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Canberra Today 17°/20° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Compulsory asbestos training from Labor while the Liberals want a bung for affected home owners

loose fill asbestos

SIMON Corbell has declared that all workers who might be exposed to asbestos must undertake a mandatory course in asbestos awareness by 30 September.

A new regulation will require employers and principal contractors to ensure their workers undertake the training by 30 September. The course will include a specific session on loose-fill asbestos insulation.

Asbestos is prevalent in the ACT built environment. It is safe to assume that homes and buildings constructed before 1990 contain asbestos materials especially in the eaves, internal and external wall cladding and ceilings (particularly in wet areas such as bathrooms and laundries).

“The course will educate workers so they are confident in identifying asbestos and asbestos products and so they can understand and follow the correct safety guidelines for reporting and communicating the existence of asbestos to ensure the risks associated with asbestos are avoided,” Simon said.

“It does not permit workers to disturb asbestos in any manner. There is a strict regulatory and licensing regime in place for assessing and removing asbestos.”

“The Work Safety Commissioner will soon issue a guidance note providing further information on the regulation to assist employers and principal contractors to comply with the mandatory requirements”.

The course is only mandated for workers but homeowners and DIY renovators are also encouraged to undertake the training.

Meanwhile the Liberals’ Jeremy Hanson wants government assistance for home owners affected by Mr Fluffy.

“Today I’m calling on the Chief Minister and government to allocate $5 million for families who are facing crisis situations as a result of Mr Fluffy affected properties. Many people need financial help for things like accommodation and medical testing. I’m also calling for both rates and land tax to be frozen on Mr Fluffy affected homes,” Jeremy said.

“In my view, liability rests with the Commonwealth, but emergency support is needed now. The government needs to move quickly and I’m willing to work with Katy Gallagher to get assistance to the families which need it most.”

[Image via M3 Asbestos]

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