Licensed Asbestos Assessors will commence the collection of ceiling insulation samples across the state in October. From September 11 there were 225 registrations for sampling services, 30 of which were in the Yass Valley.
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Workcover NSW met members of Yass Valley Council last Wednesday to discuss the future plans and actions of the region to date.
Director of Planning & Environmental Services Chris Berry, told the Tribune that there were a number of issues raised in the meeting, including why NSW is not enforcing mandatory inspections similar to the ACT.
“Some homeowners are aware that their property may be potentially affected but are scared about what it would do to its value. With the scheme being voluntary it makes it difficult to get a comprehensive survey,” Mr Berry said.
Uncertainty in the 12 month deadline and the action that is required for homeowners outside of the inspection period was discussed. One of the more concerning points, now entering fire season, is what will happen in the event of a fire.
Firefighter and Fire Brigade Employees Union (FBEU) representative Martin Dixon said that any fire involving asbestos automatically becomes a hazardous materials incident.
“Firstly we set up a 'hot zone' where only firefighters actively fighting the fire and in correct protective gear are allowed in. On their exit from fire/hot zone they are decontaminated and their gear bagged and sent away for cleaning. We would consider downwind evacuations for airborne particles. As a minimum get people to stay inside and close windows and doors. Particle masks for everyone on scene, regardless of entry into the hot zone. Firefighting itself is no different to other materials. It's the airborne asbestos particles and threat of asbestosis which are primary concerns,” Mr Dixon said.
“After the fire is out we then need to ensure there is no escape of particles to the environment. Often covering areas with plastic is enough for that. It's fairly safe to assume any building constructed prior to early 80's will have some asbestos. However the obvious ones are fibro houses or ones with that corrugated asbestos roof sheeting.”
No answers have been given at this stage to councils concerns, however the Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) are carefully researching and collecting data on further support options.
A spokesperson from the HACA said, “Free independent technical assessments will be offered to affected homeowners to advise on and confirm the adequacy of risk controls in each of the identified homes.”
“The free testing will follow the initial assessment over the phone, to determine whether they qualify for the inspection program,” The spokesperson told the Tribune
The initial inspection asks homeowners if they are the owner of the property in one of the potentially affected councils, if the property is a residential dwelling and if the home was built before 1980. They are also asked if they consent for their test analysis results to be made available to Local Councils, Licensed Asbestos Assessors and Government agencies. If the answer to all these questions is yes – the homeowner can register for the sampling testing service.
Mr Berry said that further action will probably be tailored to suit different circumstances.
“It might be that the house is being renovated so each property is different and individual arrangements will have to be discussed. We can’t make these decisions until we know the full extent of the problem.”
The council is urging residents to make the initial contact so further arrangements can be made. There has been no apparent response from the property in the Yass Valley containing Mr Fluffy asbestos.
WorkCover NSW are pleased with the proactive approach the Yass Valley Council has taken in assuring the residents and homeowners are educated in asbestos. Council staff are now trained in understanding the processes and have been trained in advisory methods.
