SafeWork SA renew focus on asbestos compliance

SafeWork SA has begun a new asbestos compliance program following the second recent suspension of an asbestos license holder.

The new compliance program will be conducted over the coming months and target sites undergoing asbestos removal to ensure that proper regulations are being followed.

SafeWork SA’s Executive Director Martyn Campbell has asked inspectors to monitor a cross-section of the construction industry to ensure that all asbestos licence holders are fulfilling their responsibilities.

“The focus for our inspectors will be ensuring that asbestos is identified and removed prior to commencing refurbishment or demolition”.

Building owners who are contracting refurbishment or demolition work are required to maintain and update the register to ensure that all asbestos is identified and removed.

Earlier this month, SafeWork SA suspended a class B asbestos removal licence holder with a history of non-compliance. The now suspended licence holder had recently failed to remove all asbestos from a residential site, and also failed to decontaminate the area.

This makes the fifth asbestos licence holder suspension in less than a year.

“Licence holders that continually fail to meet their obligations will be sent a clear message that SafeWork SA will take enforcement action against poor performance in regards to unsafe asbestos removal practices” said Mr Campbell.

For more information visit SafeWork SA.

For further details on the responsibilities of duty holders involved with asbestos removal visit the SA Government asbestos website.