Asbestos Management

Asbestos removal

If the surveyors identify Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) in any of the 73 Northern Territory National Emergency Response (NTNER) communities which is likely to pose an immediate risk, steps will be taken to make sure the risk is minimised until the ACM can be removed by a licensed removalist.

During the initial surveys, only 3 examples of ACM, requiring immediate removal were found in the 73 communities surveyed.

The removal of ACM, especially materials identified with some potential to pose an unacceptable risk if it is further damaged, commenced in September 2009.

In communities where no ACM has been identified, no further action is required.

In communities where removal work is required, licensed asbestos removalists will be engaged to complete the task. Where required, the ACM which has been removed will be replaced with other material in order to ensure future functionality of the building. Specific details about removal works will be provided to community members by Government Business Managers (GBMs) as information becomes available.

Asbestos removal is a potentially hazardous task that should only be undertaken by a licensed asbestos removalist.

Whilst the Australian Government supports the employment of local people, asbestos removal work can be hazardous and workers have to be specially trained and have regular health checks including hospital chest x-rays.