The Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia Inc. | Occupational safety and health service

The Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia Inc.

Phone: +61 1800 157 540

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25.01.2022 The Master Builders Association yesterday launched a national campaign proposing measures to stimulate the building sector, including funding for cladding rectification and asbestos removal. In this State, figures have been released showing that a dozen buildings still have high risk flammable cladding. SA Best MLC Frank Pangallo will next week reignite a push for the Government to reveal the locations of these buildings. However, Planning Minister Stephan Knoll [pictured] sa...ys that: Strong progress has been made and the number of high or extreme buildings is a fraction of what it was last year. In the COVID-19 environment, Councils are continuing to hold discussions with building owners, he said, and Government would continue working with them to ensure fixes were completed within the recommended 12-month time frame. Meanwhile the building industry supported a push to investigate international approaches to an inquiry into non-conforming building materials. Master Builders Association SA spokesman Will Frogley said: Strong monitoring of the safety and quality of products being imported into Australia is extremely important. Analysis from Ernst and Young revealed a $116 million investment in rectification works would create at least 920 full-time jobs in SA. See more

25.01.2022 If asbestos needs to be removed before you start work, use a licensed asbestos removalist. In some circumstances the law requires it. Be aware there is no known safe minimum level of exposure to asbestos fibres. https://bit.ly/3kL0eZl

24.01.2022 It's exciting to see that the Jack Watkins Memorial pathway has now been restored, with the pavers re-engraved. Our thanks to the City of Port Adelaide/Enfield, who carried out this work.

24.01.2022 Asbestos waste can only be disposed of at a licensed facility. There are big penalties for the illegal disposal of asbestos, which includes putting it in a domestic rubbish bin, waste skip or dumping it in the bush. https://bit.ly/3kL0eZl

24.01.2022 Thinking of renovating? Inhaling asbestos fibres can cause life-threatening illnesses including mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you're renovating an older home that may contain asbestos, call an asbestos professional for an assessment before you start. It's just not worth the risk. Check at this link: https://bit.ly/3kL0eZl

24.01.2022 Did You Know this famous Hollywood actor died from mesothelioma? It is believed Steve McQueen was exposed to asbestos while in the US Navy. Click here to see the many health risks associated with #asbestos exposure https://tinyurl.com/y4doluwl

23.01.2022 James Hardie Industries continues to hit the headlines, positioning itself for a slow recovery from the COVID-19 financial downturn. In Australia, the company will forever be linked with the asbestos scandal, which resulted in a special compensation fund being set up in 2007 for payouts to people affected by their products, which were eventually taken off the market in the 1980’s. The legacy of the James Hardie asbestos products continues to this day and is likely to claim ...many more mesothelioma victims in years to come. In 2018, the previous CEO said that he expected it could be 30 years before the issues surrounding asbestos-related products would disappear. The compensation fund has been affected by COVID-19, with the CEO, Dr Jack Truong, deciding to alter the timing of the payments into the Fund to quarterly instalments rather than the usual annual payment in July, to save money. For the sake of all current claimants and those likely to receive the devastating diagnosis of an ARD in the next decades, it’s important that James Hardie Industries is able to continue trading, so that the compensation fund will be maintained. See more

21.01.2022 If you think you have disturbed asbestos, stop work! Seek advice from an asbestos professional on how to safely remove the asbestos and clear up the work area. If the asbestos-containing material is in good condition it is best to leave it alone. Check first with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

19.01.2022 ADSSA President, Peter M Photakis with ADSSA Ambassador, Steve Georganas MP, highlighting the importance of Asbestos Awareness.

19.01.2022 There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. If asbestos needs to be removed before you start a renovation, use a licensed asbestos removalist. The law may prevent you from removing asbestos yourself, and if you are allowed, you must follow strict safety precautions and use the right Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Remember, like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal or renovations that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

18.01.2022 If you are unsure if something contains asbestos, do not disturb it, drill it, cut it or break it. Have it assessed by a qualified asbestos assessor. https://bit.ly/3kL0eZl

18.01.2022 PPE cannot guarantee your health or safety, but it will help reduce your risk of exposure. It must be selected, worn and removed correctly to be effective. You also need to follow safe work practices to prevent asbestos contaminating everything around you.... https://bit.ly/3kL0eZl See more

16.01.2022 Changing an old tiled floor? Be aware - asbestos lurks under many older floors in houses built in the 1980s and earlier. Before 1990, asbestos was commonly used... in the cement adhesive that affixed tiles to the ground - which can then become loose and dangerous when tiles are pulled up from the floor. Don't risk it - get a check before you pull up old tiles.

16.01.2022 Asbestos lurks in more places than you’d think, like flooring, kitchens, bathrooms, as well as roofs, ceilings and walls especially in older homes. Be aware there is no known safe minimum level of exposure to asbestos fibres. If you are planning to work on a property that dates back to the 1980's, don’t risk it - call an asbestos assessor for an assessment before you start. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

15.01.2022 If you know or suspect material in your home was installed before 1990, it is safest to assume it does contain asbestos. The only way to be certain is to have it inspected by an asbestos assessor. They will give you advice on how it can be safely managed or removed. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

15.01.2022 A skip bin and demolition company, Destiny Contracting Pty Ltd and DeJay Contracting Pty Ltd, has received a record fine of more than $56,000 for illegally processing and storing waste, including asbestos at a site in Para Hills West. The company pleaded guilty to this activity in September 2017 and November 2018. The EPA Manager of Investigations, Mr Barry, said the site was sorting commercial quantities of building waste, including storing asbestos, without regulation or au...thorisation. He added that, Whilst inspecting a shed, investigators also found several bags of varying amounts of asbestos containing materials, with some of those bags not sealed. Mr Barry said although the operators had now improved the operation and been granted a licence for the site, the risks to the local community prior to these improvements were unacceptable. Unauthorised and unregulated storage and sorting of any waste in built-up areas poses multiple risks to public safety and when asbestos is part of this unauthorised process, the risk to public safety is substantial. This is a timely reminder that those undertaking illegal activity in the waste sector will be identified, and the consequences of doing so are significant. See more

13.01.2022 In this challenging year, we were not able to hold our usual Asbestos Memorial Service at the Jack Watkins Memorial Reserve. Instead we arranged an online service with Kathy Speake as celebrant, which you can view in the video which is on our website at www.adssa.org.au. We hope that in 2021 we will be able to gather together again. In the meantime, stay safe.

11.01.2022 As we start Asbestos Awareness Week, the message is that 'Asbestos Lurks in More Places than You'd Think'. For a short, but powerful video that illustrates the dangers, please check the Asbestos Awareness Week information on our website at www.adssa.org.au

11.01.2022 Don’t disturb your neighbours by disturbing asbestos. You have a legal responsibility not to harm those around you. Many people aren't aware that asbestos is still present in millions of Australian homes and can be easily disturbed if you're renovating. Bathrooms are a common location for hidden asbestos - especially older bathrooms that contain tilux walls or showers. Be aware - take precautions and contact an asbestos professional for help and advice. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

10.01.2022 More than 3,000 tonnes of hazardous building waste, including asbestos, have been removed from two illegal dumping grounds outside of Sedan, following work over several years by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to have the dumps cleaned-up and restored. The EPA removed 248 truckloads of hazardous waste. There are current legal proceedings against a demolition contractor which is allegedly responsible for illegal dumping at the site. EPA director Peter Dolan said, "Th...e management of this site over the years has been incredibly frustrating for the EPA and the local community, with the alleged illegal dumper repeatedly failing to comply with clean-up orders and stalling procedures," he said. "In total the contractors have safely removed 3,304.5 tonnes of hazardous waste and transported it to a specially lined cell at the licenced asbestos disposal area at the Cambrai Waste Depot. "It is a great relief to finally have this material removed from the site, and we thank the residents and organisations in the Sedan area for their patience during the unforeseen delays." See more

07.01.2022 If your house was built before 1990, it is likely to contain some asbestos. Before you start your renovations, be sure to get an asbestos assessor to check if asbestos is present! Remember, like plumbing and electrical work, asbestos removal or renovations that might uncover asbestos - are jobs best left to the experts. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

05.01.2022 Sadly asbestos kills twice as many Australians as the national road toll. Be aware that asbestos can lurk in more places than you’d think. It can be present in... many homes and workplaces - know the facts to protect yourself, your friends and your family. Check out www.asbestossafety.gov.au for a range of resources to help you stay safe! See more

04.01.2022 Did you know that asbestos sheeting was a material used around heat because of its fire resistant properties? Asbestos lurks in many older homes in areas such a...s the fire pit base, fire surround, fireplace infills and backing boards. If you are ever thinking of replacing your old fireplace make sure you get an asbestos assessment before you start the work!

04.01.2022 Asbestos is a known carcinogen and exposure to asbestos fibres can cause serious disease such as cancer. PPE cannot guarantee your health or safety, but it will help reduce your risk of exposure. To be effective, it must be selected, worn and removed correctly. Call an asbestos professional before you start work it’s not worth the risk. Check with SafeworkSA https://bit.ly/2xe8iz3

02.01.2022 A young researcher recently won the Douglas Peter Swift Scholarship from The University of Western Australia’s National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases and is passionate about advancing research into mesothelioma. PhD student Synat Keam, 32, is interested in exploring a combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy treatments of mesothelioma through his research. The Douglas Peter Swift Scholarship is in memory of Douglas Swift, who grew up in Wittenoom and died at the ...age of 53 from mesothelioma. His legacy lives on through a family trust, supporting PhD students at UWA’s National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases. Mr Keam said that traditional chemotherapy treatment was highly toxic to patients and he considered it vital to develop better ways to treat mesothelioma. Immunotherapy treatments have been tested but the majority of patients do not respond to the treatments, and why some respond and not others remains a mystery to scientists, he said. With support through the scholarship I will be researching immune checkpoint blockade treatments, which is a type of immunotherapy that works by enabling T cells to kill cancer cells.Through testing the effects of low-dose radiotherapy I hope to find out what dose can prepare the tumour area to be susceptible to immunotherapy. Mr Keam said he was inspired to explore ways of developing a cure for mesothelioma, because an effective treatment had still not been found. I remember sitting in on a mesothelioma clinic during my studies, he said. A patient’s children asked how long their father could expect to live. When they were told, the son burst into tears. This motivated me to work harder, in the hope that through my research I might find a cure or a way to prolong patients’ lives and their quality of life. See more