NSW Orders Asbestos Audit on Energy Companies | AlertForce

View Training Dates for Your City

Filter By

  • No scheduled courses - please call us to discuss your requirements

The NSW government has ordered an industry-wide asbestos audit for the state’s big electricity providers following meetings with unions and power companies.

Energy Minister Chris Hartcher agreed to the audit after a “productive meeting” with the Electrical Trades Union (ETU) and representatives of power providers Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy.

“The government is keen to ensure that asbestos management, removal and training plans are adequate to ensure worker and community protection,” Mr Hartcher said in a statement.However, he said the issue might need a national approach.

During the meeting, the union demanded asbestos removal across the industry after raising concerns about its workers being at risk of asbestos exposure.It followed the union’s release on Tuesday of internal Ausgrid documents which showed about 49 cases of asbestos-related illness at the company in 22 years.The ETU claims there is still friable – or easily-crumbled – asbestos at underground electricity substations and meter boards.

Workcover NSW is coordinating the audit, which will involve Endeavour Energy, Ausgrid and Essential Energy, TransGrid and the state’s power generators Delta Electricity, Macquarie Generation and Eraring Energy.Representatives from all parties will meet for the first time on November 14 to agree on terms of reference to set out the process for asbestos removal across the industry.

ETU secretary Steve Butler said he welcomed the government’s decision.

“It’s a compete turnaround (by the companies),” he told AAP on Thursday.

“We have zero tolerance to asbestos, it’s got to be removed.”

The audit will bring each company’s own auditing processes into one single system, Mr Butler said.

“What’s been identified is that those audits are out of sync.

“They are all different, so now there will be the one audit to cover the whole industry.”

Source: http://news.ninemsn.com.au/national/2012/11/08/20/00/asbestos-audit-for-nsw-energy-companies

Latest OHS news

The 5 Best Ways of Tackling the Silicosis Epidemic with Education

Silicosis, a debilitating respiratory disease caused by exposure to silica dust, has become a significant concern in the Australian construction industry. With the risk of exposure affecting tho...

Read more

What Are the 5 Top Things You Need to Manage EWPs On Site?

As a construction industry professional, operating elevated work platforms (EWPs) is a vital part of your daily routine. Whether you're working with boom-type elevating work platforms, scissor l...

Read more

How Can HSRs Raise WHS Issues?

As a Health and Safety Representative (HSR), you play a vital role in ensuring a safe work environment for yourself and your colleagues. One of your key responsibilities is to identify and repor...

Read more

What Are the Risks of Working in a Confined Space Without Training?

As you prepare to enter a confined space, do you feel a sense of unease, a nagging feeling that something could go terribly wrong? You're not alone. Working in a confined space without proper...

Read more

Testimonials

“In over 20 years of training, this was one of the best courses I’ve ever attended.”

Queensland Rail

“Great! The instructor made it interesting and enjoyable”

Leighton Contractors

” We heard that AlertForce delivers one of the best courses around so the boss decided to send me to Australia from New Zealand.”

Participant Public Course

“I liked the trainer’s positive outlook and uplifting approach towards completing the long day.”

Visionstream

“Very competent training course. Trainer was very knowledgeable on subject.”

Servicestream

“AlertForce provided an excellent trainer,  knowledgeable on the topic and allowed for active questioning.”

DHS

“Informative and concise training delivered at the right pace.”

AFMA.gov.au

“The Trainer was very engaging”

Fair Work Commission

“Interesting, informative, relevant.”

Airservices Australia

Payments & Security

Awards & Accreditations

Make an Enquiry:

Google Rating
4.6
Total Rating 4.6 out of 5 based on 756 reviews
×