A (non member) contractor was recently investigated by WorkSafe because they had apparently provided “in house” training for their employees, however when the relevant workers knowledge of the work they were conducting was informally tested, it was found to be inadequate.

Ideally, workers engaged in asbestos removal should undergo accredited training provided by a Recognized Training Authority, so that it can be easily verified that they have the appropriate knowledge and skills for the job. Refresher training should be provided at least annually for Class A removalists and every 2 years for B Class removalists.

The Code specifies that the training should include

• the nature of the hazard

- how asbestos can affect a persons health

- the added dangers of smoking

• the risk from exposure to airborne asbestos fibres

- appropriate controls

- what methods and equipment will do the job properly

- how to choose, use and look after personal protective equipment

- decontamination of persons, equipment and work area

- waste disposal

- emergency procedures

• maintenance of controls

• what the law requires

The Code also requires that records of training be available at the workplace for each person engaged in asbestos removal work.

Asbestos removal is a serious business and it is critical that it is done in the safest possible way. Without adequate training mistakes can be made that can have tragic consequences, not just for the person involved, but for others who could be exposed as a result.

Safety First

Barry Robson from the Asbestos Diseases Foundation says that home renovators are the next big wave of sufferers from asbestos-related disease.

“The poor buggers who work in the industrial side of the asbestos will all be dead in another 10, 15 years. But the home renovators, the young people who are renovating their homes, are dragging up old carpets without any protection and most probably have their young kids with them.

“Forty years from now, those young kids could come down with a deadly asbestos disease.”

Member of the Asbestos Research Group and thoracic surgeon, Doctor Roger Allen, says he has seen cases of home renovators suffering asbestosis or mesothelioma.

“We’ve had the first wave, which are the workers who worked mining the stuff, and then we’ve had the second wave, which is the group of people who are like the builders, the carpenters, the plumbers,” he said.

“Now we’re getting to the third wave, which are the home renovators. So we’re getting people who now even in their early 40s are coming down with mesothelioma.”