SafeWork NSW, earlier this year issued a warning after tradies were caught using high-pressure water blasters to clean roofs at two northern beaches properties, and at a Central Coast commercial complex.
These latest incidents occurred at residential properties and executive director of SafeWork NSW, Peter Dunphy said it was a timely reminder to work safely as Asbestos Awareness Week kicks off.
“Using these blasters can disturb asbestos and release dangerous fibres that can pose a health risk to the user and people living or working in neighbouring properties,” Dunphy said.
“We don’t need careless behaviour like this creating an unnecessary risk to people’s health.
“These individuals just don’t seem to be heeding our warnings so let this be a message that we will be taking strong action against anyone not doing the right thing.”
According to Safework NSW, there are legal requirements regarding asbestos management, its removal, and disposal.
Safework NSW says if left undisturbed, asbestos materials in good, stable condition are unlikely to release dangerous fibres and pose a health risk.
However, if asbestos is disturbed - during renovations or maintenance for instance - it can create a health risk from the inhalation of airborne fibres.
They recommend property owner’s use only qualified asbestos removalists licensed by SafeWork NSW to ensure asbestos is safely and properly removed.
“If you must work with material that may contain asbestos or remove asbestos, it’s critical you protect yourself and your family by managing it according to our safety standards,” Dunphy said.