GOVERNMENT contractors have uncovered asbestos irrigation pipes and what appears to be a building waste site, during an excavation at Lyneham Sports Precinct at Southwell Park.

This is the latest of a series of asbestos finds by contractors, currently being investigated by ACT Work Safety.

The asbestos, believed to be between 40 to 50 years old, was found by excavation company Cord Civil, whose work to create new ovals, roads and car parks at the sports precinct began in June.

However, a complaint on September 27 about work safety measures, has led to an ACT Work Safety investigation and a prohibition notice issued to stop all work of removing the irrigation pipes.

“This Notice will not be lifted until WorkSafe ACT is satisfied that the area is safe for workers to return to the site,” ACT Work Safety commissioner, Mark McCabe said.

“WorkSafe ACT is investigating this matter and will examine whether appropriate safe work methods have been followed at the site and compliance with the Territory’s work safety laws.

“On Friday 30 September 2011, as a precautionary measure, WorkSafe ACT commissioned independent air monitoring of the site. The results from this monitoring showed no presence of asbestos fibres in the air. Air monitoring will continue as a precautionary measure.”

It is no known how many workers were exposed to the asbestos, but for the workers who were exposed, remains a low health risk.

ACT Chief Health Officer Dr Paul Kelly said there was minimal risk that the general public has been exposed to the asbestos.

“The asbestos that has been discovered was in a bonded form and in a stable condition,” he said.

“When asbestos is contained in a bonded form, maintained in good condition and left along it presents no health risk.”