Edition 74, January 2010

Increased controls on asbestos removal in WA

Increased controls on asbestos removal in WAChanges to occupational safety and health laws in Western Australia will soon come into operation to ensure that only workers with the proper skills and knowledge can remove asbestos.

The changes to the licensing requirements for the removal of more than 10 square metres of asbestos aim to minimise the dangers of working with asbestos products.

From 1 June 2010 business operators removing more than ten square metres of bonded asbestos, including asbestos cement material, in a workplace will need to have completed an approved training course and hold an asbestos licence.

The changes to the laws were gazetted Tuesday 22 December, putting Western Australia on the same footing as each of the other States and Territories.

WorkSafe WA Commissioner Nina Lyhne said there is still a large amount of asbestos in WA and we need to make sure that its removal is carried out only by workers who have the proper knowledge and skills to perform the task safely.

"A National Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos has been in existence for many years, so there has always been a requirement for working safely with asbestos. These changes aim to improve compliance with the code," Ms Lyhne said.

"Asbestos cement products do not pose a risk to health if they are left undisturbed in buildings.  However, there is a serious risk of exposure to asbestos fibres during the disturbance or removal of asbestos-containing materials unless basic safety precautions are followed.

"Concerns have long existed about the potential for serious health effects from exposure to asbestos where these safety precautions are not followed.

"These concerns resulted in the Commission for Occupational Safety and Health recommending stronger controls on the removal of asbestos cement sheeting.

"A large amount of consultation has taken place, with input from industry representatives, unions, organisations and members of the community all being taken into consideration when deciding to implement the changes.

"The obvious advantage of licensing for the removal of asbestos is that it will ensure that only workers who possess the required knowledge, skills and safe systems of work to do the job safely will be able to perform the work."

WorkSafe will begin accepting applications for asbestos licences from 1 March 2010.

Further information on the changes to asbestos regulations can be obtained by telephoning WorkSafe on (08) 9327 8777 or on the website at www.worksafe.wa.gov.au.

This page was generated on 01 February, 2010

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