Residents in affected areas of the River Murray, those who own holiday homes in the area, or those supporting the flood response, are urged by safety authorities to be aware of the dangers of handling asbestos.
It is estimated that more than 1,000 properties in South Australia along the River Murray have been inundated. Many of the structures near the river are ‘river shacks’ – small holiday or fishing buildings, and it is likely, given most were built or renovated in the 1980s and 1990s, that many contain asbestos.
The significant volumes of water associated with the flooding event mean that there is a “real risk that older properties that contain asbestos will be washed away, only to resurface downstream.”
Asbestos exposure can also occur for those cleaning up after the flood or undertaking repairs, and locals associated with the clean-up efforts are being urged to become familiar with the wide range of products that may contain asbestos.
The risk for locals in flood-affected regions is that many asbestos containing products, which are unlikely to pose a threat to health when undisturbed, may have been disturbed or broken in the flooding and will now present a health risk.
A licensed asbestos removalist should complete the removal of asbestos-containing materials that are beyond salvage, but for those looking to remove any asbestos from their properties, they should be aware of the relevant safe work and safety procedures.
The other consideration is, of course, the disposal of asbestos-containing materials following the clean-up. Residents must take asbestos waste to a licensed transfer station or waste depot. Residents are reminded that it is
illegal to dispose of asbestos in normal rubbish collection, and a crime to dump it in the street or on vacant land.
SafeWork SA Executive Director Martyn Campbell said asbestos poses a significant health risk.
“As we clean up damaged properties, homeowners and emergency responders need to consider the risk posed by this material and take appropriate action to control the risks. Also, dumping asbestos is also an offence and should not happen.
“Illegally dumped asbestos puts an unnecessary strain on public resources, resources that could be better spent on other vital community services,” he said.