Assessing the management of asbestos

SafeWork SA and the Environment Protection Authority (EPA) have completed the first stage of a joint audit of licensed asbestos removalists to assess safety practices at depots and worksites.

The two agencies are working closely with key industry groups to deliver improved safety and environmental outcomes for managing asbestos-containing material.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Bryan Russell said the audit of an initial 11 removalists identified a number of areas for improvement and SafeWork SA issued a range of notices to ensure that licensees comply with minimum safety standards.

“Responsible businesses recognise the importance of managing asbestos-containing material responsibly, and in this exercise we have had excellent cooperation from the asbestos removalists,” Russell said. “We will continue to work with them to assist in meeting the required safety standards.

“The safe removal of asbestos - from identification to disposal - is crucial not just for the occupants of buildings and homes where it is found, but for the workers who must carry out the job. The illegal removal of asbestos, unsafe transport and dumping of asbestos are areas of concern to SafeWork SA and the EPA,” Russell said.

The joint audit program undertaken by SafeWork SA and the EPA aims to confirm that licensees are complying with the terms of their licence.

“It is also a reminder to the industry that there are severe penalties for failing to meet the strict guidelines that are in place to protect the community from the health risks associated with asbestos,” Russell said.

SafeWork SA and the EPA will continue to work collaboratively in monitoring asbestos removal and disposal practices to ensure that all legal requirements associated with this product are being complied with.

Information about safe removal is available on the SafeWork SA website and in publications (Asbestos in the Workplace and Asbestos and the Home Renovator) available at the SafeWork SA library at 200 Victoria Square, Adelaide.

The EPA Guideline Wastes containing asbestos: Removal, transport and disposal (updated July 2009) is also available on the EPA website.