Licence suspended for failure to remove asbestos

A South Australian demolition business has lost its Class A Asbestos Removal Licence for three months after it failed to ensure its work and other activities were carried out safely and competently. The company, which was authorised to identify and remove asbestos, had not done so before starting demolition work, according to SafeWork SA, which suspended the licence under section 520 of SA’s Work Health and Safety Regulation 2012.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said the suspension should send a clear message to all licence holders that non-compliance with asbestos regulations will not be tolerated.

“SafeWork SA reminds all duty holders involved in the demolition or refurbishment of a structure or plant that was installed or fixed before 31 December 2003 that they must comply with asbestos regulations,” Campbell said. “We also remind businesses that before demolition or refurbishment work is carried out at the workplace, the relevant asbestos register should be reviewed and, if necessary, revised. This is known in the industry as a pre-refurbishment/demolition survey.”

A checklist is available via the SA Government’s asbestos website to those commissioning refurbishment or demolition work to ensure the material is removed properly and safely before other work starts.

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