Trevor Gillmeister talks asbestos safety at Home Show

Rugby league legend Trevor Gillmeister knows all too well the potentially deadly consequences of asbestos– his father died of mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos fibres during his work as a boiler maker.

As Workplace Health and Safety Queensland’s Asbestos Awareness Ambassador, Trevor is heading to this weekend’s Brisbane Home Show to raise awareness of the dangers of working with asbestos.

Treasurer and Minister for Industrial Relations Curtis Pitt encouraged Home Show patrons to have a chat with Trevor.

“Drop by for a selfie and submit it to the new Asbestos Safety Queensland Facebook page and you could win a football signed by Trevor,” Mr Pitt said.

"We are running a competition this weekend and hoping social media will help spread this important safety message through the #asbestossafetyqld thread.

"Asbestos can be extremely dangerous if it’s not dealt with correctly, so it’s essential for renovators to know the risks if they are considering work that involves asbestos materials.

“Wear disposable coveralls to prevent the contamination of clothing and footwear and don’t use high-pressure water jets to wet surfaces as this may increase the spread of loose fibres or dust.

“Do not dispose of asbestos waste in a domestic garbage bin or rubbish skip and only fill bags half full to minimise the risk of splitting. Gently evacuate excess air in a way that does not cause the release of dust.”

“If uncertain, it’s safer to hire a specialist than risk asbestos exposure.”

Visit the asbestos awareness stand throughout the Home Show, Friday 28 – Sunday 30 August. Trevor will be on hand Sunday from 1pm-3pm.

For more about asbestos safety during home renovations and to find a licensed asbestos business in your area, call 13 QGOV (13 7468) or visit qld.gov.au/asbestos

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