HACA video promotes asbestos safety

An educational video regarding naturally occurring asbestos has been launched by the NSW Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA).

The video is designed for people who live and work in regional areas, where asbestos can be found in rock, sediment and soil.

According to HACA Chair Peter Dunphy, the video informs people what to look for and how to manage naturally occurring asbestos safely.

“It is generally discovered when building roads, working on construction sites and undertaking excavation activities,” he said.

“All workers must be trained in the hazards and risks associated with working with naturally occurring asbestos and this new video provides them with information and advice on what to look for and how to manage it safely.”

The video was filmed in Gundagai with the assistance of Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council and features Asbestos Awareness Ambassador John Jarratt. It was also previewed at a Naturally Occurring Asbestos Forum for councils hosted by Local Government NSW at Cootamundra-Gundagai Regional Council.

“In recent years much has been done to alert home owners and renovators to the dangers of disturbing asbestos materials,” said  Jarratt.

“However, it’s imperative that we don’t overlook that naturally occurring asbestos can affect people living and working in regional communities where they may come across it in its natural environment.”

The video is the second major initiative launched by HACA during Asbestos Awareness Month, with the first being the launch of a new 1800 Asbestos number.

“We’re encouraging people to ‘Get to kNOw Asbestos this November’ in an effort to educate Australians about the dangers of asbestos,” Dunphy said.

HACA works to improve the management, monitoring and response to asbestos issues in NSW by developing coordinated prevention programs and developed the NSW state-wide plan for asbestos, as well as a model asbestos policy for local councils.

The naturally occurring asbestos video can be viewed on YouTube and is an initiative of the State-wide Asbestos Plan 2013–2016. It is supported by a range of fact sheets, guidance materials and mapping of naturally occurring asbestos on the SafeWork NSW website.

For more information visit asbestosawareness.com.au or call 1800 Asbestos (1800 272 378).