Asbestos News
Australian government looks into asbestos concerns with TV installations
The federal government of Australia recently announced that it would begin an investigation about potential breaches in asbestos protocol during satellite television installations in the state of Queensland.The announcement comes as reports of government-appointed contractors allegedly installing satellite dishes in areas where asbestos was nearby. Federal authorities said that the 119 contractors involved in the plan will undergo further asbestos training, according to The Australian.
"The taskforce's contractors have worked with Queensland government departments and QBuild to update their safe work method statements to meet the requirements of the departments," a spokesman for Communications Minister Stephen Conroy told the news source.
It is essential that any worker who might come in contact with asbestos be fully educated about how best to handle the naturally occurring substance. Mishandling asbestos can allow its deadly mineral fibers to become airborne and if these are inhaled they can cause a number of serious illnesses such as malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
According to the news provider, more than 8,000 homes in Queensland, New South Wales and South Australia have received satellites under the scheme.
10/21/11
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