26/09/2019

SafeWork SA have suspended the Class A Asbestos Removal Licence held by a South Australian demolition business for failing to ensure that the work and other activities were carried out safely and competently.

SafeWork SA have suspended the Class A Asbestos Removal Licence held by a South Australian demolition business for a period of three months due to failure to ensure that the work and other activities were carried out safely and competently.

The suspension is in accordance with section 520 of the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2012 (SA). SafeWork SA determined that the license holder failed to identify and remove the asbestos prior to starting demolition, as authorised by the licence.

SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said this licence 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.

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”, Mr Campbell said.

A checklist is available to assist businesses who commission refurbishment or demolition work at the SA Government asbestos website.