Just 4 weeks to go - Ban on new uses of Asbestos in all Australian workplaces
In just four weeks from today, all new uses of asbestos and materials containing asbestos will be banned in Australian workplaces. On 31 December 2003 it will become illegal under the laws of each state and territory to store, sell, install or re-use any products containing asbestos, including automotive brake pads and gaskets. The same prohibition applies in the Australian government sector.
The ban will not apply to asbestos products and materials that are already in place. But when they are replaced, non-asbestos alternatives must be used.
For example, if your vehicle’s brake pads contain asbestos, you will not be required to change them on 31 December 2003. However, when they need replacing, the ban will apply from then on and replacement with a non-asbestos brake pad is required.
Any stockpiles of asbestos-containing products must be safely disposed of in line with applicable state and territory regulations.
Each year hundreds of Australians die from asbestos related diseases. Asbestos is known to cause cancer in humans and exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos.
The National Occupational Health and Safety Commission decided on the prohibition of asbestos for workplace use in 2001 after wide consultation and the support of all Australian governments. The 31 December 2003 prohibition date was chosen to give workplaces time to prepare for the ban. It has been widely publicised by the OHS authorities in each state and territory.
The prohibition will take effect simultaneously in each Australian state and territory, and it will be complemented by a Customs regulation banning imports and exports.
There are a few exemptions to the ban but they are restricted in scope and will operate for a limited time. They only apply where there are much greater risks to safety if asbestos is not used. Protection from exposure is still required in these cases.
National codes of practice for the safe removal of asbestos and on measuring the amount of airborne asbestos are being revised. There will also be a new code of practice providing advice on managing and controlling asbestos-containing materials in workplaces. These documents will be released for public comment in February 2004 and will be declared after that comment is considered.
For more information, visit the ASCC web site at www.ascc.gov.au
03 December 2003
Page last updated: 06/07/2008