VTHC alarmed over asbestos draft
Unions are urging members to flood WorkSafe Vic with concerns over the state's draft asbestos regulations, according to the Victorian Trades Hall Council (VTHC).
The regulations were recently released for public comment and the VTHC admits to being alarmed over the content.
"Unions are staggered that WorkSafe doesn't seem to be able to see that it can be harmful to breathe in asbestos dust or powder," Victorian Trades Hall Council secretary, Brian Boyd said. "Just like NSW, we need to have powder included in our definition of friable asbestos."
Boyd said that employers should not be able to direct cleaners and other workers to clean up asbestos-contaminated dust and debris as the risks are too great.
"Class B removalists must not be allowed to clear up any amount of dust, other than that generated by their own non-friable removal work," he added.
The VTHC said unions are taking briefing papers to meetings with OHS representatives and other members over the next three weeks and plan to flood WorkSafe with comment over the issue.
"We are surprised that WorkSafe does not see that if the current proposed regulation goes ahead, thousands of people will be exposed to asbestos dust," Boyd said.
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