Introduction and Welcome

Asbestos Awareness Week
Seminar
Mike Lindsay
Acting Director
Environmental Health Directorate
Seminar Program
A broad range of topics with expert
speakers from within and outside EHD
Emphasis on informing about latest
asbestos developments and topical issues
For WA it will be evident that:
We have achieved major management
outcomes, some of national significance
We have special challenges
Asbestos in WA
During the asbestos era, WA and
Australia had highest per capita
usage in the world.
Mined (at Wittenoom) and used the
dangerous blue asbestos
(crocidolite).
Much of WA geology is prone to
having asbestos incl. iron, nickel &
gold ores
One of highest mesothelioma rates
in the world
EHD Roles
Applies Health (Asbestos) Regulations 1992
(HAR), with LG EHOs
Primary advisor to community & LG/other
agencies on asbestos public health risks, esp
DER under Contaminated Sites Act 2003
Technical expertise in toxicology, occupational
hygiene, environmental science, research &
epidemiology
Officers have presented extensively on
asbestos management locally, nationally &
internationally
WA: a source of asbestos achievements
Work of UWA on mesothelioma
epidemiology & causes
National (& NZ) adoption of EHD
Asbestos in Soil Guidelines
Cancer Council/EHD eLearning
Course on DIY Renovators & asbestos
Revision of the HAR (in progress).
HAR Revision
Revision Drafting Instructions with Legal Services
Supporting CoP drafted (based on OSH Codes)
Intended to greatly increase public asbestos
regulation & LG EHO powers & non-compliance
penalties
Draft HAR, Draft CoP & explanatory documentation
planned for consultation & workshop in new year
Finalisation & implementation (2015/16?) will be
supported by training & comprehensive package of
guidance material
Further Challenges and Opportunities
Improving cooperation & coordination between
WA agencies
Addressing increasing risks from aging asbestos
structures & their disturbance through inner
urban renewal
Participating in the national schemes:
National Asbestos Strategy
Model Workplace Health & Safety legislation
Contacts and Information
All queries: 9388 4999 [email protected]
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/1/1060/2/environmental_health_food
_water_and_hazards.pm
Asbestos General: 9388 4999
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/1143/2/asbestos_and_public_healt
h.pm
Asbestos Contaminated Sites: 9388 4946
[email protected]
http://www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/1144/2/contaminated_sites.pm

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