Warnings about importation of Tremolite asbestos wall tiles

Tremolite asbestos (a carcinogenic substance) is a mineral consisting of elongated, needle-like fibres, which can lodge in the lungs and cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma.

The Occupational Safety and health Act 1984 requires that suppliers of substances must ensure that those substances are safe and without risks when properly used. The importation, sale or use of all forms of asbestos, including Tremolite asbestos, is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 1996.

Importers of natural stone tiles from China should ask for documentation that verifies the content of the tiles and ensure they do not import any tiles known to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock.

Importers or retailers who suspect they may have tiles that contain Tremolite asbestos or other forms of asbestos-bearing rock are to immediately inform WorkSafe WA, and materials are to be tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)-accredited testing facility.

Where tiles are identified to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock, they are to be sealed using appropriate plastic or leak-proof containers and disposed of as asbestos waste at an approved asbestos disposal facility. Where these tiles have been installed, the affected area is to be isolated until the material is removed by a licensed asbestos removalist and the area cleared by an occupational hygienist.