More on the mulch: friable asbestos confirmed on ACT residential site and free 'Asbestos Awareness and Safety’ course

Background

Last month, the NSW Government has assembled a dedicated Asbestos Taskforce after asbestos was discovered in several mulch samples across Sydney, which was circulated in our previous newsletter edition.

The mulch was provided by the original NSW supplier and then delivered into the ACT as well, expanding the scope of the original issue.

The bonded asbestos was found in samples of Cottage Mulch delivered to the ACT from NSW. Since then, WorkSafe ACT has been continuing with its enquiries into the bonded asbestos confirmed to be present in mulch samples in the ACT.

Enquiry update - small quantity of friable asbestos identified on residential site in Canberra

At 4 pm 13 March 2023, WorkSafe ACT was informed that mulch sample taken from a residential complex in Denman Prospect tested positive to a small amount of friable asbestos.

WorkSafe ACT took immediate steps to isolate the area from the public. The site is being treated in the same way as the nine other sites that returned positive results for bonded asbestos. Inspectors have issued a Prohibition Notice to not disturb, handle or dispose of mulch material until further assessment and remediation action can be arranged. Residents are being contacted.

Unlike bonded asbestos that is mixed with cement or resin to keep fibres in place, friable asbestos can more easily be crushed into a powder and has a higher risk of airborne fibres.

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius provides reassurance

Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius wishes to reassure the public that, while friable asbestos is a higher risk than bonded asbestos, what has been identified poses a low risk to public safety.

“Out of the 100m³ of mulch on the site, only 0.2g of friable asbestos was identified, despite extensive testing of the site. The report from the Licenced Asbestos Assessor shows that the friable asbestos was only found in one of sixteen samples taken from across the residential complex.

“I have been advised by the assessor that the quantities and localised nature of the contamination on this site constitute a low risk to the public safety”.

WorkSafe ACT are now making enquiries to determine the extent of the potential contamination.

If you purchased Cottage Mulch, please do not disturb or try or remove it and contact WorkSafe ACT on WorkSafe_Asbestos@worksafe.act.gov.au.

Ms Agius reminds the public that asbestos contamination is a low but ever-present risk in the ACT and that the community should remain vigilant.

“If anyone identifies fragments of building material in mulch that they suspect is asbestos, they should contact WorkSafe ACT.”

Recent mulch incidents highlight need for training - ‘Asbestos Awareness and Safety’ course

The recent reports of asbestos in mulching products have highlighted the need for readily available asbestos awareness training. As a result, SafeWork NSW, Building Commission NSW, and TAFE NSW have partnered to provide an online ‘Asbestos Awareness and Safety’ course free to the public to increase awareness of the safety risks relating to asbestos.

This short self-directed online course, called a microskill, is aimed at anyone likely to encounter asbestos in their workplace.

It will be free to anyone in Australia for a period of 3 months, with the potential for extension pending public demand.

The 2.5 hour course covers:

• recognising the risk and serious long-term impacts of asbestos exposure
• recognising the roles, responsibilities, and legislation for asbestos related work
• how to determine if asbestos containing material may be present
• identifying asbestos containing materials and hazardous activities that lead to asbestos exposure
• identifying suitable control measures for asbestos and asbestos containing materials (ACM)
• how to safely handle asbestos and ACM
• inspecting worksites and communicating asbestos risks and asbestos controls with an informed perspective.

Completion of the course provides asbestos awareness training. Further training is required to conduct licensed asbestos removal work.

Members of the public can register for the course at TAFE NSW.

‍

‍

Sources

Mind the mulch: asbestos contamination found across Sydney by myosh, 29th February, 2024.

Small quantity of friable asbestos identified on residential site by WorkSafe ACT, 14th March, 2024.

NSW Government provides free Asbestos Awareness and Safety short course to Australians by SafeWork NSW, 13th March, 2024.

‍

‍

‍