may be exposed to asbestos during the undertaking of their employment.
– Asbestos awareness
This competency provides students with the skills and knowledge necessary to accurately identify materials that may contain asbestos. Additionally, training in this area ensures workers understand the risks of exposure and how to act if asbestos is suspected in the workplace.
Training does not qualify workers to remove or disturb asbestos in any way. However, non-friable materials ten square metres or less do not require a removal licence. It is still important that employers supervise any removal work being undertaken, to ensure duties are being carried out in accordance with the WHS regulation 2011.
– Class A asbestos removal
If materials that potentially contain asbestos are in a powder form, or can be crumbled by hand, workers require a Class A licence before undertaking removal work. Additionally, employees who hold this qualification can perform work on any non-friable asbestos greater than ten square metres.
– Class B asbestos removal
Workers undertaking employment with a Class B asbestos removal qualification are able to remove large quantities of non-friable asbestos. This includes the clean-up of any dust or debris associated with the removal but does not cover friable or un-bonded asbestos materials.
– Supervise asbestos removal
Class A asbestos removal work must be directly supervised by a person who hold the supervise asbestos removal and remove friable asbestos training qualifications. This individual must be present at the removal site whenever Class A work is being performed.
If Class B asbestos removal work is being undertaken by more than one employee, a supervisor must be readily available at all times. This could mean the supervisor is onsite or at least contactable by phone and able to arrive at the workplace within 20 minutes, according to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
A Class B supervisor must also hold relevant experience in asbestos removal, as well as a Class A or Class B removal qualification.
This competency is recommended not only for supervisors, but also for any contractors working within the telecommunications industry. Supervise asbestos removal training is often a mandatory course for those working on a Telstra site.
For more information on asbestos awareness and removal training, contact the team at AlertForce. Our nationally recognised removal programs can help increase the safety of your staff, while our online awareness offering ensures employees receive the skills and knowledge they know sooner rather than later.
Third wave victims highlight need for asbestos training
Asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma and asbestosis, are affecting an increasing number of younger Australians, according to a recent report from the Sydney Morning Herald.
A new wave of victims have come forward, demonstrating asbestos-related illnesses are no longer “old man’s diseases”. The stories told by this group promote not just protection against direct exposure, but also policies to minimise effects on family members and reduce environmental exposures.
Associate Professor Rick van der Zwan, from Southern Cross University, told the Sydney Morning Herald that, despite laws banning the use of asbestos in Australia, the rate of diagnosis of asbestos-related diseases was still growing. In particular, young women who were exposed to their father’s work-clothes have emerged as a large proportion of asbestos disease victims.
“Younger women represent an increasing percentage of all diagnoses,” Professor van der Zwan said in a June 20 article. “These changes in rates and profile can be attributed to non-workplace exposure.”
Due to the long incubation time of mesothelioma and other related diseases, many of these young women are now being diagnosed with conditions contracted when they were children. Individuals who were exposed to asbestos in the home during the 1970s are just starting the develop symptoms and require extensive medical treatment.
“The impact of an asbestos-related diagnosis on the lives of younger men and women exposed during home renovations and repairs, are part of the “third wave” of exposure to asbestos,” Professor van der Zwan explained.
These third-wave victims should be taken as an indicator of the importance of asbestos removal and awareness training. Not only can competencies in this field protect employees from direct exposure, but can also ensure workers do not unintentionally carry fibres home to their families.
Asbestos in Australia
Australia has one of the highest rates of mesothelioma deaths in the world. With more than 10,000 locals succumbing to the disease over the past three decades, global support network, The Mesothelioma Center, forecasts an additional 25,000 people will die from this disease within the next 40 years.
Additionally, experts agree that asbestos-related deaths in Australia have not yet reached their peak, with the death-toll expected to continue to increase between now and 2021.
This growing rate of asbestos-related disease in Australia is influenced by the country’s extensive history with the dangerous material. Between 1950 and 1970, Australia had one of the highest rates of per-capita uses of asbestos in the world.
Although staggered bans of different forms of asbestos have resulting in a nation-wide exclusion of the material, continued use of the product means many households and businesses still contain asbestos. This means many individuals are facing significant risk of exposure every day.
Furthermore, without adequate awareness and knowledge of the dangers related to asbestos, many people have been directly and indirectly exposed to this product. For example, in the past, workers would not wear personal protective clothing over their work gear, which meant fibres were carried home at the end of the work day. This resulted in many spouses and children being indirectly exposed to asbestos.
Asbestos best practice in the workplace
To help minimise the effect of asbestos in Australian households and businesses, Safe Work Australia has created a model framework for the management of asbestos material in the workplace.
In addition to accessing training in awareness and removal, Safe Work Australia recommends employers invest in education and management policies such as:
- Increasing awareness of naturally occurring asbestos
- Promoting identification of products and materials that may contain the fibres
- Employing certified asbestos removal teams to rid workplace of all materials
- Licensing and meeting competency requirements of asbestos removalists and assessors.
Following these regulations should help all Australian employers and workers avoid preventable asbestos exposure in the workplace. This, in turn, should result in a future decline in the number of third-party asbestos victims diagnosed with potentially fatal diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis.
Protecting yourself and your family
In addition to the many best practice policies aimed at minimising exposure in the workplace, a number of measures should be integrated into procedures to help protect against in-direct exposure.
Perhaps most significant is the use of personal protective clothing – such as asbestos-grade coveralls – when undertaking asbestos removal. When practical to do so, disposable clothing should be worn, so laundering is avoided. Additionally, boot-covers, P2 masks and gloves should also be made available.
This is important because when asbestos fibres become airborne, they can settle on a worker’s clothing and be carried home at the end of the work day. Then, when the clothing is removed for laundering, these fibres become airborne again, distributing themselves into the household and putting the worker’s family at risk.
Disposable coveralls, graded to type 5 and category 3, should be worn whenever in contact with asbestos fibres. Once work is completed, the coveralls should only be removed once all cleaning has been finished. When removed, the coveralls need to be sealed within two plastics bags – at least 200 microns thick – and disposed of at a registered asbestos site.
If it not reasonable practical for you to wear disposable coveralls during asbestos-related work, laundering your work clothes should never be conducting in your home laundry or equivalent.
In Australia, it is important to ensure any clothing that may contain asbestos fibres is removed while damp, sealed in impermeable bags and delivered to a laundering facility that is equipped to handle asbestos. Workers delivering clothing must inform the facility of the risk of asbestos to ensure unintentional exposure does not occur.
This can include the clothing worn under graded coveralls, as any unknown wear or tears in this gear can result in asbestos fibres being present on clothing.
If you would like more information on protecting your family from asbestos exposure, get in touch with AlertForce to access comprehensive asbestos awareness and removal training.
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up: May 2014
Asbestos discoveries and health issues are never far from Australian headlines. With one of the highest rates of asbestos-related illnesses in the world, ensuring your employees are trained in asbestos awareness and removal is a vital occupational health and safety (OHS) requirement for construction businesses Down Under.
From medical research into the health effects of exposure, to local discoveries and potential removal schemes, here are just a few of the asbestos headlines found in Australia last month.
Perth company fined for asbestos failure
The Western Australian branch of a national company has been fined $5,500 for failing to identify and report the location of asbestos at one its sites. After asbestos was discovered during a WorkSafe inspection conducted in 2010, the company did not fulfil its duty to create an asbestos register, in compliance with local work safety laws.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Lex McCulloch explained that this fine was a reminder to all businesses to ensure asbestos is correctly identified and employees understand how to respond to this potentially deadly material.
“Unfortunately there is still a lot of asbestos in WA, and our workplace safety and health laws require that the presence and location of asbestos in workplaces is identified for everyone’s safety,” he said.
“Although the company did make some attempt to address the asbestos issue at its other workplaces, it did not ensure that information about asbestos at its workplaces was passed along to all relevant parties, including any outside contractors who worked at their sites.”
If a building does contain asbestos, it is the responsibility of every party that holds any control or influence on the site to ensure contamination is well documented. This includes the employer, main contractor, property manager or building owner.
“Information about the presence and location of asbestos also needs to be made available to anyone who enters that workplace so the relevant precautions can be taken,” Mr McCulloch continued.
“Asbestos products do not pose a risk to health if they are left undisturbed in buildings, however there is a serious risk of exposure to asbestos fibres if asbestos-containing materials are disturbed, unless basic safety precautions are followed.”
Key union urges government to reject the CoA’s recommendation
The Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union of Australia (CEPU) has spoken out in response to the Commission of Audit’s (CoA’s) recommendation to axe the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Calling for the government to reject the COA’s advice, the CEPU released a statement last month explaining the potential risks of losing this vital agency. A recent example of the benefits of this organisation is the recent rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN). This put tradespeople at risk of exposure and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency was able to keep the damage to a minimum.
“Only last year, all work was temporarily stopped in pits and pipelines for the NBN when contractors disturbed asbestos while laying cable in western Sydney,” CEPU New South Wales Assistant Secretary Shane Murphy said.
“This illustrates the ticking time bomb of asbestos out in the community, the continued danger it poses and the very real need for the safety agency.”
The independent asbestos body is responsible for ensuring national action plans are in place and being followed. This has resulted in important asbestos safety and eradication practices, including the management of Australia’s first National Asbestos Exposure Register.
In an attempt to convince the government to continue funding the agency, the CEPU has joined forces with asbestos support groups, lawyers, community leaders and other unions.
“Asbestos is a killer and national, preventative action is vital. You gamble with the health and wellbeing of tens of thousands of Australians if you cut safety budgets and play politics with asbestos,” Mr Murphy concluded.
Study: Asbestos toxicity does not decline with time
A recent study released by leading international body Asbestos.com has revealed the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease – such as mesothelioma – does not diminish regardless of the time that has passed since exposure.
The study, named “Mesothelioma Risk After 40 Years Since First Exposure to Asbestos: A Pooled Analysis” – reviewed the exposure and health of more than 22,000 people, including direct and in-directly exposed individuals. Of those participants, more than 860 had developed mesothelioma.
Lead study author – Associate Professor at the School of Public Health, Curtin University in Western Australia, Alison Reid – explained the toxicity of asbestos within the body never expires.
“We have always known that the risk of mesothelioma increases the longer it is since you were first exposed,” Ms Reid told Asbestos.com. “What the study has shown is that even after 45 years, there still is risk for developing the disease.”
This study shows that no one lives long enough to survive the toxicity and risk of asbestos exposure, meaning those exposed to asbestos effectively have an “indefinite risk” of developing mesothelioma.
It has long been known that the latency period of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases is typically between 20 to 40 years. The purpose of this study was to determine if the risk of these conditions began to decline after this time.
“The answer was a resounding no,” the report concluded.
This research shows that no amount of asbestos exposure can be considered safe, which supports the vital importance of investing in asbestos awareness and response training to ensure your employees are protected.
If your are interested in improving the occupational health and safety of your staff, contact the team at AlertForce for information on an asbestos awareness and removal course.
Electricians at risk of asbestos exposure
There are many occupations that are at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres during the duty of employment. One role with a significant chance of discovering asbestos is electricians in Australia.
In addition to the risks already faced by those working in this type of employment, such as electrocution and confined spaces, electricians often work on homes, buildings and switchboard panels or meter boards that may contain loose asbestos fibres.
Because of this significant risk of exposure, the National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) has recently spoken out against the government’s decision to withhold a list of contaminated homes in the ACT.
The government chose not to release the information to the public due to the impact the knowledge could have on property prices. While this decision helps protect the homeowners’ investments, the NECA believes that without the details, tradespeople across the territory are at risk of working on a home without the proper precautions in place.
NECA ACT Executive Director Oliver Judd explained that the decision to withhold this information “flew in the face of common sense” and demonstrated a lack of respect for residents and tradespeople in Australia.
“Electrical contractors are regularly called upon to enter ceiling spaces, under floor areas or access cavity walls where this danger exists. For an employer to send their employees into a work situation where safety cannot be guaranteed is an intolerable position,” the May 21 statement read.
Those working in the electrical industry already face a significant level of risk during the undertaking of their occupation. With the added threat of asbestos exposure, employers in this field need to ensure their workers have access to all the necessary training and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed to minimise hazards and risks.
In particular, electricians who often work in homes or on meter boards constructed before 2004 should consider investing in asbestos awareness training to make sure they are able to correctly identify and respond to asbestos contamination.
Identifying asbestos risks
The simplest way to avoid potentially deadly asbestos exposure is to avoid working on any buildings, structures or switchboards that may contain the material.
Overall, there is a significant risk of asbestos fibres being present on any board or building that was built before 2004. In particular, meter boards installed before 1990 are very likely to contain asbestos fibres, according to Workplace Health and Safety Queensland.
Non-friable asbestos was commonly used as electrical insulation on meter boards and other relevant panels. The components themselves also contained asbestos materials, as well as many meter boxes being lined with asbestos-cement sheeting – also known as fibro.
When electricians work on these meters and boards, any disturbance of the material could cause fibres to become airborne. This includes when drilling, cutting and sanding panels, or even simply removing components. Once the asbestos becomes airborne, there is a significant risk of inhalation which may lead to serious lung diseases, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis.
It is generally impossible to tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it. It is therefore recommended to invest in official asbestos testing and treat the site as contaminated until results prove otherwise.
If this is not practical or appropriate, electricians are urged to assume asbestos is present. This means that asbestos-related PPE should be worn at all times when working on switchboards or homes built prior to 2004, unless thorough testing confirms asbestos fibres are absent.
Often, commercial buildings that contain bonded asbestos will have a register of this information available for any tradespeople to review before beginning work on the site. Electricians are encouraged to speak with building owners or request the details from the relevant property body.
Responding to asbestos exposure
When asbestos is potentially present in a work site, there are a number of steps electricians should take to avoid inhalation of fibres. This includes undergoing asbestos awareness training and ensuring all persons in the area are aware of the asbestos risk.
The site should then be prepared for work by covering all furniture, floors and other items with two layers of PVC plastic sheeting, secured with duct tape. All vent systems and air conditioning should be shut down and sealed with the same cover – at least 200 micrometres thick.
In addition to protecting the site from exposure, individuals working in the area are required to wear official PPE, including approved respirators, eye wear and disposable coveralls, gloves and boots. It is the responsibility of the employer to provide this equipment to all workers on the site. Self-employed electricians or contractors must protect themselves by purchasing their own PPE, most of which can be found at local work safe stores.
Once work is underway, electricians can take a number of precautions to avoid particles becoming airborne. This could include using a wet substance, such as shaving foam, to dampen non-friable asbestos before drilling.
After the task has been completed, the clean up of the site is equally as important as the preparation. This involves correctly disposing of the coveralls, gloves and materials used.
A wet-wipe cleaning method should help discourage any disturbed fibres from becoming airborne, however this is not guaranteed so PPE should be worn during the clean up process. Even when removing the coveralls and PPE, the respirator should be the last item taken off, before sealing the equipment and waste in two plastic bags, at least 200 micrometres thick.
After ensuring the worksite is free of dust and debris, the sealed bags should be disposed of in accordance with local legislation and requirements.
If you’re working as an electrician in Australia and would like to learn more about asbestos safety, contact the AlertForce team about our asbestos awareness training today.
Lower asbestos exposure may not lower risk
The risk of exposure to airborne asbestos particles is a well-known hazard, particularly among Australians working in construction, mining and other high-risk industries.
However, the belief that minimal exposure means a lower risk of developing mesothelioma, an incurable lung disease caused by asbestos fibres, has been subject to scrutiny in a recent study by researchers in Amsterdam.
How much exposure causes mesothelioma?
By investigating the health outcomes of more than 58,000 Dutch construction workers, the study – “Is one single exposure to asbestos life-threatening?” – found that although the risk of lung cancer, laryngeal cancer, and mesothelioma does indeed increase through continued exposure, even low exposure can lead to an individual developing certain conditions.
In particular, some individuals were more at risk than others. For example, those who smoke cigarettes were much more likely to develop an asbestos-related disease, regardless of their level of exposure.
“The risk of development of lung cancer was higher for anyone with increased years of exposure to asbestos fibre combined with a smoking habit,” the study authors, Dr Paul Baas and Dr JA Burgers explained in the report.
Through 17 years of monitoring and surveys, the study revealed that out of the 58,000 construction workers, 132 developed mesothelioma, 2,324 reported lung cancer and 166 were diagnosed with laryngeal cancer. While mesothelioma was the rarest condition reported, it is also considered the most deadly, due to its fast progression and resistance to standard treatments.
Of the three types of asbestos-related cancer studied, only two subtypes – lung adenocarcinoma (a form of non-small cell lung cancer) and glottis cancer (a subtype of laryngeal cancer affecting the vocal chords) – revealed any correlation between high levels of exposure and increased rates of diagnosis.
For mesothelioma and other categories of lung cancer, even lower levels of asbestos exposure were enough to trigger the disease. In fact, the researchers believe that even a single moment of exposure can be enough to potentially cause mesothelioma.
“Asbestos levels encountered at the lower end of the exposure distribution may be associated with an increased risk of pleural mesothelioma, lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer,” the researchers conclude.
This report shows that while the risk of developing a lung condition does increase with the level of exposure, even a single moment of vulnerability can be hazardous, particularly to those who smoke. This result confirms the importance of ensuring all employees at risk of asbestos exposure are adequately trained in asbestos awareness and response.
“Although the risk gets higher with longer exposure, this article is a reminder that even a small amount of asbestos can be dangerous, especially if you are a smoker,” Alex Strauss, Managing Editor of Surviving Mesothelioma, explained.
“This is why the EPA recommends that homeowners never try to handle or remove asbestos themselves. The risk for mesothelioma is just too high.”
Mitigating the risk of asbestos exposure
If your business operates in an industry with any risk of asbestos exposure, including construction, decorating, landscaping or mining, it is crucial that you and your employees understand how to recognise and respond to an asbestos contamination.
Identifying asbestos can be a challenging task, as the fibres can often be bonded into building materials and other structures. Fortunately, there are some simple tips to help your staff accurately recognise their asbestos risk.
- The age of the building and materials – Asbestos was a widely used resource in construction through to the late 1980s, with a nation-wide ban not occurring until December 2003. If the building or equipment being used was built or manufactured before this time, there is a risk that asbestos will be present.
- The type of material – If the building you are working in contains cement sheets installed prior to 1990, it is likely to hold asbestos fibres.
- The room’s exposure to water and damp – Asbestos is commonly found in areas that may have required waterproofing, such as bathrooms and laundries. Additionally, pipes that carry water or sewerage may also contain these deadly fibres.
If you or your employees are unsure about the presence of asbestos in the workplace, Safe Work Australia recommends that you assume asbestos is present and act accordingly.
This includes calling in a team or individual who has is trained and qualified in asbestos removal to analyse and test the potential contamination. Once asbestos has been confirmed, material must be correctly removed and disposed of.
While some forms of asbestos may present a lower risk of airborne fibres, all contamination should be treated as a potential health hazard, as even bonded fibres may become loose during certain work or weather events.
Before the asbestos can be removed, it should be signposted and avoided if possible. By restricting access to the area where asbestos is present, you can effectively reduce the risk of an employee unwittingly becoming exposed.
Once a removal plan is in place, the property owner has an obligation to inform all neighbouring building occupants of the asbestos risk. This enables them to close their windows, remain indoors and turn off any air intake devices to minimise the chances of airborne fibres finding their way inside.
Those undertaking the asbestos removal must follow all rules and regulations regarding this process, including wearing single-use personal protective equipment and correctly disposing of all clothing, materials and single-use tools along with the asbestos.
If you are interested in improving the safety of your staff by offering them asbestos awareness training, you should get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up: April 2014
Despite it now being more than ten years since the complete ban of asbestos products in Australia, this dangerous substance continues to make headlines across the country and around the world.
With new discoveries being made every week, asbestos awareness training remains a vital investment for many Australian businesses to help improve safety and mitigate the risks of asbestos discoveries in the workplace.
Australia has seen many asbestos-related news stories over the past month, the following are just a few:
Consumers warned against burning railway sleepers
As the winter months approach and temperatures begin to drop, consumers across Australia are being warned against buying disused railway sleepers for firewood.
In addition to the risk of herbicides, oils and grease being released as toxic gas when burned, the Firewood Association of Australia General Manager Alan McGreevy reveals there is a risk sleepers may contain fine asbestos particles – transferred from the brake linings of trains.
“[Prior to 1985] train brakes were made of asbestos and there is a potential that fibres from those brake linings could get trapped in cracks in the surface of sleepers,” Mr McGreevy told ABC Australia on April 16.
When buying firewood, individuals can easily avoid railway sleepers by using these simple tips to help identify the wood: “They’re reasonably easy to spot [because] they’re square cut for a start, they’re generally black on the outside due to the contaminants, and they smell a bit,” explained Mr McGreevy.
Western Australia fights to improve asbestos victim laws
Members of parliament in Western Australia have acknowledged the state stands behind the rest of Australia in terms of protection for asbestos victims, yet a private members bill is struggling to survive, according to an April 14 article from WA Today.
The Asbestos Diseases Compensation Bill 2013 will award locals diagnosed with additional asbestos-related diseases the ability to seek further compensation, above what they may have already been given.
As the law currently stands, those who have already received damages for asbestosis cannot then claim further financial support for other conditions, such as mesothelioma.
“What this bill would seek to do is allow at a later stage they can actually go back and seek additional compensation,” the bill’s author, Upper House member Kate Doust, explained.
This would bring Western Australia’s legislation back in line with most other states and territories. However, Ms Doust fears the government will not support the bill, following a negative response from WA Attorney General Michael Mischin in February this year.
“While I acknowledge Hon. Kate Doust’s efforts in introducing the bill, it regrettably, cannot be supported by government as the drafting is unsatisfactory in a variety of respects,” Mr Mischin said.
Ms Doust is concerned with the government’s response, particularly as the bill should not create any additional costs for the government.
“At the end of the day, WA people deserve a better outcome and legislation that provides better compensation and support,” she expressed. “Why would WA be left behind the rest of the country?”
Asbestos scare as truck loses its load
Residents of Sydney’s west were treated to an overnight asbestos scare on April 13 when a truck accidentally dumped two tonnes of building material in the middle of a street.
Firefighters were called in to wet down the waste to stop asbestos fibres becoming airborne, before officers wearing protective gear covered the mess with black plastic.
ABC Australia reported on the incident on April 14, explaining that official asbestos removal teams would then clear the mess the morning after the accident.
Surveillance may be required to deter illegal asbestos dumping
Residents and local members of parliament in Cessnock, New South Wales have called for closed-circuit cameras to be installed in dumping hot spots.
Multiple piles of deadly asbestos-filled materials have been found along a fire trail in the region, with sheets of rotting corrugated asbestos left exposed to the air and elements – posing a serious risk to any individuals in the area.
“This is a huge problem in the Lower Hunter; we urgently need an effective response to illegal dumping,” Councillor James Ryan told The Newcastle Herald on April 22.
The Environment Protection Authority’s (EPA) director of waste and resource recovery, Steve Beaman, explained that an independent inquiry was underway to discover the origins of the dumped material.
“It is absolutely disgusting that members of the public dump hazardous materials where it can put community members and the environment at serious risk of harm,” he said.
“I can’t stress how important it is for members of the public to notify the EPA as soon as they possibly can when they become aware of illegally dumped material, especially when it is hazardous.”
Individuals and businesses that discover asbestos are urged to only use official channels to correctly dispose of the material. In particular, it is vital to contact a company or authority that has undertaken extensive and comprehensive asbestos removal training.
Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal undergoes asbestos removal
On April 23, Queensland Sugar Limited (QSL) announced plans to enact a $10 million refurbishment project in order to replace asbestos-contaminated roofs at the Lucinda Bulk Sugar Terminal.
Due to begin this week, the six-month project is not expected to impact on the health and safety of nearby residents or employees as the asbestos is bonded to the roofing sheets.
“It’s not fibrous, it’s not airborne, so we have the roofs removed by a specialist asbestos contractor, and the material is disposed of in special council-owned asbestos dumps,” QSL operations general manager Damian Ziebarth explained to ABC Australia on April 23.
This project comes as part of a 10-year $80 million program to replace the roofs of all six bulk sugar terminals owned and managed by QSL across the state.
If you want to improve asbestos awareness and safety in your workplace, speak to the team at AlertForce today.
Government warns of asbestos danger in wake of Cyclone Ita
Queensland residents and businesses are still dealing with the aftermath of Tropical Cyclone Ita, the category three storm that caused havoc across some areas of the state earlier this month.
Despite being downgraded from category five to a category three as it made its way across Australia, the cyclone still caused flooding, heavy rains and shortages of water and electricity in the most affected regions.
As the clean up and recovery process continues to take place, the state’s attorney-general Jarrod Bleijie has issued a warning to residents to be aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure as they operate in flood-affected buildings.
“Cleaning up and rebuilding quickly is important when it’s your home and business but you shouldn’t put your life at risk in doing so,” Mr Bleijie said in a statement released April 14.
“Houses and other buildings built before 1990 may contain asbestos materials, and residents are urged to be careful when cleaning up.”
Whether or not your workplace has been affected by a weather event, asbestos removal can still pose a danger to employees if handled improperly.
What are the risks to health?
While asbestos can lead to serious risks for human health and safety, living or working in a building that contains asbestos will not automatically expose people to these. As long as the asbestos is undamaged, the likelihood of developing diseases and conditions related to the hazardous material is low, although asbestos awareness is still important to manage the risks involved.
Asbestos becomes most damaging to health when the fibres are made airborne, which means they have the potential to be inhaled into the lungs. While coughing and other natural reactions can eliminate some or most of these fibres from the body, those that remain can lead to serious problems.
As such, the people who are typically most at risk of asbestos exposure are those who carry out repairs, renovations, demolitions and other activities that could release contained asbestos fibres into the air.
The more fibres inhaled and the more someone exposes himself or herself to the material, the more severe the potential consequences. The issue is even more complicated by the fact that many asbestos-related diseases develop over a period of years, so the effects of an initial bout of exposure may only be discovered later on. In some cases, the gap between exposure and diagnosis can take up to 50 years.
Inhaling the asbestos fibres can lead to several serious diseases. One of these is asbestosis, which is a chronic lung disease that can result in respiratory impairment and interstitial fibrosis, the term for scar tissue that appears between alveoli in the lungs.
Asbestos can also cause mesothelioma, a cancer of the outer lung lining, or lung cancer.
How can asbestos be removed safely?
If you want to equip your workers with the knowledge and skills they need to be safe around asbestos, specialised asbestos removal courses and awareness training can provide the ideal solution.
There are several ways an asbestos risk can be managed and contained in the workplace. For example, you can implement a new work, health and safety policy to ensure everyone is informed and up to date about the procedures surrounding the affected area or areas. You could also create new working practices to ensure only staff with the necessary training have the authority to operate at the affected site.
When it comes to asbestos removal, you have several strategies at your disposal. Providing the appropriate personal protective equipment is essential so any removalists or staff members in the area have as much physical protection between them and the material as possible.
It’s also crucial to keep any asbestos materials wet during the removal process, as this lessens the risk of stray fibres drifting off and becoming airborne. You should always take care not to break up the material, particularly in situations where sawing and drilling may be involved.
One thing to avoid is the use of any high-pressured hoses or gurneys when cleaning asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos waste should also never be put into the general waste system at the premises, as it can only be disposed of properly at a official site licensed by the Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
For more information on how asbestos can be safely removed, talk to the AlertForce team today.
4 tips for creating an effective asbestos management and removal strategy
Despite asbestos being officially banned in Australia from 1989, employers and business owners still need to take care that their workplaces aren’t harbouring any hidden stores of the hazardous fibres. These silicate minerals are extremely toxic and tend to be very resistant to the natural cleaning process that occurs in human lungs, which is why safe asbestos assessment and asbestos removal are crucial.
Anyone who inhales these miniscule asbestos fragments is at risk of a variety of related diseases and conditions, from pleural disease and asbestosis to lung cancer and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is one of the most dangerous ailments that can arise from asbestos contamination or inhalation, as the first symptoms of the condition may not surface until up to 20-40 years after the initial episode of exposure.
According to the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), it is estimated that there have been at least 4,700 deaths from mesothelioma since the 1980s and over 25,000 Australians will die from the condition over the next 40 years. Australia and the United Kingdom have the highest rates of asbestos-related death in the world.
Unfortunately, asbestos was one of the most commonly used construction materials in the period between 1945 and 1980s. Most public buildings and around one third of private buildings constructed during this time are thought to contain asbestos in concrete, cement sheeting, vinyl floor coverings and more.
Due to the widespread use of asbestos in the construction industry in the past, when it was preferred for its strength, flexibility, durability and insulating properties, the risks of exposure can also affect a wide variety of people. In addition to this, asbestos-containing materials within buildings can weather and age as time passes, heightening the risk of the release of asbestos fragments even years after construction.
As a person conducting a business or undertaking (PCBU) in Australia, you have some vital responsibilities concerning the safety of your workers and any premises they operate in. First and foremost, you are obliged under work health and safety regulations to control the risk of exposure as much as you can. This means eliminating or minimising the possibility that anyone will be at risk of airborne asbestos in the workplace.
If any workers do carry out the identification and removal of asbestos in the workplace, a PCBU is responsible for ensuring they have the necessary asbestos awareness training completed as well as access to regular health monitoring to support their wellbeing.
If asbestos or asbestos-containing materials have been identified in the workplace, there are several tips that are helpful for creating an effective asbestos risk management and removal strategy. You can always ask the relevant asbestos authority or training course provider for more detailed information, but here are some basic essentials to think about when it comes to protecting your own workforce.
1. Identifying asbestos
Asbestos awareness and identification are the first steps to any risk management strategy. The danger of exposure to asbestos is not allowed to exceed the standard set for the workplace, so it’s important to be able to safely identify asbestos and asbestos-containing materials.
If asbestos has been detected at the workplace, the location of the substance must be clearly indicated and recorded in a register, and it should be accompanied by a written asbestos management plan. This register needs to be up to date at all times and easily available.
In Queensland, the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 stipulates that an asbestos management plan is required if naturally occurring asbestos has been identified or is likely to be present in a workplace. These regulations took effect from January 1 this year.
Asbestos in the workplace needs to be identified officially by a person who is competent in doing so. This covers occupational hygienists who have had previous experience with it, licensed asbestos assessors, asbestos removal supervisors, people who have a statement of attainment in the VET course for asbestos assessment and representatives from organisations accredited by the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA).
2. Creating an asbestos register
All employers are required to maintain an asbestos register if any contaminated products have been found in their workplace. This rule has been in effect since 1996.
The register lists all identified or assumed asbestos that is present or likely to be present in a workplace. When recording asbestos, you need to note the date it was identified and the location, type and condition of the substance found.
These are the compulsory details, but you can also choose to record information about inaccessible areas of the workplace, any analysis of other materials confirmed not to be asbestos, or attach photographs or maps that clearly show the affected area.
According to relevant legislation, the register needs to be held at all workplaces where the asbestos is present and it needs to be updated at least every 12 months or more frequently if necessary.
However, in certain cases an asbestos register is not compulsory. This applies to workplaces in buildings that were constructed after December 31, 2003 or if no asbestos has been identified. It also applies if the likelihood of asbestos appearing in the workplace is impossible.
3. Implementing control measures
Once asbestos has been identified, it is vital to undertake the necessary control measures to eliminate or minimise the exposure risk and keep workers safe and healthy. You will need to implement the appropriate safe work procedures and detail the necessary information about what to do in the case of an asbestos-related accident, incident or emergency.
If asbestos removal is required, the professional must first have a copy of the workplace’s asbestos register before carrying out any work.
There are several ways you can control asbestos risk in the workplace. You could eliminate the danger entirely by getting a licensed professional (or a staff member who has undergone asbestos removal courses training) to take it out from the premises.
You can also manage the risk by sealing the affected area or enclosing it with certain materials that will isolate the site. Work safe practices can also help, such as making the area off-limits to your workforce. Providing staff and others who have access to the area with personal protective equipment is also useful for minimising the risk.
4. Make a practice of consulting workers
Consulting your workforce during the process of creating a risk management strategy has many benefits. It’s also a legal requirement of PCBUs under the Work Health and Safety Act. That legislation specifies workers who are likely to be directly affected by the matter should be consulted as much as is reasonably practical.
Involving your staff members in the process of creating risk management strategies for asbestos can help to ensure they know what to do. If your workforce has a single health and safety representative, consultation should take place with him or her as well.
If you open up the process of asbestos risk management and seek feedback from workers who could be affected, this helps to establish a clear channel of communication between you and your workforce. Encouraging input from your workforce may lead to more effective and well-received control measures in the future.
For more information about asbestos assessment training in Australia and what you can do to manage the risk, contact the team at AlertForce today.
Queensland to launch comprehensive new asbestos management strategy
Safe asbestos assessment and removal is a top priority for many around Australia, but homes and businesses in Queensland will soon benefit from an all new asbestos management strategy that promises to be more comprehensive and rigorous than ever.
Called the ‘Statewide Strategic Plan for the Safe Management of Asbestos in Queensland’, the strategy was officially revealed earlier this month by Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Jarrod Bleijie. He states the move will help to achieve safer workplaces, homes and communities across the state.
“Right now, the handling of asbestos complaints and issues is administered by four different State Government departments, 73 local councils and numerous other government agencies,” Mr Bleijie said in an April 3 statement.
“Our new strategy will cut through the confusion and bureaucracy by creating a clear set of responsibilities.”
This involves workplace incidents being under state government jurisdiction while problems in private residences will be handled by the relevant local council.
“A simple agreement over who does what clears the way for faster, more effective responses and that’s just one piece of our overhaul,” Mr Bleijie said.
The strategy hinges on a whole-of-government approach to tackling the issue, which means that local government, industry, workers, organisations and the community at large will all need to work together effectively to make Queensland a safer place.
There are three direct areas of focus outlined in the strategy. The first aims to put in place policies that will minimise the risk of asbestos exposure, while the second looks to provide “seamless and integrated” government service delivery in terms of asbestos removal and management.
Last but not least, the third area of focus centres on raising awareness in the community and improving education about the risks of asbestos and how they can be avoided. As with any hazard in the workplace or community, being up to date and informed about the issue as a whole can go a long way towards reducing the inherent dangers. That’s why asbestos awareness courses are vital in ensuring safety.
The strategy is the Queensland government’s latest step towards reaching more people about the dangers of asbestos. Along with the Statewide Strategic Plan, the government has also developed a range of educational materials, tools, short films and more.
A significant part of their efforts is the film ‘Losing Breath: The Adam Sager story’, which details the real experiences of one Queensland family. The film focuses on Adam Sager, an Australian who died from mesothelioma at the age of 25 after having been unknowingly exposed to asbestos at 18 months. The condition is an aggressive type of cancer that affects the membrane lining of the lungs and abdomen, and it is the most serious type of disease related to asbestos.
Now his family have partnered with the Queensland government in a push to educate more people about the risks of exposure, in the hopes that it will inspire others to be more vigilant about their efforts to protect themselves and those around them.
The history of asbestos use in Queensland
The use of asbestos as a building material has been documented all over Australia, especially in the period between the 1940s and late 1980s. The substance was both mined and manufactured and it was used in a variety of residential, building and commercial products.
After 1990, however, the likelihood of any building materials containing asbestos is significantly lower as it was around this time the dangers became more well known. It was officially banned from use across the country from December 31, 2003.
In the past, Queensland construction projects and companies made widespread use of the material. It was thought to be advantageous for its low cost and sustainability in the face of the area’s climate, so it was used in everything from vinyl flooring, cement sheeting, cement pipes and gutters, gaskets and fire door insulation.
People are at risk of exposure to asbestos fibres when materials containing the substance are disturbed or moved. Unfortunately, this can happen through a range of regular maintenance or renovation activities such as drilling or surface preparation. It’s essential to know how to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure and if necessary, how to identify and remove the materials safely.
Removing asbestos containing materials should only be carried out if the site is likely to be damaged during renovations or is in poor condition. It should only be removed by people who have had the appropriate training and know how to operate the necessary equipment.
To find out how you can get the necessary training to assess and remove asbestos in the workplace, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up: March 2014
Issues with asbestos continued to make the headlines in various regions across Australia last month. From an advance warning to Easter renovators to a scare at several Queensland drilling sites, asbestos news and management strategies continued to be an important issue for several parts of the country during March.
Asbestos removal and awareness training remains a top priority for many in Australia, but problems with the once-popular building material continue to persist. Here are just a few of the stories that happened last month.
Water damage threatens ACT shops
Two businesses in the Ainslie Shops area of the Australian Capital Territory have been issued Prohibition Notices, after water damage to the building they were housed in led to an asbestos scare.
The ceiling above the two businesses contains loose-fill asbestos. After a local resident complained to WorkSafe, the inspector made a visit to the site and first noticed the water damage that was evident on the ceiling of the premises.
According to ACT Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe, the Prohibition Notices are a precautionary measure to protect the shop owners, residents and visitors frequenting the area.
“If the cause of the water damage is not determined and fixed there is the potential for damage to the ceiling which could allows asbestos fibres to enter the first floor premises,” Mr McCabe said in a statement.
“Air monitoring testing has been carried out by a licensed asbestos assessor. I can report that both these and dust tests have all come back below normal background levels.”
WorkSafe will continue to work with the building’s owner as well as the businesses that have been affected to ensure the safety of the premises and people. Mr McCabe also stressed that other businesses located in the Ainslie Shops area were safe to continue operating as normal, as there was no further risk identified to the general public.
A warning for Easter renovators
Ahead of the Easter break coming up this month, Workplace Health and Safety Queensland have issued a reminder for anyone planning to take on a home renovation project during the long weekend.
According to Dr Simon Blackwood, the head of the organisation, typical Queensland homes built before 1990 were likely to have been made with materials containing asbestos. The organisation is urging any would-be DIY renovators to check with the Queensland government about their asbestos information service before undertaking any works to their homes.
Dr Blackwood also cited statistics from last year, which showed 61 per cent of renovators in New South Wales may have exposed themselves to asbestos. More worrying was the fact that just 12 per cent of these people reported using the necessary respiratory protection on a regular basis.
The information contained within the Queensland government asbestos service includes short films, house plans and expert advice.
‘Mr Fluffy’ causes further trouble in Canberra
In further news from the ACT, the state government recently issued a recommendation for 1,050 homes to undergo a professional asbestos assessment. These homes were previously identified as having been exposed to Mr Fluffy in the 1970s, the specific type of 100 per cent loose fibre asbestos used by a home insulation contractor who operated in the area during that time.
Despite these homes having been part of a $100 million removal program between 1988 and 1993, the government has notified owners that their houses may still have some remnants of the hazardous material in internal and external wall cavities, sub-floor spaces, cornices and other places.
So far, the government’s recommendation states that affected home owners should have a professional asbestos inspection and this report should be shown to anyone working on the houses. However, the Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union is urging the government to take the recommendation further into official state legislation.
The news follows on from a recent announcement that loose asbestos was found in a home in Pearce, which was investigated by ACT WorkSafe. The material was thought to have been released after a home renovation project.
In another case of the past coming back to haunt the present, the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) stressed that there was no threat of asbestos contamination after a fire broke out at a work site in Barangaroo. In the past, traces of asbestos had been found in the soil at the site, which forced work to stop for a period of time last year.
The Barangaroo site is currently being redeveloped to host a mix of businesses, hotels and parkland areas. A report released by the EPA in March last year indicated they had identified a “much greater asbestos contamination than was expected” in the soil at the southern zone of the work site. The report specified that any soil previously contaminated with the material was safe to re-use and re-work as long as it had been properly remediated and contained no fibrous asbestos.
While there were concerns raised in connection with last month’s fire, the EPA has ruled out the re-emergence of any asbestos threats.
Asbestos found at coal seam gas drilling sites
The company in charge of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Queensland stopped work at 12 of its sites after asbestos was identified in the drilling fluids workers were using.
Several media outlets reported that Origin Energy had halted drilling operations in response to the scare. The root of the concern traced to a walnut-shell based product called Nutplug which is typically used to seal wells. The product was supplied by the Australian Mud Company (AMC).
The investigation into how many people may have been affected is still ongoing.
If you would like to improve the level of asbestos training in your staff, contact the team at AlertForce today.
The risk of asbestos contamination in Australian workplaces
Even when a workplace has been properly checked for asbestos in the building framework and existing material on site, contamination can still occur through the introduction of foreign substances.
While Australia imposed a nation-wide ban on asbestos in the workplace on December 31, 2003, some countries – including China, Brazil, Russia and Canada – still mine asbestos and use this dangerous material in many industries.
China is the world’s leading asbestos consumer, using more than 600,000 metric tonnes of asbestos every year, according to international asbestos organisation The Mesothelioma Center.
The second largest consumer across the globe is India, with the rate of consumption climbing rapidly over recent years. The Indian government recently announced the country’s asbestos use had risen by 83 per cent between 2004 and 2013.
Because of this widely accepted use of asbestos, it is possible for Australian companies to unknowingly import materials containing asbestos fibres.
It is therefore important for employers to put measures in place to minimise the risk of asbestos contamination, including offering staff asbestos awareness training to ensure employees can safely identify and respond to the threat of asbestos.
Asbestos contamination on Australian shores
This risk was realised recently by the operator of the Australia-Pacific liquid natural gas (LNG) project. The company was forced to suspend drilling on 12 rig sites across the coal seam gas sites in south west central Queensland after notification was received of a possible asbestos contamination.
One of the organisation’s drilling fluid suppliers discovered that a product it had imported and supplied to the LNG sites may have been contaminated with asbestos materials.
“When notified by {the supplier} of the potential of affected material, {the operator} took immediate precautionary action to safeguard our employees, contractors and landholders,” the company’s official March 13 statement explained.
This action included halting all drilling across the Queensland sites as investigations began. All potentially affected fluid has now been identified and accounted for. This includes all material under the company’s control throughout the supply chain “from storage warehouse to site”.
Licenced and trained asbestos removal teams are now in the process of removing the material from each location and safe disposal of the product is underway.
“In the interim, an alternative product has been sourced,” the company said.
Additionally, the supplier has undertaken investigations into its own supply chain with the hope of identifying the source of the contamination. Once the point of introduction has been discovered, it is likely that this organisation will be able to modify their operations to avoid further imports of contaminated substances.
“Our highest priority remains the health and safety of everyone associated with the project. Specialist support is being provided to those who may have been exposed to the drilling fluid additives and a specialist hotline has been established,” the operator said.
Responding to an asbestos contamination
If you or one of your employees has identified the risk of an asbestos contamination in your workplace, it is essential that you follow correct asbestos removal procedures. Even when the presence of asbestos is uncertain, it is best practice to assume contamination has occurred.
This means that employers dealing with a potential asbestos introduction through imported materials should consider enlisting the services of a trained professional to safely remove and dispose of any contaminated material even if official testing has not taken place.
It can be difficult to tell whether a material contains asbestos simply by looking at it, and if imported materials have arrived from a country that allows the use of asbestos, the products may not be labelled with a warning. Employers unsure about the presence of asbestos are encouraged to give a sample to a licenced specialist to analyse the asbestos content.
When asbestos has been assumed or confirmed in a workplace, the employer or business owner is required to alert the relevant authorities and regulatory bodies.
From there, it is important for a licenced and trained professional to safely dispose of the contaminated material. This involves placing all affected substances in airtight containers, labelling all hazardous material and transporting the asbestos-contaminated substances in a manner that follows state or territory Environment Protection Authority (EPA) requirements.
If you or someone in your workforce has completed a comprehensive asbestos removal course, it may be possible for the issue to be taken care of independently. However, it is essential to follow the restrictions of the training received.
For example, a company that has received a Class B qualification will be unable to safely remove and dispose of any friable asbestos. It is therefore recommended that you invest in a Class A training package to enable the legal removal of all types of asbestos.
If you would like to undertake an asbestos removal course, or wish to invest in asbestos awareness training for your staff, get in touch with AlertForce today.
Concerns over safe asbestos removal
When asbestos has been discovered in a home or workplace, the next step needs to be organising safe and efficient removal.
While the asbestos usually poses little risk before removal, the process of exaction can often create many risks to the removalists’ health due to disturbed fibres becoming airborne. In extreme cases, the removal can also spread asbestos fibres beyond the building site, putting neighbouring properties at risk.
It is therefore important for businesses and property owners who discover asbestos to enlist the services of an individual or organisation that has completed adequate asbestos removal training.
Under Work, Health and Safety (WHS) Regulations, more than ten square metres of bonded (non-friable) asbestos must be removed only by a licensed and trained individual or business. Removal of any amount of un-bonded or friable asbestos requires a licensed person or organisation.
Within these regulations, individuals in Australia working in asbestos removal have the option to be trained in Class A or Class B qualifications.
Completing a Class B asbestos removal course gives an individual the training they need to safely remove any non-friable asbestos. This includes asbestos cement sheeting and other materials where asbestos fibres are bonded to other materials.
However, even bonded asbestos can become friable when degraded, which means individuals holding a Class A qualification should be called when dealing with damaged property.
Class A training allows an individual or business to remove all type of asbestos, including un-bonded and friable. This includes asbestos found in powdered form or material that can be crushed into dust by hand.
The difference in training is important for protecting the health of the removalists and all residents of neighbouring properties. This is because friable asbestos poses a much higher risk of becoming airborne and drifting over communities.
Businesses operating within the asbestos removal industry are required to ensure their staff are adequately trained and licenced to deal with the extraction of all kinds of asbestos. Additionally, notice of removal and monitoring of the process is an essential step in following WHS regulations.
Notice of removal
Due to the hazardous nature of airborne asbestos particles, businesses undergoing an asbestos removal process must notify both Safe Work Australia and their neighbouring properties to ensure all precautions are being taken.
According to the Western Australian Department of Commerce, the notification condition of asbestos removal requires an individual or business to provide WorkSafe WA with the following information:
- Name and contact details of the licenced contractor in charge of removal
- Name and address of property requiring removal
- Type of premises, such as retail store, hospital or private residence
- Whether the building is occupied
- What type of asbestos is present and in which form
- Anticipated date of removal or treatment
Once Safe Work has permitted the removal to go ahead, it is best practice for a business or removalist to notify the residents within the surrounding community. This will allow individuals to take precautions such as closing their windows, turning off any outside air intake systems and ensuring those who are at risk stay indoors on the removal days.
Removal monitoring
While the monitoring of workers removing asbestos may not always be required (particularly when working with bonded material), it is recommended to ensure safety procedures are being followed at all times.
This includes enlisting an individual who has experience in supervising asbestos removal, which is a vastly different qualification to asbestos removal training.
A supervise asbestos removal course will enable a worker to plan for and monitor the removal process, including ensuring compliant removal practices are being followed, maintaining safety procedures, and supervising the decontamination and disposal of the material.
This supervisor can also be made responsible for the supply and use of personal protective equipment necessary for the safe removal of asbestos, such as breathing apparatuses, protective clothing and water for dampening down dust particles.
Monitoring should also take into account the surrounding areas, including workers operating outside the removal area and the risk of airborne particles spreading across neighbouring properties.
If necessary, static monitoring devices can be used to detect asbestos particles across the boundary of the removal area. This will help determine if control measures are effective and should assist in limiting the exposure to individuals in surrounding locations.
Air-monitoring can also be used to alleviate the concerns of specific workers and individuals by conducting exposure tests within breathing spaces. If asbestos is detected in this area, it is important to take evasive measures as soon as possible. This includes removing the individual from the scene, widening cordon areas and enacting effective prevention procedures.
These processes must be followed at all steps of an asbestos removal plan, including the preparation of the site, the disposal and the contamination or workers and material used.
For more information on asbestos removal training and processes, get in touch with the AlertForce team today.
Asbestos and air quality after bushfires
When a bushfire strikes in your region, there may be risks to your workers’ health and safety even when your business operates outside of the affected location.
Airborne ash, smoke and asbestos can significantly impact on the air quality across a wide-spread area – affecting whole towns, cities or even states.
Due to this far-reaching affect, the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) has released a statement calling for employers in the Latrobe Valley to review their occupational health and safety standards regarding air quality.
Workplaces should consider the advice released by the Department of Health regarding employees undertaking strenuous activity outdoors, particularly those with pre-existing heart and lung conditions, VWA Executive Director of Health and Safety Len Neist explained.
“The EPA and the Department of Health are providing updates for the entire Latrobe Valley community and there are daily community meetings, so employers can keep abreast of any developments that might affect their staff,” Mr Neist said in a February 18 media release.
Currently, businesses in the Latrobe Valley are at risk of smoke affects due to a number of bushfires in the region and the still-burning Hazelwood open cut mine fire.
The Victorian branch of the Environment Protection Authority has issued a low level alert for the Latrobe Valley. This warning means visibility is reduced to between 10 and 20 kilometres due to smoke and those vulnerable to low air quality – such as asthmatics, children and the elderly – should limit their time outdoors.
“We’re asking businesses to review their systems of work and consider if measures need to be put in place to protect staff from the risks associated with smoke. Reassigning staff with pre-existing conditions to non-strenuous, indoor work is one action workplaces can take to reduce risk to their staff,” Mr Neist explained.
“The smoke haze is also affecting visibility in some areas, which may pose risks to staff operating machinery and equipment. If conditions make it difficult to see the workspace and other surroundings, work should be postponed.”
In addition to the lowered visibility and impact on breathing, employers are urged to consider the potential danger for airborne asbestos in an area affected by bushfires. Airborne asbestos awareness is particularly important during the containment and clean-up of a bushfire-damaged region.
Asbestos danger after bushfires
If a bushfire or other fire-related event has occurred in the area around your business, you and your employees may be at risk of airborne asbestos fibres.
Asbestos fibres are at their most dangerous when airborne, as they can potentially travel long distances to be inhaled by nearby workers. The particles can then remain in an individual’s lungs for years before developing into a serious disease, such as mesothelioma or other forms of lung cancer.
Mesothelioma – a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs – grows very quickly and can spread throughout the body before symptoms appear. This makes it particularly difficult to treat as many organs are affected before an individual will know to seek medical treatment.
During a bushfire, asbestos-containing materials can be wrecked and release deadly asbestos fibres into the air. These may therefore be present when you return to your fire-damaged property and put your health at risk.
While, because it’s a fire-resistant material, there may not be a large number of asbestos fibres present in the actual smoke from the fire-event, these particles can still be present in significant quantities. Additionally, asbestos fibres may be disturbed during the clean-up of damaged properties, which means the risk remains long after the fire itself has passed.
When a fire has been successfully put out, many people assume the air quality improves to safe levels as soon as the smoke begins to clear. However, as clean-up crews and repair workers move through the area, disturbed asbestos fibres may become airborne.
Depending on the wind and weather currently affecting the region, these particles could become spread over a surprisingly wide area, putting your business and workers at risk.
Minimising asbestos risk in your business
To avoid asbestos-related illness among your workers, it is important that you remain aware of the risks potentially affecting your area.
This includes keeping up to date with any announcements regarding asbestos discoveries in your region and staying alert in regards to bushfires, damaged property and air quality.
If you believe there is a risk of airborne asbestos in your area, it is crucial to limit the amount of time employees spend outside. Additionally, allowing workers to complete strenuous physical activity outdoors can increase the risk of asbestos exposure, due to employees breathing heavily, so minimising these activities is recommended.
Once indoors, closing the windows is a simple and effective method of reducing asbestos exposure. Ensure ventilation in your building is recycled or filtered to avoid fibres being carried indoors via your ventilation.
For those who are required to work outdoors in an area with a high risk of asbestos exposure, employers should provide adequate protective clothing, including special P2 face masks to filter the fibres from breath.
Disposable clothing worn in an area with high levels of airborne asbestos should be disposed of in the same manner as other asbestos waste – seal it in double plastic bags (at least 200 micron thick), dampen it down and dispose of the bags at an official facility.
If you are aware of asbestos in your region, it is also important that you or someone on your staff has received suitable asbestos assessment training to ensure your business can identify and safely remove asbestos before it impacts on the health of your employees.
For more information on asbestos awareness training, get in touch with the AlertForce team today to find out what training options are available.
Port Kembla Copper Stack demolition provides insight into asbestos testing process
On February 20, the Port Kembla Copper Stack was reduced to a pile of rubble.
Port Kembla Copper (PKC) submitted an application to the New South Wales Government’s Department of Planning and Infrastructure to have the Stack demolished in 2008 – an application that was approved in December last year.
As a result, this iconic feature of the Port Kembla skyline came tumbling down at 11.10 a.m on Thursday, using a controlled explosion.
PKC built the Stack in 1965 and, at 198 metres tall, it was one of the tallest chimneys in the world. According to news.com.au, both the New South Wales Police and a number of Emergency Service volunteers were present when the Stack was brought down, as were thousands of people from all over the state.
A helicopter was used to “help with the delicate operation” and a 300-metre “exclusion zone” was set up around the site to keep the crowd safe.
However, such precautions were not deemed adequate by many Port Kembla residents, who feared the Stack was contaminated by asbestos.
Ian Wilson, general manager of PKC, did his best to quash such claims, informing ABC News before the Stack was demolished that no part of structure remained “undisclosed, unexplored [or] uncharacterised”.
“PKC has done everything it can to demonstrate to everyone’s satisfaction that the Stack does not contain any residual asbestos hazard,” he announced on February 20.
Nevertheless, a number of Port Kembla residents, such as Julie Renshaw, remained unconvinced. Ms Renshaw told news.com.au the Stack was so tall that many of its levels could not possibly be accessible, which means there is no proof they didn’t contain asbestos at the time of demolition.
Her biggest fears were for a pre-school located across the road from the site.
“Our concern is, worse case scenario, one of these children does develop a respiratory illness, [and] there is no support for them at all,” she revealed to news.com.au.
It was not only PKC that conducted testing for asbestos in the Stack, however. WorkCover New South Wales and the Environmental Protection Agency also carried out their own testing to make absolutely sure the structure was asbestos-free. The two organisations released a joint media statement on February 7 stating “there is no asbestos present in the Stack”.
So, what started these rumours in the first place?
Well, according to the New South Wales Government’s Department of Planning and Infrastructure, asbestos was present in the Port Kembla Copper Stack when PKC conducted its initial assessment in 2011. Apparently it had been used in sealing materials throughout the Stack, but these were safely removed between April and August 2013.
The assessment process
On February 10, the New South Wales Government’s Department of Planning and Infrastructure issued a media release that detailed what kinds of testing had been conducted on the Port Kembla Copper Stack.
This provides some useful insight into the assessment process used to determine whether a structure is contaminated by asbestos or not, and should be of some interest to those wanting a career in asbestos removal.
In May 2011, two companies were hired to undertake inspections of the Stack. This is when it was discovered that several gaskets in the structure contained asbestos. These were removed along with their surrounding bricks by qualified asbestos removal workers two years later over a five-month period.
Once the removal was completed in August 2013, Airsafe – a business that provides on-site air-testing – was called in to test samples from both inside the Stack and outside its concrete shell, as well as its bricks. This airborne fibre monitoring was conducted using the membrane filter method.
This method of testing for asbestos basically involves drawing a particular quantity of air via a sampling pump through a membrane filter.
“The filter is later transformed from an opaque membrane into a transparent, optically homogeneous specimen,” according to Safe Work Australia. This allows whoever is conducting the testing to see what respirable fibres are present in the sample, and determine whether the air is contaminated by asbestos or other harmful airborne contaminants.
The New South Wales Government’s Department of Planning and Infrastructure states the membrane filter method was developed “to provide a consistent methodology for the sampling and analysis of airborne asbestos fibres in workplaces”.
Airsafe’s airborne fibre monitoring didn’t find any evidence of asbestos, so – after the Stack was inspected “from top to bottom” – PKC was granted an Asbestos Visual Clearance Certificate. This is a document written by a “licensed asbestos assessor or competent person” who conducts a final clearance inspection of a site once qualified asbestos removal workers have gotten rid of all contaminated materials.
According to the Queensland Government, an Asbestos Visual Clearance Certificate can only be issued if and when it’s been determined the area and its surrounds are “free from visible asbestos contamination” and air fibre monitoring has show the asbestos fibre concentration in the air is below 0.01 fibres per millilitre.
WorkCover New South Wales arrived on site a month later (September 2013) to collect samples from levels one through three of the Stack, which also came out clean.
Finally, the Environmental Protection Agency took its own concrete, brick and mortar samples in October 2013, which again came up negative.
As an extra precaution, a number of inspectors were present on the day of the Port Kembla Copper Stack’s demolition, to check for “safety and contamination” before the barriers surrounding the 300-metre exclusion zone were removed.
If you would like to become a qualified asbestos removal worker, get in touch with the AlertForce team today and ask about our asbestos removal training courses!
The impact of WHS law changes on those undertaking asbestos removal work
It seems that 2014 is the year of updating Work Health and Safety (WHS) regulations.
All employers and employees need to keep up to date with any changes to both nationwide and local WHS laws in order keep themselves safe and make sure they’re following current best practices.
The following are two examples of important amendments that have been made to WHS laws over the past two months. The latter group of changes will be of particular interest to anyone working in the field of asbestos removal.
Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014 (Queensland)
On February 13, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Hon. Jarrod Bleijie MP, announced that a number of significant changes might be made to Queensland’s WHS laws. These were introduced through the Work Health and Safety and Other Legislation Amendment Bill 2014. They are the result of an extensive review of the Sunshine State’s WHS laws, which began in 2012.
The following are just a few of the changes included in the Bill.
– The penalties for “non-compliance with WHS entry-permit conditions” have been increased.
– A number of penalties for “failure to comply with entry notification requirements” have been introduced.
– Before any person assisting a Health and Safety Representative is permitted to enter a workplace, they are now required to give at least 24 hours (but no more than 14 days) notice of their intentions.
– Health and Safety Representatives in Queensland are no longer allowed to order employees at a workplace to stop conducting “unsafe work”.
– Codes of Practice that are implemented by workplaces across the Sunshine State can now be “approved, varied or revoked” without having to be submitted for consultation at a national level.
– The maximum penalty for offences that fall under the Electrical Safety Regulation 2013 has been increased.
As of February 18, these proposed changes were yet to be decided on by the Queensland Parliament.
Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act (Australia-wide)
Although the regulations outlined in the WHS Act were finalised in November 2011, a number of technical amendments were made to this all-important document on January 9 this year. Safe Work Australia states the changes were made to “correct inadvertent errors, clarify policy intent and address workability issues”.
The workplaces that will be most affected by the amendments include those involving high-risk work, diving, asbestos and other major hazards.
Three of the amendments introduced on January 9 – namely regulations concerning “protective structures on earthmoving machinery”, competency requirements for diving work and design verification – are still awaiting Ministerial approval, reports Safe Work Australia, as their introduction will necessitate policy changes.
Safe Work Australia also notes the changes “do not automatically apply” to workplaces around the country. Rather, each jurisdiction will determine how and when they are introduced through their own law-making processes.
So, what are the changes to the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act that employers and employees need to be aware of?
Quite a few of them revolve around WHS training practices in a range of workplaces.
For instance, the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act now states that high-risk workers are required to undertake “further Vocational Education and Training (VET)” courses by permit regulators.
It also says current requirements that see WHS trainers’ curricula and qualifications being taken into consideration before they’re permitted to offer training to WHS entry permitted holders should be relaxed.
In addition to this, high-risk workers who are waiting for their licence applications to be approved are now allowed to conduct work during the interim, provided they are certified.
Alongside the amendments listed above are a two changes that specifically apply to employers and employees who work with asbestos.
The first, as reported by Mondaq.com, is the removal of the “requirement for supervisors named in Class A asbestos removal licence applications to hold VET course certificates in respect of non-friable asbestos”.
The second involves disapplying “certain asbestos register obligations in respect of residential premises used only for residential purposes”.
It’s the first change, however, that promises to have the biggest impact on those who work with asbestos.
What’s a Class A asbestos removal licence?
According to WorkCover New South Wales, a Class A asbestos removal licence qualifies the business that holds it to remove both friable and non-friable asbestos from a workplace. This business is also permitted to any ACD that is present as a result of the removal process. ACD refers to any dust or debris that has been contaminated with asbestos.
The Class A asbestos removal licence differs from the Class B asbestos removal licence in that the latter only permits the holder to manage and dispose of non-friable asbestos and any related ACD. Once granted, both licences are valid for a total of five years.
To ensure your application for a Class A asbestos removal licence is successful, you are required to meet a number of criteria. Most importantly, your application must include the name or names of “competent person or persons” who you have employed to supervise the asbestos removal work you’re planning to undertake.
This supervisor must be 18 years old or more, says WorkCover New South Wales, and have a minimum of three years’ experience when it comes to removing friable asbestos. They must also have completed a Supervise Asbestos Removal course.
And, until now, they were also required to hold qualifications for non-friable asbestos removal work. This is apparently no longer the case, according to the new Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act.
What’s the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos?
In order to really get to grips with this change to the Model Work Health and Safety (WHS) and the different types of asbestos removal licences available, it’s important to understand the difference between friable and non-friable asbestos.
The Department of Commerce reveals that friable asbestos is any version of this deadly material that’s in powder form, or can be “easily crumbled, pulverised or reduced to a powder by hand pressure when dry”. Some examples of friable asbestos include sprayed insulation, rope and lagging, and “felt or woven asbestos matting”. In general, if a material containing asbestos releases asbestos fibres if and when it’s disturbed, the asbestos is most likely in a friable state.
However, it’s non-friable asbestos that’s more commonly found in properties up and down the country. Approximately 97 per cent of asbestos-containing products feature the non-friable kind, claims the website “Asbestos and You”.
Basically, it’s asbestos that’s been bonded to another material, such as cement, vinyl floor tiles, resin or other products of a similar nature. Such materials will potentially release a few asbestos fibres when they’re damaged or destroyed, but Asbestos and You states they’re unlikely to continue doing so for long.
Where can I find out more?
If you want learn more about the different kinds of asbestos removal training available and ensure you’ve got the necessary VET certificates to apply for a Class A or Class B asbestos removal licence, get in touch with the AlertForce team today!
We offer a range of asbestos removal training courses, including Class B (remove non-friable asbestos), Class A (remove friable asbestos), Supervise Asbestos Removal (for supervisors), and Conduct Asbestos Assessment Associated With Removal qualifications.
WHS laws are always changing – make sure you’re always keeping an ear out for amendments such as those listed above and keep your workers happy and healthy.
Do you know your crocidolite from your amosite asbestos?
It seems like every week there is a serious new discovery of asbestos in a public space or work environment that requires asbestos removal services.
This problem is especially apparent in Australia, which is second only to the UK in the number of asbestos-related disease deaths. The fibrous mineral, which was widely used in several industries for its insulating properties, is the direct cause of a number of lung diseases, including asbestos, silicosis and malignant mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, it was used in Australia’s construction and manufacturing industries until as late as 1987. This has put generations of workers at risk, and most of the time, the symptoms of asbestos exposure do not show up until decades after the person comes in contact with the material.
Asbestos detection has become a big business in Australia, as it has become crucial for ensuring a safe workplace for employees in several sectors. With this has also come much higher asbestos awareness as offices and work sites around the country become more privy to the dangers of asbestos exposure.
This has led researchers to dig in to the different kinds of asbestos that companies have been mining for years in order to better learn which kinds pose the most threat to humans and which are relatively benign.
Different types of asbestos include
- Serpentine
- Amphibole
- Blue asbestos
- Brown asbestos
- Tremolite
- Actinolite
Here’s a quick rundown of the forms of asbestos businesses may find in their workplaces in a little more detail.
Serpentine vs Amphibole
Altogether, there are six different types of asbestos. However, these can be grouped into one of two main categories – serpentine asbestos or amphibole asbestos.
Serpentine asbestos includes the chrysotile variety, more commonly known as white asbestos. This is by far the most common form of the mineral anywhere in the world – including Australia – and can be found in the roofs, ceilings, walls and floors of homes and businesses. Because of its unique properties, it can also be found in brake pads in automobiles, pipe insulation, gaskets and boiler seals.
This type of asbestos is characterised by its layered structure and curly fibres.
The remaining five types of asbestos are classified as the amphibole kind. Though less common than white asbestos, these are markedly more dangerous to humans. At their molecular level, the made of elongated, chain-like structures that make them extremely sharp and easy to inhale.
The most common forms of amphibole asbestos in Australia include crocidolite – sometimes known as blue asbestos – and amosite, known widely as brown asbestos. The remaining three types are anthophyllite, tremolite and actinolite, and are equally dangerous but are not as common in Australian workplaces.
A closer look at serpentine (chrysotile) asbestos
Although it does not have as bad a reputation as its counterparts, chrysotile asbestos is still proven to cause a number of serious health issues. Often, this is because it is mined and used alongside the much more toxic tremolite asbestos. Even when only trace amounts are found along with white asbestos, it can still raise the risks tremendously.
Because of its high flexibility and great heat resistance, white asbestos was widely used around the world in the 20th century, and made up as much as 95 per cent of all commercial asbestos use in the US.
The dangers of amphiboles
The biggest concerns for any asbestos removal organisations in Australia should be the amphiboles crocidolite and amosite asbestos. This blue and brown variety, respectively, are among the deadliest forms of the mineral.
Blue asbestos
Some studies have shown that blue asbestos could be responsible for more deaths than any other form of asbestos. The fibres are extremely thin – roughly the diameter of a strand of hair – and can easily be inhaled if airborne. Once they lodge themselves into the lining of the lungs, they can remain there far longer than other foreign materials, resulting in serious health conditions including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis.
The fibre is so deadly that it is estimated as many as 18 per cent of all crocidolite miners will die from mesothelioma. It was used mainly in Australia, and could be found in several products. However, because it was less heat-resistant than other forms of asbestos, it was not as widely used in industrial manufacturing settings.
Brown asbestos
Blue asbestos’ cousin amosite could potentially be as dangerous, as several studies have shown this form of the mineral has been associated with higher cancer risks than other types of asbestos.
This brown asbestos was mined as recently as 10 years ago, and was at one time the second-most commonly used form of the material anywhere in the world. This form originates in Africa, but was shipped worldwide and was exceptional for making cement sheet and pipe insulation.
There was such high demand for brown asbestos in the 20th century that by 1970, around 80,000 tonnes of the material had been mined from one region in South Africa. In addition to cement sheets and thermal insulation, it was used as a chemical and electrical insulator, a roofing product and in tiles used in ceilings, roofs and floors.
Unlike blue asbestos, amosite was widely used in factories and industrial manufacturing settings for its acoustical and anti-condensation properties.
The less common – but still deadly – forms of asbestos
The three remaining forms of asbestos – tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite – were not used as much in commercial applications, but it’s worth mentioning their deadly properties.
Tremolite
Tremolite’s most attractive property was that it could be spun and woven into cloth, making it ideal for flexible and heat resistance materials. Most commonly, it was found in paints, sealants, roofing materials, insulation and plumbing supplies.
Although it isn’t commonly mined on its own, it can be found in large amounts in minerals like talc and vermiculite. These are common ingredients in a number of products, ranging from fertiliser to plasterboard. It has not been classified any further as it may appear in any colour, as well as clear and opaque.
Anthophyllite
This form of asbestos may be the least toxic of all, as most studies suggest it is not known to cause malignant mesothelioma or other lung cancers. However, even though it isn’t as pronounced as blue, white and brown asbestos, there is still a connection between anthophyillite and serious health problems.
It is also among the rarest forms of asbestos, and has only appeared in a few mines around the world, including in Finland and the US.
Actinolite
The final form of asbestos, actinolite, is most commonly found when it is paired with other minerals to enhance their heat-resistant qualities. When used with vermiculite, for example, the two create a lightweight and effective insulator.
In addition to heat resistance, it can be found in gardening products and concrete materials.
Risks exist in all forms
While there are several different kinds of asbestos with a number of different uses and histories, the simple fact is that all varieties have either been linked to or directly associated with deadly health conditions.
Asbestos removal training should include an overview of all forms of the mineral with a special focus on the most deadly and those that are most commonly found in Australia.
Going forward, it will be crucial to continue to raise asbestos awareness all over the country to limit the number of homeowners and workers who are exposed to the deadly fibre.
The National Health and Medical Research Council predicts that as many as 25,000 Australians will die from asbestos-related diseases in the next 40 years, but with the right awareness and training, this number could fall dramatically.
For more information, get in touch with the AlertForce team today!
Asbestos Monthly News Round Up
We may have left 2013 behind, but asbestos is still a topic that continues to make headlines all over the world.
Australia has seen its fair share of asbestos-related news stories since 2014 began – the following are just a few.
NSW primary school contaminated by asbestos
A primary school located in the suburb of Summer Hill (8 kilometres west of Sydney’s CBD) could be contaminated by asbestos, reports the Sydney Morning Herald.
The students of Summer Hill Public School arrived back from the summer holidays only to discover their playground was covered in “small pieces of fibro”.
It’s thought the fibro made its way into the area when the playground was being seeded during the summer holidays.
Summer Hill Public School’s principal, Karen Shehata, sent a letter to parents last week informing them of the discovery and letting them know the Department of Education had been contacted.
A hygienist was brought in to test the playground on Saturday, and the results of this are expected to be available by February 18. In the meantime, Ms Shehata said precautions have been taken to ensure students are in no danger from the playground.
This is not the first time asbestos and schools have found themselves in the same news article. The Age reported in June last year that around two-thirds of schools in Victoria are thought to be contaminated by asbestos, and parents, teachers and principals had called on the government to get it removed once and for all.
In response, Minister for Education Martin Dixon said the government has a “comprehensive system” in place to ensure students and staff are kept safe while on school grounds.
This includes “expert training, detailed asbestos-managements plans and a hotline that schools can call to get an immediate site inspection and, where appropriate, have the asbestos removed”.
In December, the government announced a “new asbestos agreement” between WorkSafe Victoria and the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, which saw a number of rules and regulations introduced to protect students and staff from the dangers of asbestos.
For instance, any schools thought to contain asbestos will now have to put signs in place that inform passersby of this fact. The agreement also states that all principals in Victoria must undergo asbestos awareness training, and a “mass audit of schools” is expected to take place this year, reports ABC News.
New South Wales has also taken steps to ensure its students and staff are not at risk of exposure to asbestos at school.
The state’s Department of Education and Communities has a Schools Asbestos Register, which “contains information about the existence and location of any known or presumed asbestos-containing materials” at schools around New South Wales. This information is based on “advice from experts”.
The purpose of the Schools Asbestos Register is to give people an indication of how likely they are to come into contact with asbestos while attending or visiting any schools in the state.
A number of businesses shut down by asbestos
While it’s more or less “business as usual” for Summer Hill Public School while they wait for the results of the hygienist’s test to come back, other businesses have not been so lucky.
It was confirmed on Thursday (January 23) that a commercial building in Australia’s capital was contaminated by asbestos. A test carried about by WorkSafe ACT on the property found that asbestos fibres were floating down from the roof and putting employees’ lives at risk.
A number of businesses were forced to close down as a result, according to ABC News. It’s not yet clear how many employees have been exposed to the deadly fibres, or how long they have been exposed for.
It’s a well-known fact that the longer a person is exposed to asbestos for, the greater their chances of developing such illnesses as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. As it stands, there is no cure for this latter condition.
ACT Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe told ABC News on Friday (January 24) the asbestos fibres were “not coming down in great quantities”, but employees moving around and causing the asbestos fibres to become airborne was increasing the likelihood that people would inhale them.
“Continued use of this building in its current state could lead to a high risk of exposure to friable asbestos,” said Mr McCabe.
ABC News said the more testing will be conducted over the coming weeks to determine whether the businesses can re-open or the roof needs to be replaced.
“While we believe that the likelihood of exposure for members of the public is low, if members of the public are concerned about possible exposure to asbestos, they should contact their local general practitioner,” explained Mr McCabe.
Canberra is not the only town that has had businesses shut down by asbestos. A range of small communities across New South Wales have also seen various properties boarded up due to asbestos contamination.
An article published by ABC News on January 18 revealed that hundreds of buildings owned by the New South Wales police have been found to contain asbestos and lead paint, making them unfit for people to live and work in.
As a result, many of these communities have been without local police for a couple of months now – or, in the case of Ungarie (a small town located in central-west Sydney), the past one and a half years!
The new source states that New South Wales police located over half-an-hour’s drive away have been seeing to the town’s needs during that time. Some residents believe the lack of police has led to an increase in crime.
According to the New South Wales police, it’s expected to cost upwards of $100 million to make the many properties safe for inhabiting again – so “police are exploring alternatives”.
Old asbestos mine puts community at risk
Finally, many people from the Aboriginal community of Baryulgil have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses – and more are expected to follow suit.
Baryulgil was a prosperous asbestos-mining town from the 1940s until the 1970s, when operations stopped after information about just how dangerous asbestos was came to light.
Because the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses take between 20 and 40 years to appear, those who were exposed to this deadly fibre back when the mine was up and running are only now discovering the impact it’s had on their health.
The Australian reported last year that over 10 per cent of the Aboriginal community is expected to be diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses in the next few years. That’s in addition to the 10 per cent who have already contracted such diseases.
An investigation into the mine revealed the proper safety precautions had not been taken to protect workers.
For instance, “adequate dust control” that would have prevented workers from breathing in the deadly asbestos fibres while going about their work was deemed an “unnecessary expense” by the mine’s owner.
One source told ABC News the air was so full of asbestos fibres sometimes that it was “impossible to see anywhere”.
Make sure you and your fellow workers are safe when performing tasks in asbestos-contaminated areas by enrolling in asbestos awareness training today.
The aftermath of bushfires and asbestos
Many states and territories in Australia have already been ravaged by bushfires in 2014, and it looks as if we’re not out of the woods yet.
The International Business Times reveals that New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia are looking at another “scorching heat wave” over the next few days, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 45 degrees Celsius.
Western Australia is expected to get its share of the heat wave by Friday (January 31). However, what’s really concerning fire authorities are the high winds that are heading for South Australia – high winds that could lead to bushfires.
In fact, the state’s Country Fire Service issued a warning on Thursday (January 30), stating a bushfire was already in progress at Bangor in the Southern Flinders Ranges. The warning encouraged residents and members of the public in surrounding areas to “remain vigilant” and make sure they had an up-to-date bushfire survival plan at the ready.
The Country Fire Service also claims that “leaving early is the safest option,” but is adamant that residents should only leave their properties “if the path is clear to a safe place”. And, as always, you should call 000 if you see a bushfire.
These are all steps you and your family should take before a bushfire strikes – but what about afterwards? If your property is damaged or destroyed by a bushfire, you will also need a plan for managing the clean-up process.
You may think that once the bushfire has been and gone, so has the danger. However, if your fire-damaged property happens to be contaminated by asbestos, you could still be at risk.
What are the facts about asbestos?
Basically, if your property was constructed prior to the mid-1980s, there’s a good chance it contains asbestos. As you’re probably aware, this fibre was commonly used in building and renovation projects up until this point in time, when its detrimental effect on people’s health was discovered.
While left to its own devices, asbestos is relatively harmless, once its fibres become airborne and are able to be inhaled, it can become deadly.
Those who have been exposed to asbestos during their lives can develop a number of conditions – many of them currently with cure. These include asbestosis (the scarring of the lungs), lung cancer and mesothelioma (a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs).
This final cancer grows very quickly, reveals the National Health and Medical Research Council, and often spreads throughout the body before symptoms begin to appear.
It typically takes between 20 and 40 years for the condition to present itself, and the more often you’re exposed to asbestos, the higher your chances of falling ill.
During a bushfire, asbestos-containing materials can be wrecked and release deadly asbestos fibres into the air. These may therefore be present when you return to your fire-damaged property and put your health at risk.
How do you conduct a safe clean-up?
To begin, it should be noted the Department of Health claims that concentrations of asbestos fibres in the air are generally quite low both during and after bushfires – however, they are still there.
The organisation recommends that any “large disturbances” such as might occur during the clean-up process or when a fire-damaged property is demolished “must be done safely to ensure the
level of asbestos fibres in the air is kept very low”.
So, how do you achieve this?
If you think your property could be contaminated by asbestos, your best move is to avoid entering it and call in a licensed asbestos removalist. This is someone who has undergone the necessary asbestos removal training and is qualified to rid your property of this deadly substance safely.
If you’re interested in enrolling in asbestos removal training, you may want to get in touch with AlertForce to find out what course options are available.
We offer everything from general awareness training, which can be completed online and provide you with a good overview of the risks associated with asbestos, to nationally recognised qualifications in asbestos removal.
Whether you want a certificate in removing non-friable asbestos (Class B), removing friable asbestos (Class A), supervising asbestos removal or conducting asbestos assessments, you can study toward one with AlertForce.
In addition to the proper asbestos removal training, here are a few other things you may want to keep in mind during the clean-up process.
– The Better Health Channel recommends wetting all dust on site. This can be done using a spray dispenser (for small areas) or a hose (for large areas).
– Where possible, avoid mixing asbestos-contaminated materials with all other debris on site. If you’re not sure which materials have been exposed to asbestos, make sure all debris is disposed of as if it’s been contaminated.
– Ensure adequate warning signs are set up around the site to discourage passers-by from entering and putting themselves at risk.
Your neighbours should also be advised to close their doors and windows and remain inside while the clean-up is in progress, to avoid unnecessary exposure to asbestos fibres.
– The required personal protective equipment (PPE) should be worn by anyone working with asbestos-contaminated materials at all times. This may include a dust mask or suitable respirator, as well as disposable coveralls.
All such clothing should be disposed of as asbestos waste at the end of the clean-up, states the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water.
Where is asbestos located in and around the home?
Before the mid-1980s, asbestos was used in many building projects across the country.
According to Asbestos Awareness, around one in three homes in Australia contains asbestos – and if your home was constructed prior to 1987, there’s a very good chance that asbestos is present.
It’s a common myth that only fibro (short for “fibrous or cement sheet”) homes contain asbestos. However, it can be found in brick, clad and weatherboard, as well as fibro homes. So, don’t fall into the trap of thinking you won’t be affected!
In fact, a study conducted in 2008 by Professor Anthony Johnson (et al) stated that 60.5 per cent of people who had undertaken DIY renovations in their homes were exposed to asbestos.
To make matters worse, a further 53 per cent said their partners had come into contact with asbestos at some point during the renovations, and 40 per cent admitted their children had too.
You can’t tell whether materials contain asbestos or not simply by looking at them. That’s why it’s important to know where you might find this deadly substance.
Some common places you might encounter asbestos include beneath floor coverings, such as carpet, tiles and linoleum, as well as in cement floors, ceiling and roof tiles, and in the walls.
However, there are a number of areas in and around your home where asbestos could be lurking that may surprise you! The following are just 10:
1) Ventilation systems. Even if your ventilation systems themselves don’t contain asbestos, they may become tainted by asbestos dust if they’re located in contaminated areas, states UK health, safety and environmental risk management consultant Santia.
While it can build up in ventilation systems over the years and, if left untouched, remain harmless, any materials introduced during renovation – such as new filters or extract equipment – could potentially disturb the asbestos and make them airborne.
2) Kitchen appliances (such as crock pots). Though you’re unlikely to encounter crock pots while undertaking renovations, it should be noted that many kitchen appliances that were manufactured before the 1980s contained asbestos to help them retain heat.
In crock pots, asbestos may be found between the inner and outer lining, as well as around the power cord, according to the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance.
3) Electrical meter boards. The backing of many electrical meter boards was constructed using asbestos in some way, shape or form. So, if you’re going to have to conduct some electrical work as part of your DIY renovations, make sure you get in touch with a licensed asbestos removal contractor before you begin.
The Queensland government also reveals that most switchboards installed in and around the home before 1990, as well as any switchboards constructed or imported prior to 2004, may contain asbestos.
4) Guttering. WorkCover New South Wales’ “Fibro and Asbestos: A Renovator and Homeowner’s Guide” states that you should do your utmost to keep guttering in “good repair”, as asbestos fibres can collect here following storms. If you’re removing them, make sure they’ve been “wet cleaned and sealed” before you take them down.
The organisation also states that downpipes “should not run into garden beds” so that contaminated water can’t find its way into your home through flowers and home-grown produce.
5) Kitchen splashbacks. Asbestos was commonly used in kitchen splashbacks – that is, the panels around kitchen sinks and draining boards – for a long time. Just something to keep in mind if you’re thinking about doing up your kitchen!
6) Fireplaces. Because asbestos is flame resistant, it was once considered the perfect material with which to construct fireplaces. For that reason, it can be found in many, many aspects of this common household feature.
The Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America states that asbestos boards or pads were often placed “below the mantel or hidden at the back of the fireplace”. It can also be lurking in flues.
7) Hot water pipes. For a long time, asbestos was used as insulation around hot water pipes and your main hot water tank – to keep the cold out or the heat in. The Health and Safety Executive warns that many pipes were painted or given an outer coating, so it may not be immediately obvious that they were made using asbestos.
It’s not just hot water pipes, however. Asbestos Awareness states that asbestos was also used in pipes going in and out of the bathroom, to transport both fresh water and sewerage.
8) Backyard sheds. You may think that once you’re undertaking renovations in the great outdoors, you’re safe from the threat of asbestos. Well, guess again. This dangerous material was used in a wide array of outdoor furnishings and buildings, such as backyard sheds – so you need to be just as careful when you’re performing DIY tasks in your garden as you would inside.
9) Fences. Continuing with the backyard theme, fences were built using asbestos up until the 1990s. If your fence was constructed in anytime between the 1990s and today, it’s unlikely it will contain this deadly substance. Queensland Asbestos Management Services states that asbestos fences are most likely to be made of “Super Six” fencing – however, there are many forms of asbestos fences, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
10) Vehicles. As with crock pots, you probably won’t be taking apart any vehicles as part of your DIY renovations. Nevertheless, being aware that asbestos can be found in the brakes, hood liners, clutches and gasket material is important – and bears testimony to the fact that asbestos can pretty much be located anywhere.
It’s particularly dangerous in brakes and clutches, as the normal wear-and-tear that comes with driving vehicles can cause these important features of your car to release asbestos fibres – which may then be inhaled by your and your passengers.
Remember, as Asbestos Awareness states, if you’re unsure:
“Don’t cut it! Don’t drill it! Don’t drop it! Don’t sand it! Don’t saw it! Don’t scrape it! Don’t scrub it! Don’t dismantle it! Don’t tip it! Don’t waterblast it! Don’t demolish it! And whatever you do … Don’t dump it!”
Your best course of action in this situation is to get in touch with a licensed asbestos removal contractor. Or, better yet, why don’t you become one yourself?
AlertForce offers a range of asbestos training courses. These include an online awareness course that will provide you with an overview of best practice when it comes to working in an environment that contains asbestos.
In addition to this, AlertForce can help you earn the Remove Non-Friable Asbestos (Class B) and Remove Friable Asbestos (Class A) certificates, so you’ll be qualified to safely identify, assess and manage or remove asbestos from a contaminated site.
For more information about the asbestos training courses we provide, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the friendly team at AlertForce today.
Asbestos and duty of care legislation
As a business owner, you have a responsibility to provide your employees with a safe and healthy environment in which to work.
This involves providing them with safe “plant” (in other words, well-maintained equipment) and processes with which to perform tasks. You must also give your employees adequate facilities (such as clean toilets and eating areas) and keep your workplace in a “safe condition”, according to WorkSafe Victoria.
Finally, you must also ensure your employees have the necessary information, OHS training and supervision so they conduct themselves in a safe and healthy way in the workplace.
These are the basic OHS requirements, expected of every business owner – no matter where their business is located or what industry it operates in.
Of course, each industry comes with its own risks that business owners have a “duty of care” to protect their employees against.
What are duties of care?
If you’re not familiar with the term, duty of care is a requirement imposed on both employers and employees to make sure they and the people around them keep safe in the workplace.
The WA Department of Commerce states that, in general, a duty of care is designed to stop people from being killed, injured or falling ill while performing tasks at work.
For those business owners operating in the construction, engineering, automotive and a variety of other sectors, one of the biggest hazards your employees may come across on a daily basis is asbestos.
As is the case with all other risks in the workplace, you have a duty of care to protect your employees from the dangers of this substance. If you don’t take the correct precautions and your employees, customers or other people in your workplace are exposed to asbestos, the results could be deadly.
What are the duties of care for asbestos?
Because asbestos is so dangerous when its fibres become airborne, there are a number of strict rules and regulations in place concerning the proper way to manage, control and dispose of this substance.
These are outlined in two Codes of Practice, published by Safe Work Australia in December 2011.
1) Have a comprehensive risk management strategy in place.
Before any tasks are performed in an area that contains asbestos, you have a duty of care to put a risk management strategy in place. This involves getting a qualified person to identify the asbestos and organising a list of ways to control the risk it poses.
2) Do everything you can to limit exposure to asbestos.
According to the WHS Act, all persons conducting a business or undertaking (also known as PCBUs) have a duty of care to ensure anyone performing tasks in an area contaminated by asbestos is not exposed to the airborne variety of this substance.
The only exception is when they’re working in an area that has been “enclosed to prevent the release of respirable asbestos fibres and negative pressure is used”.
If completely eliminating a person’s chance of exposure to asbestos is impractical, the WHS Act states that attempts must be made to reduce it as much as possible. This can be achieved in a number of ways, such as:
– Making sure the person working in the asbestos-contaminated area is well informed of the dangers they’re facing.
– Keeping the work area containing asbestos separate from all other work areas and ensuring it’s clearly signposted so people don’t wander into it accidently.
– Employing a qualified person to monitor the air of the work area at all times.
– Providing employees with personal protective equipment (PPE) that meets WHS regulations.
3) Ensure workers’ health is monitored regularly.
All business owners are also required to monitor the health of any employees working in asbestos-contaminated areas on a regular basis. This should be performed under the supervision of a registered medical practitioner who has a sound knowledge of the WHS regulations pertaining to asbestos.
The Code of Practice for “How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace” also states that it’s the responsibility of the business owner to pay for this recurrent health monitoring.
4) Allow only trained employees to manage, control and dispose of asbestos.
Only employees who have undergone the necessary training should be allowed to perform tasks involving asbestos. As a business owner, you have a duty to ensure your staff receive adequate information and asbestos training before they begin work in an asbestos-contaminated area.
It should be noted here that there are different types of asbestos – namely non-friable and friable – which require different methods of removal. Because of this, you will need to make sure your employees undergo the training course that applies to whichever type of asbestos with which they might be coming into contact.
The distinction between non-friable and friable asbestos is this: the former is bonded to another material, such as cement or resin, while the latter is able to be crumbled or reduced to powder. The majority of asbestos found in buildings around the country is non-friable – however, if it becomes damaged, it can release deadly fibres into the air like friable asbestos and put your employees’ health at risk.
AlertForce offers training courses in both removing non-friable asbestos (Class B) and removing friable asbestos (Class A). For more information, make sure you get in touch with our team today!
Asbestos – what’s the risk for DIY Renovators?
In recent years, asbestos has been a prominent subject in Australia. It’s a common feature in the media, with barely a newspaper released without mentioning this deadly fibre.
Engineering firm under fire for breaching asbestos ban
On January 1, for example, the Newcastle Herald published an article on well-known engineering firm, which is currently “under fire” for allowing heavy-rail locomotives containing asbestos to travel from China to Australia.
The story goes that the engineering firm purchased the two heavy-rail locomotives from a manufacturer in China, who certified them as free of asbestos.
However, Michael Borowick – assistant secretary of Australian Customs and Border Protection informed the Newcastle Herald that such certifications are often “not worth the paper they were printed on”.
He added that importers – in this case, the engineering firm – are responsible for the making sure any goods they purchase overseas are well-and-truly asbestos free. The engineering firm is now looking at a fine of up to $850,000.
Many people are well-informed about the dangers of asbestos, but – due to articles such as the one above – regard it as a news-worthy topic that has little or nothing to do with them.
However, they are wrong.
WA man falls through asbestos roof
Take, for instance, an article published by WA Today article on January 3, which revealed a man had fallen through an asbestos roof after tumbling off a scaffold.
WA Today stated it was unable to determine whether the man was a construction worker or merely a DIYer performing some renovations on his own house.
A spokesman for the Department of Fire and Emergency Services, who attended the scene on Andrews Place in Cottesloe, told WA Today the man had been taken down from the asbestos roof and hosed down (in order to remove any lingering asbestos dust).
The area has since been cordoned off to prevent the public from accidentally coming into contact with this dangerous substance.
This just goes to show that anyone can be exposed to asbestos at any time.
What are the risks for DIY renovators?
According to Dr Yates of St Vincent’s Hospital in Sydney, a shocking 61 per cent of DIYers have been exposed to asbestos at some point in their lives.
Her research, which can be found in the Medical Journal of Australia, also shows that only 12 per cent of the DIY renovators who took part in the study were using the correct respiratory protection when working with asbestos-containing materials.
– Do you know if your home is contaminated by asbestos?
One of the most dangerous aspects of asbestos is the vast majority of homeowners do not realise their property is contaminated by it.
Asbestos Awareness reveals that approximately one in three homes around the country contains at least some asbestos. It was a prominent building material before the mid-1980s and used widely in the construction of new homes and during renovation projects.
You often can’t tell whether building materials or other aspects of your home contain asbestos just by looking at them. When left untouched and undamaged, asbestos-containing materials are relatively harmless.
However, as soon as you cut, drill, saw, sand, dismantle, scrub or water blast them, you risk disturbing the asbestos and releasing its deadly fibres into the air.
These can be inhaled and have the potential to cause all sorts of conditions to develop, such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. This final disease is a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lung – as of yet, there is no cure for it.
– Do you know where asbestos can be found in and around the home?
Another risk for DIY renovators is that, even if they do know that asbestos could be present in their property, they don’t know where it might be found.
There are a few common misperceptions surrounding asbestos that may lead even cautious DIYers to make a deadly mistake.
For instance, the Asbestos Education Committee and the Asbestos Diseases Research Institute claim that many people believe that only fibro homes are in danger of being contaminated by asbestos.
This is not the case. It was used in almost every type of property imaginable before the 1980s, including clad, weatherboard and even brick homes.
That’s not all – a lot of people have no idea just how many products asbestos was used in. You won’t just find it in the internal walls and ceiling of your property – it could be almost anywhere.
The official Asbestos Awareness Month website reveals that it could be present in cement flooring, on the underside of tiles, in the flues of fireplaces and even in your kitchen splashback!
In addition to this, many people do not realise that asbestos was often used when constructing or renovating outdoor products, such as dog kennels, fences, gutters, sheds and as backing for electrical meter boards.
– Are you performing renovations after a natural disaster?
Over the past few years, Australia has been subject to more than its fair share of natural disasters.
These severe weather events have not only damaged and destroyed many homes around the country, but also put many people at risk of being exposed to asbestos when they attempt to put their properties and their lives back together again.
On January 2, for instance, WA Today published an article that revealed ex-tropical cyclone Christine had “dislodged or damaged” many building materials containing asbestos as it swept through towns such as Pilbara, exposing the residents of these areas to this deadly substance.
Laine McDonald, asbestos lawyer for Slater and Gordon, said that anyone cleaning up their properties – whether they be homes, businesses or other structures – could be at risk of exposure.
This goes for any town affected by a natural disaster. If you begin renovations without taking the proper precautions, you are putting yourself and your neighbours at risk.
How can you protect yourself from exposure to asbestos?
Asbestos Awareness recommends not performing any DIY tasks until you know your property is not contaminated with asbestos.
There is only one way to find out for sure if your home contains asbestos or not, and that’s by sending a sample of the building material you intend to work with to the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) and getting it tested.
Many towns, such as Pilbara (mentioned above), have their own asbestos handling and removal safety procedures in place, too. So, make sure you contact your local council before starting work and make sure you get the relevant approval – or, if necessary, call the experts in.
If you’re a frequent DIYer or are going to be performing renovations on your property in future, you may also want to undertake asbestos awareness training with AlertForce.
We offer an online course that you can complete quickly, which will give you a good overview of the Codes of Practice and Work Health and Safety Regulations that have been put in place for those working in asbestos-contaminated areas.
AlertForce can also provide nationally recognised asbestos training courses for removing both types of asbestos (non-friable and friable), as well as courses for people who want to be able to supervise asbestos removal.
Uninformed Campbell Residents Upset Over Asbestos Removal
Residents living near the Campbell section 5 development in Canberra’s north are angry they have been given no warnings about the removal of asbestos from the site.
Contractors wearing protection suits have been helping to move piles of dirt from the fenced-off area near the corner of Constitution Avenue and Creswell Street.
Local resident Fiona Cotton says the only warning was a few small signs along the fence.
“There’s a lot of publicity about Mesothelioma and airborne (asbestos) particles,” she said.
“Now these workers are accredited asbestos removalists but I just think the main issue is that we’ve got no assurances about what is going on.
“We should have been informed so we could drive the other way to avoid the area.”
The asbestos contamination is thought to have been caused by builders rubble dumped during the 1950s.
Another neighbour Mark Anderson says few details have been released by the Land Development Agency (LDA) which is overseeing the project on ACT Government land.
“We knew that this material was going to be removed from the site at some stage,” he said.
“What we didn’t expect was that it would start without any advice to the people who live around.
“There’s been a lot of high wind days for the past few weeks and I can’t see much evidence of dust suppression although I did see a water truck there this morning.”
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-12/campbell-residents-angry-about-asbestos-removal-at-nearby-site/5152628
Asbestos Discovered At Bechtel LNG
Occupational Health and Safety Queensland is looking into the discovery of asbestos at Bechtel’s Australia Pacific LNG site where union reps are reporting that Bechtel refused to allow workers to water the area for safety.
However, a Bechtel representative stated that it was not necessary to water down the area since all materials were bonded in cement thus preventing any friable asbestos from being released.
WHSQ representatives labeled the site as safe for work to go on throughout the weekend, however the affected area will stay restricted under state procedures.
This is not the first instance of asbestos concerns in Curtis Island LNG projects.
Nearly 100 electrical workers suffered asbestos exposure from prefabricated buildings that were imported from overseas last year.
Now asbestos has been reportedly discovered in mulch from the Rockhampton tip.
Asbestos is currently banned on any Bechtel or ConnocoPhillips projects so internal investigations have commenced.
According to a spokesperson for the company, small pieces of “bonded cement sheeting” were discovered inside a product used for sediment control.
Bechtel Gladstone general manager Kevin Berg said “We want a safe and healthy work environment for all our people and together, we work relentlessly every day to achieve that,”
Source: http://www.gladstoneobserver.com.au/news/asbestos-concern-at-bechtel/2110006/
Campaign Launched To Remove Asbestos From Community Buildings
Today marks the final day of Asbestos Awareness Month, which aims to educate and create awareness about the dangers of asbestos in Australia.
Minister for Community Services and Parks and Wildlife Bess Price said an Asbestos Removal Program had been developed which will continue in the Northern Territory next year.
“The Department of Community Services is rolling out a $19 million community Asbestos Removal Program over three years,” Mrs Price said.
“This will remove over 9200 square metres of asbestos material from public buildings across remote communities.
“Throughout the three year program, asbestos will be removed from community buildings.
“Tenders have been assessed and the successful tenderer will be announced early December.
“This engagement includes training and employment of local Aboriginal people and 20 per cent local development and engagement of local employment and contracts within the communities.”
The Parks and Wildlife Commission also has an asbestos removal program to deal with asbestos in our parks and reserves.
“This program is a rolling program, with almost half a million to be spent this year in removing asbestos related materials from parks and reserves,” Mrs Price said.
“The main priority of both programs is to minimise the long term health impacts that result from asbestos fibres in the environment.
“A major part of both programs is the consultations with stakeholders and local employment and training.
“The NT Government has also formed an intra-government Asbestos Management Working Group to look at a whole of government approach to asbestos management.”
Source: http://newsroom.nt.gov.au/index.cfm?fuseaction=viewRelease&id=11796&d=5
Asbestos To Be Removed From Old Bus Depot Roofing
The old bus depot in Kingston is expected to get airtight walls and barriers installed while asbestos ridden roofing is being removed at the start of the new year.
The upper hall will reportedly be closed for the duration of approximately five weeks while the cement roof sheeting is removed. Roof replacement will be concluded towards the end of April of next year.
The bus depot markets will continue to be in operation while the work is being conducted, but stallholders will move from the upperdeck to the Fitter’s Workshop and northern Annexe which is now known as the Lakeside gallery.
Land Development Agency chief executive David Dawes revealed that the project is expected to cost $2.64 million and will require extra work to be done such as demolishing the nearby asbestos-contaminated former morgue. The land from the demolition is expected to be used for residential purposes.
An asbestos assessor will oversee the removal while bus depot will remain closed to the public.
All the replacements will be installed prior to the actual removal of the asbestos. Air-monitoring equipment will be put into place in order to keep an eye on the air quality while the asbestos is being removed.
Source: http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/airtight-barriers-for-removal-of-kingston-bus-depot-markets-asbestos-roof-20131218-2zlng.html#ixzz2nx3NtzsV
Telstra Pit Asbestos Still Endangering the Public
A communications union has raised concerns regarding work done by a Telstra contractor after asbestos was discovered within the proximity of a recently replaced telecommunications pit.
Telstra’s National Broadband Network (NBN) roll out included pits that were discovered to contain asbestos.
Coutts Contracting is currently under investigation, since they had been put in charge of replacing dozens of pits in Caboolture and Morayfield between August 2011 and October 2012.
Recently a piece of asbestos was found near a replaced pit in front of a house in Morayfield.
Phil Hughes, a representative for the Communication Workers Union says that it is unclear how long the piece has been there. He is concerned because it’s dry and is potentially very dangerous as the sun breaks it down and exposes the fibres.
He alleges that pieces of asbestos were left in the ground and simply covered with a thin layer of land fill. He said that the contaminated soil is under only about an inch of soil, which means it will eventually work its way up to the surface of the ground, endangering the community.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-19/union-concerns-over-asbestos-found-at-telstra-work-site/5167488
ACTU Issues Press Release Re: Illegal Asbestos Imports
Tougher policing of imports described as asbestos free is urgently needed by the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
As shown on last night’s 730 Report, and the subject of Union concerns over a long period, the inadequacy of importation controls, especially those applying to China are allowing products such as locomotives and motor vehicles containing white asbestos to be imported into Australia.
“Asbestos causes cancer, it’s that simple,” ACTU Assistant Secretary Michael Borowick said.
“Australia has a decade old ban on the importation of asbestos to protect the community from its harmful effects that isn’t being enforced.
“Importers have been duty bound since December 2003 to not import anything containing asbestos yet it is still happening and to make matters worse, the regulator isn’t doing its job and enforcing the ban.
“It is well established that imports from China, particularly freight trains and motor vehicles contain asbestos components.
“Tragically, asbestos has been discovered only after workers had been exposed during an engine repair.
“Last year, despite around 25,000 motor vehicles found to contain asbestos being imported from China by Ateco no prosecution by the regulator took place.
“These are complete failures by the regulator who should have identified the asbestos before the vehicles and trains were allowed into Australia.
“There are a growing number of unacceptable breaches of the asbestos ban occurring under the watch of the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, and something needs to be done.
“If nothing is done, more workers and members of the community will needlessly be put at risk.
“The Government must urgently provide greater resources to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service to ensure they are equipped to enforce the ban.’
Source: http://www.actu.org.au/media/mediareleases/IllegalasbestosimportsputtingAustraliansatrisk.aspx
Pro-Tip: Do not Ask Children To Stack Asbestos Sheets
When Dale Alcock was growing up in the Wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin, one after-school chore was stacking asbestos sheets in his family’s hardware yard.
It seemed innocent at the time, but after the building mogul lost his father Dennis to mesothelioma almost four years ago, the gravity of the situation dawned on him.
“Often with asbestos disease you tend to find out in the twilight of a person’s life, so in my father’s situation, when he was diagnosed to when he passed away was six months,” Mr Alcock said. “There is always a lingering concern in the back of your mind about Dad could be the first one in the family to get it, what about everyone else?”
Mr Alcock describes mesothelioma as the “black cloud” hanging over the building industry.
After his father died, he put forward a proposal for the Housing Industry Association to set up a charitable foundation to help improve the health and wellbeing of those in the industry.
The foundation yesterday handed over its first cheque to the National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases to fund cutting-edge research into mesothelioma.
Mr Alcock, his wife Jan and Alcock Brown-Neaves Group donated $325,000 to the cause, WA Charity Direct contributed $25,000 and an extra $50,000 came from fundraising.
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Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/a/-/wa/20162871/alcock-bid-to-nail-mesothelioma/
Premier Closes Road Leading To Asbestos Mine
The Acting Premier has announced the closure of the road that passes through the derelict Woodsreef Asbestos Mine at Barraba.
Andrew Stoner says the public health risks to keep open the road, known as Crow Mountain Road, are far too high with deposits of Chrysotile, or white asbestos considered to be a carcinogen, present at the Woodsreef mine.
The mine is managed as part of the New South Wales Derelict Mines Program.
Andrew Stoner says processed friable asbestos material stockpiled throughout the mine site, and the expert advice received by the Woodsreef Mine Taskforce, indicate it is unsafe.
“In addition to this, tailings material containing asbestos has been deposited on the surface of Mine Road and subsequently disturbed by passing vehicles,” he said in a statement.
The Acting Premier says he is aware that some Barraba residents wish to keep the road open, but he says the state government would breach its public duty if it took any other course of action.
A scoping study report has rejected construction of an alternate access route around the derelict mine, saying the existing road network is sufficient.
Andrew Stoner says the NSW government has accepted this advice.
Nationals’ Member for Tamworth, Kevin Anderson, says he is disappointed with the decision, but says he understands the reasons behind the closure.
The recommendation for the road closure was made in 2011.
Residents of Barraba have registered their anger at the decision, saying their suggestions about the future of the road have been ignored.
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Railway Workers Fear Potential Asbestos Exposure
Railway workers have been exposed to potentially hazardous asbestos after the deadly dust was found in locomotives brought in from China.
The breach of a 10-year ban on the import of products containing the carcinogenic fibre is not the first incident of its kind.
Unions are now demanding tougher policing of Chinese imports, describing the current asbestos-free certificates as a farce.
Last year freight carrier SCT imported 10 locomotives made by China Southern Rail (CSR) to tow iron ore bound for China to port.
To comply with the decade-old Australian ban on asbestos imports, they were certified asbestos-free. However, this was not the case.
National secretary of the Rail, Tram and Bus Union Bob Nanva says maintenance workers raised concerns about the dust.
“We had our maintenance workers repairing a number of diesel engines,” he said.
“They identified a lot of white dust among those engines and asked the question as to whether or not that dust was safe.”
The workers’ concerns were justified. White asbestos – or chrysotile – was found throughout the locomotives, in insulation around the exhaust and muffler system, around coolant pipes and in the brake exhaust section near the roof of the driver’s cabin.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-26/chinese-imports-spark-railway-worker-asbestos-scare/5118242
Asbestos Discovered At Children’s Centre
The deadly building material was found by tree planters who were working at the Greensborough childcare centre.
Areas throughout the children’s centre were cordoned off in order to allow an immediate clean up to be conducted following the asbestos discovery in October. Parents were informed a day later by letter, that asbestos was disturbed during the tree planting session.
A letter sent to parents the day after the incident said concrete sheeting which contained asbestos was disturbed during gardening works.
The manager of Banyule’s Youth and Family Services, Giovanna Failla, revealed that no asbestos fibres were released into the air and subsequent air-quality tests showed no air-particles were present.
However reports have emerged that some are concerned about the continuous risks to children and staff who have been attending the centre.The allegations even posit that the discovery was covered up and the initially discovered asbestos was not adequately removed.
Banyule Council spokeswoman Fiona Athersmith revealed that a hole was being dug when the asbestos was uncovered.
“As the cement sheet segments were buried in the ground there was no release of fibres into the air and there would have been none in the past while children were in the playground,” Athersmith said.
She dismissed further concerns of exposure by stating that the centre plans on planting in raised garden beds so as to avoid any below ground digging.
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Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/asbestos-found-at-joyce-avenue-childrens-centre-in-greensborough/story-fnglenug-1226782527718
Illegal Asbestos Dumping At Dungowan Valley Prompts Warnings
Following the illegal dumping of asbestos in Dungowan Valley, fresh warnings have emerged, informing offenders of the heavy fines or potential incarceration.
One could be fined up to $1 million or jailed for seven years if caught illegally dumping the deadly material.
Most recently a high profile case involved 15 bags of asbestos that was found hidden in long grass in Tamworth.
Tamworth Regional Council’s health and environment manager Ross Briggs revealed that several discoveries of asbestos were made in the area.
The incident reportedly cost the council and the community about $2500 to cover the investigation and safely remove the asbestos.
“It’s just so irresponsible,” he said. “There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos, so anyone who comes into contact with it faces a potential health risk, not to mention the related possible environmental problems.”
Mr Briggs said the council was trying capitalize on last month being Asbestos Awareness Month to try to clear up some common misconceptions regarding the deadly building material.
He said a common misconception is that legal asbestos dumping is prohibitively expensive.
“However, this is not the case,” he said. “The cost for asbestos disposal at Tamworth Waste Management Centre of Forest Rd is as little as $13 for a pre-paid disposal bag.”
Source: http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/1941742/asbestos-dumped-at-dungowan/
Asbestos Concerns Delays Marine Base Demolition
Asbestos concerns have delayed the demolition of the former Ulladulla Marine Rescue base, which was severely damaged in fire two months ago.
Base commander Ken Lambert said a series of tests detected trace amounts of asbestos which resulted in the postponement of a bulldozer intended to demolish the building.
Additional tests have been clear which has subsequently necessitated further testing to verify the recent results and permit the demolition of the building.
Lambert said everything that still held value, had since been removed from the site. The discovery of asbestos comes following a host of asbestos related incidents going into Asbestos Month in November.
Lambert remarked that they Marine Rescue had received an overwhelming amount of support from the community since the fire.
Source: http://www.ulladullatimes.com.au/story/1947767/marine-rescue-helped/?cs=12
Asbestos Safety Requires Constant Vigilance
Thousands upon thousands of Australians will be diagnosed with a deadly asbestos -related lung disease throughout the next two decades, according to recently published research.
This frightening statistic certainly highlights just how dangerous and life changing exposure to the deadly building material can be.
Australia has one of the highest per-capita rates of asbestos-related lung diseases. Some of the types of diseases brought on by asbestos-exposure are Mesothelioma, Asbestosis and lung cancer.
A recent upsurge in asbestos talk, has resulted in November being heralded as Asbestos Awareness Month– a time to remember that the deadly material is still a very present danger in our homes, and in our communities.
Do-it-yourself home renovations also carry a heavy risk considering the prominent use of asbestos prior to late 1980s.
One asbestos fibre is potentially enough to cause disease several years onward.
It is important constantly be vigilant when encountering asbestos, and keep an eye out for it.
One must never handle asbestos themselves, and instead should contact a licensed expert who can safely rid the area of danger.
Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1945161/always-be-wary-of-the-dangers-of-asbestos/?cs=64
Local Asbestos Removal Firm Slapped With Fine
A local environmental clean-up firm was slapped with a citation following what said to be the improper handling of asbestos at Myrtle Point High School.
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality hit the firm with a $48,000 penalty a month ago, for failing to properly wet friable asbestos material during a summer asbestos removal project at the school.
Koos Environmental, the asbestos abatement contractor, was also penalised for failing to use a negative pressure enclosure while conducting the removal on pipe insulation. The nature of this specific type of removal required the firm to use the wet-system to reduce the potential of dangerous asbestos fibres being released into the air.
When the deadly material is not wetted, the DEQ says the firm put their workers at the high risk of exposure to dangerous asbestos fibres— the material known to cause lung cancer, asbestosis and of course, mesothelioma.
This week, Koos Environmental appealed DEQ’s citation and will soon meet with state staff to discuss options for resolving the penalty.
Source : http://theworldlink.com/news/local/improper-asbestos-cleanup-at-high-school-results-in-citation/article_0b814972-5ece-11e3-b567-0019bb2963f4.html
Asbestos-Cancer Continues To Plague The Nation, But A New Hope Might Have Emerged!
A local asbestos group believes the deaths from mesothelioma will soon rise above ovarian and skin cancers.
Vicki Hamilton from GARDS cites the rising rates of asbestos-related diseases in Gippsland as an example.
Hamilton’ comments came as Asbestos Awareness Week came to a ceremonial wrap on Friday.
Two men reportedly made an appearance at the event and spoke about their diagnosis.
“Been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which I’ve got say was really tragic the other day, the gentlemen that walked in, it was all his effort to hold back the tears as he told me what is wrong with him and it’s a devastating diagnosis to get,” she said.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-02/group-fears-rising-asbestos-related-deaths/5128142
A RAY of Light For Mesothelioma Suffers
A new treatment for mesothelioma may offer victims a glimmer of hope according to researchers.
The new treatment reportedly uses bacterial mini cells which lack genetic information and thus do not carry messenger sells into mesothelioma tumours. Scientists are confident the treatment is halting the growth of cancer in animals.
“Over the course of the experiment, which was about a month in duration, we found that the tumours didn’t increase in size at all,” said senior researcher Doctor Glen Reid.
“We find that the growth of the tumours is strongly repressed,” he said.
“So this is quite an exciting discovery, that micro RNA’s themselves can inhibit the growth of a tumour in an animal.”
Source:http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-30/ray-of-hope-for-sufferers-of-asbestos-disease-mesothelioma/5126600
Kindergarten Closed Due to Asbestos Risk
A kindergarten in Kyntown was close for a week after two small fragments of asbestos were discovered in the playground
The fragments were reportedly the size of a 50 cent piece.
Whole the original source of the asbestos is not currently known, the Macedon Ranges Shire Council clarified that it was not part of the existing kindergarten building.
The council is looking into how the material made its way on to the site or whether they are remnants of a previous building.
Community well-being director Karen Stevens said the discovery was surprising since the building had been cleared of asbestos prior to recent upgrades
“We are deeply concerned that this material has been found, given that all asbestos had been safely removed from the building before the renovations started earlier this year,” she said.
“A soil test was also done in late 2012 which did not identify any asbestos.
“We are confident that the material has not come from the existing building.
“They resemble pieces of roof tile which are not part of the existing building.”
Parents were notified on Friday evening that the kindergarten would be closed this week.
Ms Stevens said council was aware of the disruption this would cause to families, but that children’s safety was paramount.
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Source: http://www.bendigoadvertiser.com.au/story/1902531/asbestos-found-in-playground/
November is Asbestos Awareness Month
This month marks Asbestos Awareness Month and the last week will have activities aimed at raising awareness within the public of the people who suffer or have died from asbestos-related diseases.
Now is the time for the public to me educated and aware of the risks associated with asbestos exposure– primarily in relation to Do-It-Yourself home renovations.
Of prime concern is the third wave of asbestos victims with marginal exposures who despite their short intense exposures, can be at a tremendous risk of developing mesothelioma.
Concerns were heightened this year as the community witnessed the disturbance of asbestos throughout the states Telstra pits during the NBN rollout.
Considering its once prominent use in a variety of industries, asbestos persists as an unwitting danger to the community.
This month is of particular importance considering Australia’s record of the highest per-capita rates of asbestos-related illnesses worldwide.
On average, approximately two Australians are diagnosed with the deadly asbestos-related cancer, Mesothelioma. This terminal cancer is aggressive and caused by exposure to the deadly material.
Unfortunately, the illness can take many years — between 10 and 50– to manifest itself.
If one is contemplating a DIY project it is of extreme importance that they undertake the proper safety measures to protect their loved ones and the wider-community.
More info on Asbestos Training
Source: http://www.thecourier.com.au/story/1920495/a-time-to-raise-awareness-about-asbestos-exposure/
5 effective ways to manage asbestos in the workplace
Although changes in construction regulations have ruled out the use of asbestos for some decades now, the hazardous material is still rife in old buildings around Australia.
A worrying issue is that many people – even supposedly professional, qualified workers – are not thinking enough about asbestos removal best practices. The health risks involved with poor asbestos management simply cannot be ignored, with the deadly mesothelioma strain of cancer a common result of asbestos exposure.
According to Asbestos.com, Australia has the second highest rate of asbestos-related mesothelioma deaths in the world, behind only the United Kingdom. Due to Australia’s extensive history of asbestos use in a range of industries, over 10,000 people have died from the disease in this country since the 1980s.
Many workers today still face asbestos exposure as part of their day-to-day work, meaning the threat remains at large. However, greater asbestos awareness over the years means there are now better measures in place to limit the effects of this occupational health and safety hazard.
What are some of the most important steps your business should be taking to manage asbestos in the workplace?
1. Take asbestos assessment training
One of the best ways to reduce the risks of asbestos exposure in your workplace is to ensure you have experts in your own team. By getting some of your staff to complete certified asbestos removal courses, you will have in-house specialists who have the know-how to deal with this OHS hazard.
AlertForce offers comprehensive, nationally recognised asbestos courses to get your staff up to speed with asbestos best practices. Your employees can benefit from a range of modules covering both friable and non-friable asbestos removal, in addition to asbestos assessment and supervision methods.
Effective asbestos management begins with the very people that keep your business running, so make a wise investment by signing up to these training courses.
2. Know the law
Having a good understanding of the national and state laws surrounding the use and removal of asbestos can give you the knowledge required to manage it safely.
For example, the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007 provides some very clear guidelines on the obligations employers hold with regards to asbestos handling. The regulations state that managers and anyone who has control over a workplace have the duty to control their employees’ exposure to airborne asbestos fibres.
Additionally, the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 outlines some key prohibitions surrounding the practical handling of asbestos, covering areas such as tools and equipment, protective clothing and who is actually allowed to carry out removal work.
By having a firm handle on the rules and guidelines surround asbestos management, your workplace can ensure it is keeping its employees safe while operating within the boundaries of the law.
3. Keep an asbestos register
You should ensure that is applicable, you place of work has an up-to-date asbestos register in place.
Required by law for any building that was built before December 31 2003, or where the presence of asbestos has been identified, a register keeps track of where in the building asbestos is located and the nature of the risk pertaining to the individual building.
Keeping an accurate register means the general public as well as your own workers are aware of the asbestos risk of your workplace.
4. Make sure you know how to identify asbestos
When working with any building, you should make sure you are aware of the techniques and processes involved in identifying its asbestos.
According to Safe Work Australia’s Asbestos Code of Practice, a thorough asbestos assessment covers a range of bases. For a start, you should look at when the building itself was constructed. While asbestos bans in Australia formally commenced in the 1980s, the use of asbestos in construction was not completely abolished until December 2003.
Therefore, even buildings that were built near the turn of the millennium have the potential to carry an asbestos risk, so if you are unsure of its history, you should get it checked out.
You should also investigate factors such as which materials were used in construction and whether any refurbishments and redevelopments were carried out, and if so, when.
It can also be wise to speak to those who helped design the building and to people who have formerly worked there, as they can provide background information on its history.
5. Use the right tools, equipment and clothing
There are some tools and equipment that shouldn’t be used in any environment containing asbestos. For example, Safe Work Australia states that high-pressure water sprays and compressed air must not be used on asbestos.
Appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) must also be provided to anyone working with asbestos. This includes disposable coveralls, footwear and gloves, as it is generally safer to completely dispose of clothing after asbestos exposure rather than washing it.
Asbestos may still be a common workplace hazard in Australia, but with the right mindset and tactics in place to manage it, you can greatly enhance the safety of your workforce.
National Forum To Be Held On Asbestos Awareness
In conjunction with this month being Asbestos Awareness Month, a National Asbestos Forum will be held in Sydney to highlight various asbestos safety issues plaguing the nation.
The forum will be the first of its kind and will involve the Asbestos Education Committee, the City of Sydney and the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
Australia has one the highest instances of asbestos-related diseases (such as mesothelioma) in the world and the number continues to rise despite preventative measures that have been in place for nearly three decades.
The forum will highlight issues relating to raising awareness about the dangers of asbestos, and how communities and organisations can work together to combat the health and safety risks of asbestos. Furthermore, presentations will be held showcasing current medical research advances, as well as the correct disposal practices for the deadly material. Lastly, a presentation will highlight the risks associated with asbestos removal in particular situations with a case study on telecomm. pits.
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Source: http://www.seniorau.com.au/index.php/more-seniorau-news/4442-inaugural-national-asbestos-awareness-forum
Carpet Factory Asbestos Clean-up Questioned
The local community is concerned with the asbestos removal work that is taking place at the old Tascot carpet factory in East Davenport.
The Davenport City Council heard several issues that were raised at last week’s meeting. Chief among the complaints were concerning truckloads of materials that were taken to the site. Residents stated that they grew even more concerned when an asbestos warning sign appeared on the fence.
The community is eager to know what exactly is happening and one resident has questioned whether or not the council was informed of the demolition of the factory or the cost of it.
Other concerns raised included the fact the gate was left unlocked while work was being carried out and anyone could walk in if they so desired.
Acting council general manager Matthew Atkins confirmed reports that the workers were carrying out asbestos removal at the factory.
He added that only repairs and maintenance would be conducted at the site as no other permits have been given out. Mayor Steve Martin jumped on this point, confirming that the current plans are to keep the site zoned as residential.
Alderman Martin said Workplace Standards Tasmania heading the removal of asbestos.
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Source: http://www.theadvocate.com.au/story/1917235/tascot-carpet-factory-asbestos-removal-questioned/
Asbestos Safety Remains An Hot Topic For Councils
Cancer Council WA and the Health Department have collaborated on an initiative to help home renovators learn to how properly identify and handle asbestos . This move comes following recent concerns that nearly half of West Australians would have difficulty identify hazardous materials.
The council and the Health Department have launched a free online course which will teach DIY renovators where to locate asbestos, how to safely handle and dispose of it, and how to access information regarding asbestos-related diseases.
With a rise in home renovations, there are worries that a large amount of people will be resorted to a less expensive option of DIY renovation, without being away of the potential dangers of asbestos.
Of note, is the fact that Australia has the highest per-capita rate of asbestos-related diseases in the world.
In other asbestos news, Newcastle Council Environmental Officers have been swamped with responding to reports of illegal asbestos dumping at Minmi Road Wallsend.
The trailer was found dumped on a vacant lot near the Caltex Service Station.
Officers are en rout to deal with the waste and move it to their Summerhill waste facility for analysis.
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Source: http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/lifestyle/19962931/home-renovators-urged-to-learn-about-asbestos/
http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2013/11/13/asbestos-illegally-dumped-in-wallsend/
Kogarah Council Successful in Illegal Asbestos Dump Prosecution
Kogarah Council intends to continue the prosecution of unlawful asbestos dumpers following its first win in the Land and Environment Court where a defendant was fined $35,000 in penalties.
A spokesperson for the council said the incident in question involved the dumping of 16 large boxes laden with fibro-asbestos sheeting. The deadly material was dumped throughout four streets in the Kogarah region.
“A vehicle registration number was identified at one of the dumping sites and was traced to the residential address of the dumper,” she said. “At the property, boxes which were identical to the 16 dumped boxes were found and a garage on which fibro-asbestos sheeting was being replaced with cladding.
“The fibro-asbestos found at the property was tested and found to be identical to that which was dumped unlawfully.”
The accused pleaded guilty and the court ordered them to pay out $20,000 in addition to covering the council’s legal costs and the cost of removing the dumped asbestos.
The spokesperson said this was the first incident of unlawful asbestos dumping in the region that was successfully prosecuted in the Land and Environment Court.
“The severity of the penalty imposed reflects the seriousness of the offence, with the magistrate recognising the potentially dangerous effects of asbestos dumping,” she said.
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Source: http://www.theleader.com.au/story/1900211/asbestos-conviction/
Illegal Asbestos Dumping Costs Tens of Thousands of Dollars
The Lake Macquarie Council recently revealed that illegal asbestos dumping can cost upwards of $10,000 each time someone is required to remove it.
The council is currently looking into an illegal dumping of approximately three cubic metres of the deadly material close to Dora Creek.
Rangers were directed to the site following reports of suspicious activity from a member of the community.
Keith Stevenson, waste manager for the council, stated that illegal dumping costs the organisation hundreds of thousands of dollars and it is unacceptable. He reported that the financial toll often reaches about $300,000 per year.
“In relation to an asbestos site, it can be anywhere between $5,000 and $10,000 depending on the amount of asbestos removed, and the condition it’s in.
“So if it’s spread across a large area it make it harder to remove. He says this is the reason the costs often raise significantly.
“It’s not a case of just sending in a council crew.”
Mr Stevenson is calling for anyone who witnesses illegal dumping to immediately notify the organisation.
“Certainly anyone who observes anybody dumping waste, or particularly asbestos, they certainly don’t need to approach the people but get as much information as they can.
“We have a dedicated officer that will pretty much pursue that straight away.
He says the cost to the environment and the community is too high and now they are left with having to remove the deadly substance.
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-11-22/asbestos-dumped-in-lake-macquarie/5109902
Asbestos Endangers Children in Two Separate Incidents This Week
Authorities are warning the public that a magic toy sold online and at the Royal Melbourne Show could potentially expose purchasers to deadly asbestos fibres.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) says the gimmick wallets which release a large flame when opened, have been marketed and sold as a novelty or magic prop.
The ACCC conducted tests on a small number of the fire wallets following a complaint, and it was discovered to contain some asbestos.
The wallets were reportedly sold on eBay in addition to this years Royal Melbourne Show. Consumers are advised that the fire wallets may contain asbestos and are subsequently hazardous.
The eBay trader, All Media Collectables, informed the ACC that all fire wallets have been recalled and affected customers have been contacted.
Those who have purchased the wallets have been advised to double-bag it in durable plastic bags, store it out of reach of children and contact the ACCC on safe disposal guidelines.
NSW government to trial waste levy repeal
The NSW government’s decision to repeal the waste levy for a trial period of 12 months has been welcomed by the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency.
This levy was charged at tips and landfills across NSW, and acted as a deterrent for people who wanted to dispose of asbestos safely.
According to the Herald Sun, the charge was approximately $107.80 per tonne in Sydney and $53.70 per tonne in the more remote parts of NSW.
To avoid paying the waste levy, many opted to dispose of asbestos in the streets, bushland and other public areas.
The most notorious example of this occurred last year, when a “shonky builder” dumped asbestos near a daycare centre in the middle of Sydney.
Peter Tighe, chief executive officer of the Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency, said that scrapping the waste levy would prevent this sort of activity from ever happening again, as well as raise asbestos awareness throughout NSW.
“This is a great decision by the NSW state government and I would encourage other state and territory jurisdictions to watch closely the results of this trial,” he said.
“If the results are good then there will certainly be an argument for consideration to be given to a national roll out of similar measures over time.”
Mr Tighe added that a number of other steps are being taken, not only in NSW but around the country, to ensure people understand best practices when it comes to asbestos removal and disposal.
For example, WA is another state looking to remove its waste levy.
It’s also Asbestos Awareness Month, which encourages Australians to “think smart, think safe” when it comes to asbestos and equips themselves with the knowledge and skills to manage this dangerous substance in a safe and effective way.
National Asbestos Awareness Month is underway
Australia’s inaugural national Asbestos Awareness Month has kicked off, and WorkSafe has taken the opportunity to remind Western Australians about the dangers associated with this material.
Lex McCulloch, WorkSafe WA commissioner, noted that the month had extra significance for residents and workers in the state as it has a history with asbestos.
“Unfortunately we have the sad legacy of Wittenoom to remind us of the potential hazards of asbestos, but this has served to give us a strong commitment to the future safety and health of all Western Australians,” Mr McCulloch said in a November 4 statement.
He pointed out that asbestos was used in almost every home built before 1987, so it is safe to assume that many homes contain some level of asbestos unless they were built after that year.
In addition, he expressed concern that not enough people are taking enough precautions when carrying out DIY maintenance or renovation work on their homes. This is despite the strict licensing requirements in Western Australia regarding who can safely carry out asbestos removal.
“There is still a large amount of asbestos in WA and we need to ensure that anyone who may come in contact with it is aware of the potential for serious health effects,” he said.
Asbestos Awareness Month, which runs throughout the entirety of November, aims to educate Australians on the dangers of asbestos when working on homes and encourage them to seek information on safely managing it.
WorkSafe cited a survey that shows 60 per cent of DIY renovators reported exposure to asbestos while working, and highlights the fact that Australia leads the world in terms of asbestos-related deaths.
Western Australians – and indeed everyone around the country – are therefore urged to ensure their asbestos assessment know-how is up to date and heed the month’s motto: “Don’t play renovation roulette!”
Council and firm reprimanded over asbestos risk
A council body and a decorating firm in the UK have both been fined after exposing workers to dangerous asbestos fibres.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported on October 31 that the council had enlisted the services of the decorating firm to refurbish a community centre last year.
Instead of allowing a licensed contractor to remove the building’s asbestos insulation boards under controlled conditions, the council sent staff from the decorators to perform the work. The hazardous material was subsequently spread around the site by the staff, posing a serious threat to everyone on site.
Additionally, it transpired that the council had previously conducted a survey of the building, highlighting the presence of asbestos and its risks, but had failed to relay this information to the firm. The firm had also been negligent in not assessing the insulation boards to check for the presence of asbestos.
As a result, the council was fined a total of AUS$16,900 and ordered to pay extra costs of over AUS$2,000.
HSE Inspector Paul Cooper offered his judgment on the matter, which is especially pertinent to industries in Australia as national Asbestos Awareness Month gets underway.
“Refurbishment and demolition work must be planned and carefully thought through, especially where asbestos may be present,” he said.
He noted that the council should have planned its work better to eliminate the risk of asbestos exposure to workers, and the decorating firm should also have undertaken an assessment of the risks posed by its work at the centre. Instead, it had failed to fulfil “its responsibilities as a contractor and employer to protect those on site.”
“As a result of these failures [the decorating firm’s] employees, and potentially other tradesmen on site, were exposed to harmful asbestos fibres,” Mr Cooper concluded.
Macedon Resident Battles Asbestos Related Cancer
Macedon resident Louise Williams has asbestos related cancer. She has lived with it for 10 years. LOU Williams credits the quiet and relaxing surrounds of Barringo for defying one of the most aggressive cancers of all. The 58-year-old (pictured) has had mesothelioma, commonly known as asbestos cancer, for 10 years. The cancer, linked to the now banned building product asbestos, attacks the lungs, turning them as hard as concrete and, in doing so, crushing other organs.
Ms Williams is in a one per cent segment of mesothelioma sufferers who have warded off the disease for so long. She is in her third major round of treatment, after a relapse earlier this year sent her back into a chemotherapy program. “I’ve had symptoms for 12 years, but I was first diagnosed 10 years ago when I was given two months to live,” Ms Williams said. “In August, my oncologist put me on another round of chemotherapy after the cancer came back to my heart and other lung.”
Ms Williams moved to the Macedon Ranges from Tasmania after her diagnosis, believing if she had only a short time left, she should live somewhere beautiful. She has been a passionate advocate for sufferers, campaigning for many years alongside Bernie Banton, who challenged James Hardie over their liability. “Our big awareness push is making home renovators aware of the presence of asbestos in their homes and urging them to be wary and remove and dispose of it properly,”
Ms Williams said. “There is a national register for people to record instances of exposure and renovators need to be aware asbestos fibres can be found in old putties and other building materials that date to the 1980s.” Asbestos campaigners are now pushing for subsidies for the removal and disposal of the substance to be offered by the federal government. Ms Williams plans to accept an award for her campaigning in Washington in March.
Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/leader/north/asbestos-campaigner-and-mesothelioma-sufferer-lou-williams-credits-barringo-with-keeping-her-alive/story-fnglenug-1226757549441
Bushfires trigger asbestos awareness warning
A state of emergency has been declared in New South Wales this month, as high temperatures and strong winds fuel massive bushfires that have already claimed one life and left hundreds homeless.
As firefighters battle to keep the flames under control, the WorkCover Authority of NSW has issued a warning about another danger that has arisen as a result of this terrible ongoing tragedy.
According to WorkCover, homes damaged or destroyed by these bushfires may contain asbestos fibres that could be extremely dangerous if handled incorrectly.
“As firefighters and other emergency services workers assess the damage, and residents begin to repair or rebuild, we want to make people aware of the danger of asbestos,” said WorkCover NSW Work Health and Safety Division General Manager John Watson.
“We must ensure that all sections of the community are aware of the dangers of asbestos and that asbestos debris is safely managed and the health of the community is protected”.
Any NSW resident who is at risk of coming into contact with asbestos has been advised to avoid disturbing the material, and to keep any debris that may contain asbestos wet until it can be seen to by a professional.
WorkCover has announced that it will be fast tracking asbestos assessments in the aftermath of the bushfires by waiving the five-day asbestos removal work notification timeframe.
This will ensure that any buildings creating a potential asbestos exposure risk can be seen to by a licensed WorkCover asbestos revivalist, who has undergone professional asbestos handling training, as soon as possible.
Meanwhile, NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell has offered his condolences to the family of the man who suffered a fatal heart attack during the bushfires last week – the only confirmed fatality of this disaster so far.
He noted that, given the hostile conditions, it was a testament to the professionalism of the local fire authorities that there has not been a greater loss of life.
“I have spoken to the Prime Minister and I can assure all affected communities that everything is being done by the State and Federal Governments to get urgent help to people needing assistance,” said Mr O’Farrell.
Australian Mesothelioma Registry highlights danger of asbestos exposure
The release of the second annual Australian Mesothelioma Registry may serve as a timely reminder about the importance of asbestos awareness and safety on construction sites.
The report offers extensive details on the number of people in Australia who were diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012, and uses data available as of June 30 2013.
According to Safe Work Australia – which prepares the report alongside Comcare – mesothelioma is a “usually fatal cancer” that typically occurs in people who have been exposed to asbestos.
Safe Work Australia reports that 619 people were officially diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012. Of that number, the vast majority were aged over 65. This is because mesothelioma usually takes between 20 and 40 years to develop after the initial contact.
Just under 47 per cent of people diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2012 had died by April 2013. More than 95 per cent of those deaths were a direct result of mesothelioma.
Of the 256 mesothelioma patients who responded to the survey, 229 agreed to participate in a further telephone interview. These interviews provided important insight into the prevalence of asbestos exposure in those diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Nearly two thirds (63 per cent) of those who took part in a telephone interview confirmed possible or probable occupational exposure to asbestos in their lives.
However, 37 per cent of respondents gave evidence to indicate that while they had not been exposed to asbestos in an occupational sense, they had been in contact with the substance outside of work.
This data highlights just how dangerous asbestos can be, and how important it is to ensure that anyone coming into contact with asbestos is aware of the potential dangers involved.
The Mesothelioma Center estimates that more than 10,000 Australians have died because of mesothelioma since records began in the early 1980s. It is predicted that another 25,000 Australians will succumb to mesothelioma over the next forty years.
Former yachtsman to sue for asbestos exposure
A former elite sportsman now living in Australia is planning to sue a New Zealand-based company for exposing him to harmful asbestos inside building and concreting materials.
According to the Northern Star, former yachtsman Lance Robinson is planning to sue Studorp Ltd in an Australian court, after being given authorisation by The Queensland Supreme Court.
Mr Robinson claims that Studorp Ltd – then known as James Hardie & Coy – exposed him to asbestos during his childhood, when he would join his father at work on the company’s construction sites.
Court documentation available from the New South Wales Caselaw shows that Mr Robinson was born in New Zealand in 1958. His father was a carpenter who handled asbestos products allegedly manufactured by Studorp Ltd.
In 1988, Mr Robinson moved to Australia. Since then he has developed asbestos-related pleural disease. He claims that the disease is a result of Studorp Ltd’s unsafe asbestos safety practices.
According to the Australian National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), asbestos related pleural disease involves an “inflammation and irritation of the outer lining of the lung”, also known as the pleura.
Affected individuals suffer from a stiffening and thickening of the pleura, which can lead to restriction in breathing.
Studorp Ltd had previously argued that Mr Robinson’s case should be heard in a New Zealand court of law. However, the Queensland Supreme Court disagreed, and the case will now be heard in Australia.
While Mr Robinson’s claims are only allegations at this stage, the story does highlight the importance of proper asbestos training for those working around this harmful mineral.
Each state and territory has its own regulations related to asbestos work health and safety, and it is important to be well aware of these before beginning any construction project.
LDA Claims to Have Discussed Asbestos Removal With Residents
The Land Development Agencysays claims to have operated with extensive consultation including letters and seven newsletters sent to residents.
LDA Chief Executive David Dawes says site is being managed in accordance with strict environmental controls.
“The LDA is working with the Environmental Protection Agency and ACT WorkSafe to ensure that these measures are being rigorously adhered to by the contractor,” he said.
“A strict stockpile management protocol is being undertaken and an environmental consultant is on site overseeing all stockpile movements of asbestos contaminated material.
“The environmental consultant is also ensuring that appropriate dust suppression methods are being undertaken.”
He says air quality monitoring for asbestos contamination is continuing and to date the monitoring has been clear.
The LDA has also announced it will post on its website the weekly program of works to be undertaken on the site.
The master plan for the Campbell 5 site includes buildings for residential, retail and commercial uses plus parkland and walking paths.
Once completed the site is expected to have about 520 dwelling units.
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Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2013-12-12/campbell-residents-angry-about-asbestos-removal-at-nearby-site/5152628