NSW Government logo NSW Government SafeWork NSW logo SafeWork NSW
  • About
  • News
  • Contact
  • Roadmap
  • Safety
    starts here
  • Your
    industry
  • Advice &
    resources
  • Legal
    obligations
  • Notify
    SafeWork
  • Compliance &
    prosecutions
  • Licences &
    registrations
12 Jan

Independent investigation into loose-fill asbestos weekly update

12 Jan 2015
  • Home
  • News
  • Independent investigation into loose-fill asbestos weekly update
Share
  • facebook
  • twitter
  • linkedin
  • email
Print PDF

The Heads of Asbestos Coordination Authorities (HACA) has engaged PricewaterhouseCoopers to conduct an independent investigation into loose-fill asbestos in New South Wales, and is providing free ceiling insulation testing to identify the full extent of affected homes across the State.

HACA is comprised of NSW government agencies that have a role in the management, monitoring and response to asbestos issues and is chaired by WorkCover NSW.

  • As of 31 October 2014, 593 premises in the 26 council areas have registered for the free sampling service. These LGAs have been identified through the analysis of archival government records. A breakdown of sampling requests by LGA is available on the WorkCover website at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au 
  • Licensed asbestos assessors are currently undertaking inspections and testing of properties.
  • As of 31 October 2014, 64 properties have been tested, and all samples have returned a negative result.
  • Testing is ongoing

Concerned residents in homes built before 1980 can contact WorkCover on 13 10 50 to see if they are eligible to have their property tested and assessed for the material.

A licensed asbestos assessor can advise on whether living spaces are well sealed and asbestos hazards are appropriately controlled. A list of licensed asbestos assessors is online at www.workcover.nsw.gov.au   

Free ceiling insulation tests are being provided for homeowners across 26 local government areas to identify all loose fill asbestos in residential premises.

Free independent technical assessments are being offered to affected homeowners, advising on and confirming the adequacy of risk controls in each of the identified homes for a 12 month period.

HACA is taking action to accelerate these assessments so the interim findings can be used to inform the NSW Government on any immediate actions that need to be taken. HACA is working quickly to develop a prudent, evidence-based solution to assist those with loose-fill asbestos in their homes.

The NSW Government will consider the findings of the independent investigation and possible measures to assist affected householders. The Chief Health Officer has considered the ACT Taskforce Report and confirmed the need to wait for the results of the current NSW investigation.

For further information, advice and fact sheets, visit www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

As the investigation is ongoing, no additional information is available until the next update.

Please check the website for a breakdown of testing results by local government areas.

Back to top

Contact us

Phone

13 10 50

National Relay Service

If you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can contact us through one of the options below.
Voice calls
Voice calls or telephone typewriter (TTY) call 133 677 then ask for 13 10 50
Speak and listen
Speak and listen service call 1300 555 727 then ask for 13 10 50
SMS
SMS relay service on 0423 677 767 then type 13 10 50
Internet relay
Make an internet relay call then type 13 10 50
Community
  • Events
  • Accessibility
  • Stakeholder Engagement Strategy
  • Order a Publication
  • Subscribe to the SafeWork Wrap
Legal
  • Privacy
  • Right to Information
  • Terms
  • Disclaimer
  • Copyright
Related sites
  • SIRA (workers compensation)
  • SafeWork Awards
  • TestSafe
  • Get healthy at work
  • Centre for WHS
  • icare

Contact

Contact us 13 10 50

Follow us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • youtbue
  • linkedin
Send us your feedback

Follow us

  • facebook
  • instagram
  • twitter
  • youtbue
  • linkedin
  • Sitemap
  • nsw.gov.au
  • Ministerial media releases

A division of the Department of Customer Service

NSW SafeWorks logo NSW SafeWorks NSW SafeWorks logo NSW SafeWorks