WorkCover investigating asbestos in imported motor vehicles

WorkCover NSW is investigating asbestos in imported motor vehicles following a recall of approximately 23,000 vehicles with engine and exhaust gaskets potentially containing asbestos.

WorkCover is working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Australian Customs and Border Protection Service, other work health and safety regulators and government agencies as well as the supplier of Great Wall and Chery motor vehicles (ATECO Group Pty Ltd) in relation to the matter.

A risk assessment conducted by an independent occupational hygienist has found a negligible risk of asbestos exposure while the gaskets are in place. However, any disturbance or removal of the asbestos gaskets may liberate asbestos fibres and should only be undertaken by appropriately skilled personnel.

The replacement of the parts in existing vehicles will be completed by the supplier’s automotive repairers in line with work health and safety legislation.

The supply of asbestos-containing materials has been prohibited in NSW since 31 December 2003. WorkCover is working with the supplier to arrange for the current stock of unsold vehicles to have the asbestos gaskets removed or for the vehicles returned to the overseas manufacturer.

Work health and safety advice for the automotive repair and wrecking industry

WorkCover NSW alerts businesses in the automotive repair industry and the car wrecking and recycling industry to take the following actions:

• Treat all Great Wall and Chery motor vehicles as containing asbestos gaskets unless testing has indicated the gaskets are asbestos free or service records are verified to determine that the gaskets have been removed. Contact the supplier for further information on the type and location of asbestos gaskets prior to removing any gaskets.
• Carry out all asbestos gasket removal work in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and WorkCover Guidance Note: Working with Asbestos in the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry.
• Ensure that health monitoring is provided in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 for all workers who are carrying out ongoing asbestos removal work or asbestos-related work. Contact the Dust Diseases Board (DDB) on (02) 8223 6600 for further advice on health monitoring.

Further information on the product recall is available at www.recalls.gov.au.