This safety alert reminds you never to use high-pressure water or compressed air to clean asbestos roofs.
Background
In April 2017, a contractor used a high-pressure water to clean an asbestos roof and caused widespread asbestos contamination. Neighbours were forced to vacate their properties during the clean-up process.
If asbestos is disturbed, you are at risk of inhaling airborne asbestos fibres.
Action required
- Never use high-pressure water or compressed air on asbestos products.
- Be careful when working on asbestos roofs – they are brittle and you can easily fall through.
- Follow legal and safety requirements to manage asbestos.
- Use a licensed asbestos removalist.