Asbestos switchboard removal
As of May 2002 a serious issue arose with work on
meter and switchboard panels that may contain asbestos.
The OHS Regulation has always regulated workplaces where
asbestos is present. However, the switchboard issue
resulted in the establishment of a guide and model procedure
to specifically identify and work on meter and switchboard
panels. This work was undertaken by the NSW Electrical
Industry Asbestos Committee (EIAAC). |
 |
The NSW EIAAC has developed three industry model procedures
to deal with the risk of asbestos exposure in minor electrical
works. Copies of the three documents are available from our
office or the Workcover web site on www.workcover.nsw.gov.au.
Such exposure may occur from work on a large number of switchboards
in both commercial, industrial and residential installations
that have used asbestos or asbestos related materials in the
switchboards and meter panels.
All staff including our apprentices, have completed
the Asbestos Awareness training course which was developed
by Milcom on behalf of NECA. It ensures that the requirements
of the three industry model procedures developed to
date are followed, employers comply and employees are
provided with the skills and knowledge to work safely
with existing installations containing asbestos. |
 |
All contaminated waste will be removed using the Workcover
guidelines and temporarily stored at our depot, pending its
removal by a licensed contractor for disposal in accordance
with the requirements of the EPA NSW.
|
