SafeWork SA suspends licence for asbestos assessor

On Friday, 14 August 2020, SafeWork SA issued a three-month suspension to an asbestos assessor licence holder after investigations revealed that the assessor failed to take reasonable care to carry out asbestos assessor work safely and competently. Asbestos assessor licence holders are authorised to undertake air monitoring, clearance inspections and issue clearance certificates for reoccupation of licensed asbestos removal sites.

Investigations found that clearance certificates were issued while visible debris was still onsite. The assessor also failed to undertake a proper and effective clearance inspection to verify the area was safe for normal use.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell highlighted the importance of removing asbestos-containing material, stating that failure to safely manage removal can lead to long-term health effects for workers and others.

“When asbestos licence holders fail to do their work safely and in accordance with the law, I will take quick and severe action. The introduction of licensed asbestos assessors in the WHS legislation was to ensure integrity to the asbestos removal industry and provide a greater level of workplace and public safety,” Campbell said.

Campbell warned that SafeWork SA will not tolerate licence holders taking short cuts and not exercising their duty under WHS laws, reminding all duty holders involved with removal of asbestos of their responsibilities in complying with regulations.

“This disregard for asbestos regulations clearly shows a serious lack of judgement and cannot go without consequences,” Campbell said.

An additional condition has been added to the suspension requiring the suspended licence holder to successfully complete appropriate training.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Ecology