Small quantity of friable asbestos identified on residential site
At 4pm 13 March 2023, WorkSafe ACT was informed that mulch sample taken from a residential complex in Denman Prospect tested positive to a small amount of friable asbestos.
WorkSafe ACT took immediate steps to isolate the area from the public. The site is being treated in the same way as the nine other sites that returned positive results for bonded asbestos. Inspectors have issued a Prohibition Notice to not disturb, handle or dispose of mulch material until further assessment and remediation action can be arranged. Residents are being contacted.
Unlike bonded asbestos that is mixed with cement or resin to keep fibres in place, friable asbestos can more easily be crushed into a powder and has a higher risk of airborne fibres.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius wishes to reassure the public that while friable asbestos is a higher risk than bonded asbestos, what has been identified poses a low risk to public safety.
“Out of the 100m3 of mulch on the site, only 0.2g of friable asbestos was identified, despite extensive testing of the site. The report from the Licenced Asbestos Assessor shows that the friable asbestos was only found in one of sixteen samples taken from across the residential complex.
“I have been advised by the assessor that the quantities and localised nature of the contamination on this site constitute a low risk to the public safety”.
The mulch was provided by the original NSW supplier, Greenlife and delivered into the ACT.
WorkSafe ACT are now making enquiries to determine the extent of the potential contamination.
If you purchased Cottage Mulch, please do not disturb or try or remove it and contact WorkSafe ACT on WorkSafe_Asbestos@worksafe.act.gov.au.
Ms Agius reminds the public that asbestos contamination is a low but ever-present risk in the ACT and that the community should remain vigilant.
“If anyone identifies fragments of building material in mulch that they suspect is asbestos, they should contact WorkSafe ACT.”
Statement ends.
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