Safety reminder during Asbestos Awareness Week

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland will host a free live streamed asbestos safety session this Tuesday during Asbestos Awareness Week to deliver important safety messages.

Industrial Relations Minister Grace Grace said the online safety session would share tips on how to work safely with asbestos materials and the dangers of using high-pressure water blasters to clean asbestos fences and roofs.

“If you’re working on a property that was built or renovated before 1990, it is likely to contain products with asbestos in them,” Ms Grace said.

“More than 3000 asbestos containing materials were used in construction of residential homes in that time.

“Always play it safe before carrying out any renovation work or cleaning the exterior of a home.

“Asbestos products in good condition are not a risk, but if they are disturbed, broken, sanded, blasted with high pressure water or cut, they can release asbestos fibres into the air, putting the health of yourself and others at risk.

“Asbestos fibres are invisible to the naked eye, but they are still dangerous.”

Ms Grace said asbestos was often used in the building industry from the 1940s to 1980s, including on roofs.

“With summer storms on the way, the asbestos safety session on Tuesday 22 November will highlight the dangers of using high-pressure water blasters on asbestos products, which attracts fines and huge clean-up costs to protect the surrounding community,” Ms Grace said.

“Queensland Safety Advocates, Julie and Don Sager also will share their personal story on the risks of home renovations, after losing their son Adam to mesothelioma at just 25.

“Join the safety session to hear from Adam’s parents on how unknowingly working on asbestos in their home changed their lives.

“As part of Asbestos Awareness Week, we are also launching a series of films about how to locate common asbestos containing materials in your home, as well as guidance on asbestos disposal, identifying asbestos inside and outside your home, and what not to do with asbestos.”

Register for the asbestos safety session and read more about how to work safely with asbestos for home renovators, licensed asbestos removalists and professional tradespeople at asbestos.qld.gov.au.

ENDS

Media contact: Bryce Heaton 0434 575 237