Does it Contain Asbestos?

In recent times concerns have been raised in relation to loads that may contain compressed asbestos sheeting not correctly presented for disposal entering the site.

Kimbriki is licensed for the receiving of materials that contain asbestos provided that the material is fibro type products, eg sheets, pipes or guttering and is delivered to the site wrapped in heavy duty plastic.

Any product exposed even in transit will not be accepted.

The main problem is that there is no standard method of determining whether the “fibro” product as delivered to the site contains asbestos.

Discussions with both Workcover and the manufacturers of products that in the past contained asbestos, have determined that there is no simple way to establish whether the material does or does not contain asbestos. In general asbestos was not used as a bonding material within sheeting from 1985.

Since the removal of asbestos from the manufacturing process all “fibro” products (compressed sheeting etc) are stamped to identify that the product does not contain asbestos, but this does not account for offcuts of that material that may not contain this information.

So as to ensure a safe working environment and compliance with our licence conditions the cautious approach must be taken with all loads that contain sheeting or the like that MAY contain asbestos.

In these occurrences the person with the material within their load must be able to satisfy us that the material is asbestos free – either identifying with stamping on the product or able to demonstrate the product was recently purchased, with offcuts or similar delivered to the site.

Workcover take a similar approach – that is, if you cannot establish beyond reasonable doubt that the material does not contain asbestos - PRESUME IT DOES.

It is important that all weighbridge operators and collectors inspect loads to determine if asbestos products are contained within the load and ask customers if they are seeking to dispose of any material that may contain asbestos eg sheeting, guttering or pipes.

THE CUSTOMER MUST BE ABLE TO SATISFY US THAT THE SHEETING ETC DOES NOT CONTAIN ASBESTOS. IF IN ANY DOUBT WE MUST PRESUME IT DOES.

IF MATERIAL THAT MAY CONTAIN ASBESTOS IS DETECTED THEN THE CUSTOMER WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO DEPOSIT THE LOAD AND WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE SITE.

IF AFTER THIS PROCEDURE ASBESTOS MATERIAL FINDS ITS WAY TO LANDFILL THEN THE LANDFILL CENTRE ATTENDANT WILL ASK THE CUSTOMER TO LEAVE THE SITE, WITHOUT DEPOSITING ANY WASTE FROM THEIR LOAD.

Should any queries be raised in respect of the policy regarding asbestos please call either the Works Coordinator or Kimbriki Management to reinforce these requirements.

Copies of this memo will also be available for distribution to assist in conveying or policy to our customers.