29 November 2024, 9:00 PM
It is National Asbestos Awareness Week (NAAW), and with flood renovations and refurbishments still occurring in Lismore and the Northern Rivers, warnings are still current.
Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin says this week is a reminder to employers, employees and home renovators to be vigilant about the dangers of asbestos.
“Asbestos can kill, and with so many demolitions, renovations and rebuilds happening all around the region, it is vital that people are informed and properly trained in how to deal with it.
Asbestos is present in one in three Australian homes as well as in public and commercial buildings.
If asbestos is disturbed, it can release dangerous particles of dust containing asbestos fibres, which can cause serious and fatal illness when inhaled.
Asbestos-related disease claims more than 4000 lives a year in Australia.
National Asbestos Awareness Week is a reminder to get information and register for safety courses before working with asbestos or materials that may contain asbestos.
Some practical steps to follow when it comes to dealing with the toxic material include:
To find out more about the SafeWork NSW asbestos safety course, Register Here.
For more information about asbestos safety, visit the SafeWork NSW asbestos page.