Asbestos

Central Council, 14 August 2007

Report adopted

Asbestos has been found in a number of government workplaces in recent times and has been disturbed by contractors working on the site affecting staff in the area. Findings have occurred in DET, Lands and State library.

One of the issues that have been at the heart of the problem is an inadequate asbestos hazardous goods register. This has caused the contractors to disturb bonded asbestos creating a potential for airborne asbestos fibres.

Additionally there should be a policy and procedures in place to ensure that when contractors are undertaking work they have undertaking the necessary preparatory risk assessments with the department, and that the department has ensured that these operations do not affect departmental staff working at the workplace including airborne particles and noise. These "contractors guidelines" should regularly be reviewed by the OHS committee and relevant staff.

As little as one asbestos fibre inhaled can cause asbestos related illness and this is a major concern as this illness can be fatal.

There are several activities that should be conducted to prevent asbestos exposure.

An asbestos register should be created for the workplace. This should be used to undertake risk assessments and create a program of asbestos removal from the workplace. It should be regularly reviewed.

All asbestos removal should be done by a licensed asbestos remover and:-

• Workcover should be notified

• In the event of the disturbance of asbestos, and air conditioning flow should be isolated.

• The area should be sealed off

• All work should ceased in affected areas immediately

• Asbestos monitoring (air and surface) should be implemented by a registered hazardous substances professional

• The remaining asbestos and dust should be removed by a licensed asbestos remover (after Workcover approval)

• Staff who are exposed or may have been exposed should be notified to the Dust Diseases Board and offered complimentary screening from organisations such as the Workers Health Centre.

• Staff and others at the workplace (contractors and visitors) should be communicated with on a regular basis.

• Asbestos Waste should be isolated and sent to a licensed asbestos waste operator.