Queensland Laboratory News Details
Importation of Tremolite Asbestos in Natural Stone Tiles
Added: 19 April, 2010
A safety alert has been issued following the recent importation from China of natural stone tiles that were found to contain Tremolite asbestos, which is a prohibited hazardous substance. Tremolite asbestos (a carcinogenic substance) is a mineral consisting of elongated, needle-like fibres, which can lodge in the lungs and cause asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma.
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 requires that suppliers of substances must ensure that those substances are safe and without risks when properly used. The importation, sale or use of all forms of asbestos, including Tremolite asbestos, is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.
RISK CONTROLS
• Importers of natural stone tiles from China should ask for documentation that verifies the content of the tiles and ensure they do not import any tiles known to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock.
• Importers or retailers who suspect they may have natural stone tiles that contain Tremolite asbestos or other forms of asbestos-bearing rock are to immediately inform WorkCover, and materials are to be tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA)-accredited testing facility.
• Where natural stone tiles are identified to contain Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock, they are to be sealed using appropriate plastic or leak-proof containers and disposed of as asbestos waste at an approved asbestos disposal facility.
• Where natural stone tiles containing Tremolite asbestos or any other forms of asbestos-bearing rock have been installed, the affected area is to be isolated until the material is removed by a licenced asbestos removalist and the area cleared by an occupational hygienist.