Increased controls on asbestos removal to reduce hazards
Issue Date: - Thursday, 4 February 2010
Changes to WA’s occupational safety and health laws to ensure that only workers with the proper skills and knowledge can remove asbestos will soon come into operation.
WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said today that the changes to licensing requirements for the removal of more than ten square metres of asbestos aimed to minimise the dangers of working with asbestos products.
“There is still a large amount of asbestos in WA and we need to make sure that its removal is carried out only by workers who have the proper knowledge and skills to perform the task safely,” Ms Lyhne said.
“A National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos has been in existence for many years, so there has always been a requirement for working safely with asbestos. These changes aim to improve compliance with the code.
“Asbestos cement 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 during the disturbance or removal of asbestos-containing materials unless basic safety precautions are followed.
“Concerns have long existed about the potential for serious health effects from exposure to asbestos where these safety precautions are not followed.
“These concerns resulted in the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health recommending stronger controls on the removal of asbestos cement sheeting.
“A large amount of consultation has taken place, with input from industry representatives, unions, organisations and members of the community all being taken into consideration when deciding to implement the changes.
“Unfortunately Western Australians have the sad legacy of Wittenoom to remind them of the potential hazards of asbestos, and these changes are part of the State Government’s commitment to the future safety and health of all Western Australians.
“The obvious advantage of licensing for the removal of asbestos is that it will ensure that only workers who possess the required knowledge, skills and safe systems of work to do the job safely will be able to perform the work.”
From June 1, 2010, business operators removing more than ten square metres of bonded asbestos, including asbestos cement material, in a workplace will need to have completed an approved training course and hold an asbestos licence.
WorkSafe will begin accepting applications for asbestos licences from March 1, 2010.
Further information on the changes to asbestos regulations can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.
Media contact: Caroline De Vaney 9327 8744 or 0408 927563 (media enquiries only).