Get trained or get an expert – renovations and asbestos safety
Last month we saw serial asbestos dumper Dib Hanna jailed after a slew of offences relating to the illegal transport and dumping of asbestos. The gravity of the punishment – which includes Hanna having to pay for print advertisements that describe his crimes – not only suited the long list of crimes but served to act as a serious warning to anyone considering similarly reckless and dangerous behaviour.
Hopefully it will ultimately act as a deterrent, but this week’s headlines show that there are still people out there prepared to dice with the health of the community and the environment by illegally dumping asbestos.
SafeWork NSW has cautioned Newcastle and Hunter Valley renovators to be wary of a tradesman who is offering cheap, cash-only asbestos removal services. Minister for Better Regulation, Matt Kean, says: “I’m urging all property owners to be aware of an unlicensed trader in the region who is offering quick and cheap quotes for asbestos removal. We all know the devastating impact asbestos can have on a person’s health. So it’s absolutely critical this dangerous product is only handled by a licenced professional. If an operator offers to remove asbestos from your property for cash, do not engage them, and report them to SafeWork immediately.”
Given the extensive coverage and campaigning around asbestos safety over the last couple of decades, there are few excuses for renovators – residential or commercial – to not know that asbestos removal is a responsibility to be taken seriously. To flout the regulations is not only to put yourself and your community at risk but can result in criminal prosecution.
Now that’s probably enough finger wagging for the moment. Here’s a recap on some of the stuff you need to keep in mind if you’re a would-be renovator and have decided to give your home The Block treatment.
A renovating recap
- There are two types of asbestos that you need to be aware of: Friable and non-friable asbestos. Best not to mess with either until you’ve consulted a licenced assessor. And if you’re not sure if asbestos is present at all, assume it is until you can be told otherwise by an expert. You won’t always be able to tell just by looking at something if it contains asbestos and asbestos can be found in a whole lot of unexpected places in houses. Get a licenced assessor to come and check it properly for you before you decide on your next move.
- If you are just sealing or painting asbestos cement surfaces, then you can do this yourself – so long as you follow the right safety precautions. E.g. make sure your work space is ventilated at all times.
- If you are undertaking any work that involves sanding, drilling, cutting etc then put your tools down and find yourself a licenced expert. That is the kind of work that will release asbestos fibres into the air and requires specialist attention. Even scraping, scrubbing and hosing can be dangerous.
- In some states, including NSW, you can remove up to 10sqm of bonded asbestos as long as the strict guidelines around packaging and removal are followed. Anything more than that, and it’s time to hire a qualified asbestos removalist or get yourself trained and certified.
- Make sure that any asbestos assessors or removalists you use are licenced. You can check your state or territory WorkSafe site to see whether their licence is current. You don’t have to take their word for it – make sure you ask to see their documentation and follow it up with the regulators. A new register will be put in place this year that shows whether a removalist had received any penalties.
- If someone is offering a cash-only removal service, then steer clear of them. Asbestos removal is a highly regulated activity and those doing it properly will do it by the book.
Remember what is at stake: workers exposed to asbestos during mining and product manufacturing were previously the main groups affected by mesothelioma. Since 2014, claims due to renovations have outstripped other causes, exceeding expectations and causing KPMG to raise its claim projections. Don’t be part of the third wave. Get trained or get an expert today.
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Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act Training for Workers
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Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act Training for Managers
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Basic Fatigue Management Policy and Procedures (covering the six standards) for your BFM number
Read moreThis 117 page customised BFM fatigue implementation kit is used in preparation for an entry audit into the BFM scheme. Anyone requiring their own BFM number requires policies such as these for a Heavy Vehicle Auditor to sign off on. Once reviewed and accepted by the auditor, your entry audit documentation is sent to your Local Roads & Traffic Authority who will then issue you with a BFM number.
Once you do your training with us, you need to ensure that whoever you’re working with has been accredited for fatigue management with your local state Transport Authorities. When this is done, companies will be issued a basic fatigue management number that should be used when completing your work diary.
Our courses are carefully designed to provide in-depth knowledge and understanding of fatigue management. We help participants steer their way through their obligations, making it easier for you to comply with your road safety and fatigue management requirements.
AlertForce are leaders in fatigue management training, so if you are in another industry such as mining, manufacturing, rail etc we also have various customised courses that can help your business.
Fatigue can be defined as a state of impairment that can include physical and/or mental features, that can be associated with lower alertness and/or reduced performance.Our training is delivered online so it can be scheduled wherever and whenever it suits you or your staff the best. Our courses are carried out quickly and simply, making it easy to meet your responsibilities while keeping your business moving.
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IMDG General Awareness (Amendment 39-18)
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IMDG Amendment 39-18 (Full Acceptance Approval by AMSA – AP 5207) – Administrator
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IMDG Amendment 39-18 (Full Acceptance Approval by AMSA – AP 5207) – Paperwork
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IMDG Amendment 39-18 (Full Acceptance Approval by AMSA – AP 5207) – Marking / Labelling / Loading Course
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IMDG Amendment 39-18 (Full Acceptance Approval by AMSA – AP 5207) – Full Course
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Confined Space Awareness Training (VOC Refresher RIIWHS202D)
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Working at Heights Awareness (VOC Refresher Course: RIIWHS204D)
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Online
Asbestos Awareness Training (not for ACT must use 10675NAT)
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Online
Chain of responsibility awareness
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Online
Working at Heights Awareness (VOC Refresher Course: RIIWHS204D)
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Confined Space Awareness Training (VOC Refresher RIIWHS202D)
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This manual handling course is designed for warehouse environment and delivered online. Contact us if you would like face to face training delivered.
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This manual handling course is designed for office workers and delivered online. It covers the major manual handling components listed below. Contact us if you would like face to face training delivered.
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This manual handling course is designed for workers in the construction industry and delivered online. You are able to self-print your certificate once competent.
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This manual handling course is designed for workers in the healthcare or aged care industries. Delivered online. It includes advice on safe lifting policies. You can use this course for refresher training and to show your employer that your annual skills have been updated.
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Work Health and Safety (WHS) Act Training for Officers
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HSR Training
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Apr 5th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Apr 6th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Apr 6th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (08:00AM – 12:00AM)
Canberra
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Apr 6th - Apr 7th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 7th
CPCCWHS1001 White Card
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 8th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos - 12.30 PM - 4.30 PM
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 8th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 8th - Apr 9th
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 8th
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 9th
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 9th
Nationally Recognised 1-day Confined Space Enter and Work
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 9th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 10th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 13th - Apr 14th
CPCCBC5014A Conduct Asbestos Assessment
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Apr 13th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness - 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 14th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 14th
CPCCWHS1001 White Card
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 15th
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 15th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 15th - Apr 16th
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 15th - Apr 16th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 16th
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 16th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 17th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 17th
Nationally Recognised 1-day Confined Space Enter and Work
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 17th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (12:30PM – 4:30PM)
Canberra
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Apr 18th
Practical Assessment
Sydney
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Apr 20th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 20th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness (08:00AM – 12:00AM)
Canberra
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Apr 20th - Apr 21st
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 21st
CPCCWHS1001 White Card
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 21st
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 22nd
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 22nd
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 22nd - Apr 23rd
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 22nd
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 23rd
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 23rd
Nationally Recognised 1-day Confined Space Enter and Work
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 23rd
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 24th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 24th
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 27th
10675NAT Course in Asbestos Awareness
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 27th
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 27th - Apr 28th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 28th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 29th - Apr 30th
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 29th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Canberra
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Sydney
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Brisbane
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Adelaide
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Darwin
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Melbourne
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Apr 30th
10675NAT Asbestos Awareness - 8.00 AM - 12.00pm
Perth
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Apr 30th
RIIWHS204D Work Safely at Heights
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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Apr 30th
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 1st
Nationally Recognised 1-day Confined Space Enter and Work
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 4th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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May 4th - May 5th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 5th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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May 6th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 6th - May 7th
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 7th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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May 7th
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 8th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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May 11th - May 12th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 13th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 13th - May 14th
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 14th
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 18th - May 19th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 20th - May 21st
TC + ITCP
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 20th
Traffic Controller
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 21st
Implement Traffic Control Plan
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 25th - May 26th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Sydney (Arncliffe)
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May 25th - May 26th
CPCCBC5014A Conduct Asbestos Assessment
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Jun 1st
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne
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Jun 2nd
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne
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Jun 4th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane
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Jun 5th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane
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Jun 29th - Jun 30th
CPCCBC5014A Conduct Asbestos Assessment
Brisbane
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Jul 2nd
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Jul 3rd
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Jul 6th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Jul 7th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Aug 3rd
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Aug 4th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Aug 6th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Aug 7th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Sep 3rd
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Sep 4th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Sep 7th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Sep 8th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Oct 1st
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Oct 2nd
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Oct 5th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Oct 6th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Nov 2nd
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Nov 3rd
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Nov 5th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Nov 6th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Dec 3rd
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Dec 4th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Brisbane (Brendale)
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Dec 7th
CPCCDE3014A Remove non-friable asbestos
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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Dec 8th
CPCCBC4051A Supervise asbestos removal
Melbourne (Derrimut)
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