Asbestos

Chrysotile - Amendment to the National List of Exemptions:

The Australian Safety and Compensation Council (ASCC) has declared an amendment to Schedule 2 of the National Model Regulations for the Control of Workplace Hazardous Substances [NOHSC: 1005(1994)] to extend Exemption 4 of the National List from chrysotile prohibition, until 31 December 2010 (current exemption expires 31 December 2007).

The National List of Exemptions was developed to provide an effective and consistent national approach to management of exemptions to the workplace prohibition of chrysotile asbestos. This amendment will enable the Australian Defence Organisation, to continue to use mission-critical components and parts that contain chrysotile, for which there is no known suitable non-chrysotile alternative.

This exemption is covered in the South Australian OHS&W (Asbestos) Regulations 1995, section 4.2.12 (2)(e).

Copies of the Amendment to the National List of Exemptions 2007, may be obtained from the ASCC website from the link below.

Importation ban of in-situ chrysotile asbestos

The Australian Customs has amended the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956, to control the importation of all goods containing chrysotile asbestos in accordance with recommendations made by the Workplace Relations Ministers' Council in August 2005. The amendments took effect from 15 July 2006.

Some exemptions are allowed under Schedule 3B of the Customs Regulations (and also under the South Australian OHS&W Regulations (Asbestos) 1995).

For further information contact Dr Joe Crea, Chief Advisor, Occupational Hygiene, SafeWork SA, (08) 8303 0207.

Approved Codes of Practice for Asbestos

Under the OHS&W Act 1986, the following Approved Codes of Practice have been gazetted on 23 November 2006 and took effect from 23 February 2007:

• Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos 2nd Edition [NOHSC:2002 (2005)];
• Code of Practice for the Management and Control of Asbestos in the Workplace [NOHSC:2018 (2005)]; and
• Guidance Note on the Membrane Filter Method for Estimating Airborne Asbestos Fibres 2nd Edition [NOHSC:3003 (2005)].

The  existing South Australian Occupational Health and Safety Commission - Codes of Practice on 'Asbestos Work' and 'Safe Removal of Asbestos' have been repealed.

View the Approved Code of Practice from the link below.

Asbestos - What you should know is an information sheet for employers and employees on what they should know about asbestos. This guide includes information on the nationwide ban on chrysotile asbestos that came into effect on 31 December 2003.

Asbestos Frequently Asked Questions is a list compiled by SafeWork SA from customer questions both to inspectors and the Help Centre.

View these publications from the links below.

Updated: 29 July 2009

Asbestos Removal, Licensing and Demolition Issues

View information about Asbestos used in construction industry from the link below.

View a list of companies in South Australia who have been licensed to remove Asbestos from the link below.

View a list of companies in South Australia who can provide analysis and air-monitoring services from the link below.

View information about Asbestos Removal Licensing (limited and unlimited) from the Related Information link below.

These publications are part of SafeWork SA Community Asbestos Awareness campaign launched by the Minister for Industrial Relations on 23 June 2004.

Safeguards

There are a number of safeguards available regarding asbestos.

To view these safeguards use the link below.

Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia Inc. (ADSSA)

"Our commitment is to provide counselling, support and information for those victims, family and friends who develop asbestos related diseases."

ADSSA holds Victim Support Meetings every third Thursday of the month at 11.00am in its Hurtle Square Office. ADSSA also produces a monthly newsletter for victims, respiratory doctors, social workers, unions and others in the community.

ADSSA has a social worker who will visit asbestos victims in hospital or at home.

Asbestos Victims Association (SA) Inc. (AVA)

AVA began in 2000 to meet an unfilled need for a service which could offer support, information and counseling for anyone suffering from an asbestos related disease, along with their families.

AVA has many volunteers who are travelling the asbestos victim's journey. There are sufferers, carers, friends and family available to share the load with you by visiting victims at home, in hospital or wherever the need occurs.

Awareness seminars and information meetings are organised around the state each year, primarily throughout the regional areas, sometimes with the assistance of SafeWork SA Inspectors, medical advisers and local spokespersons.