Council staff allegedly instructed to scrub asbestos-laden walls
There doesn’t seem to be an end to the Blue Mountains City Council asbestos saga, with yet another mismanagement allegation arising.
Ray Hadley has been told council staff were ordered to scrub exposed asbestos sheeting walls in a change room at Katoomba Aquatic Centre.
Council staff say warning signs were put in the ladies change room about two months ago but, despite the danger, cleaners were instructed to scrub asbestos sheeting where paint was peeling off.
Some workers refused but others didn’t, with a pregnant staff member reportedly helping.
Staff tell Ray they raised concerns about the exposed asbestos to their superiors, but surprise, surprise, nothing was done.
The change room is still open to the public and children have been spotted peeling off the potentially deadly material.
Safe Work NSW has given the following statement:
“SafeWork NSW has been made aware of the issue relating to asbestos at the Katoomba Aquatic Centre. The issue relates to peeling paint on asbestos sheeting at the centre.
Blue Mountains City Council has an Asbestos Management Plan, is aware of this issue, and has activated the plan in response.
SafeWork NSW has reviewed the plan and rectification procedures, including the sealing of the wall.
SafeWork NSW will continue to monitor the situation at the aquatic centre, and ensure that the plan is followed.”
Ray is fed up with the inaction, calling on Better Regulation Minister Matt Kean to act.
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