The Tasmanian Government and its agencies take very seriously concerns about the safety of people in our community.
As I told Parliament this morning, WorkSafe Tasmania is actively working with building contractors to ensure the safety of workers and the wider community in regard to claims of possible asbestos contamination of construction fill material.
The construction fill was derived from the demolition of existing buildings at the Parliament Square redevelopment site.
At this site, contaminated materials were first identified and removed from buildings prior to demolition, with certification being provided by a specialist independent monitoring consultant. This occurred between December 2012 and July 2013.
Demolition then occurred between August 2013 and May 2014.
WorkSafe advises that they are satisfied that the principal contractor at the Glenorchy Primary School site has implemented relevant and appropriate precautionary containment measures that are in keeping with the recommendations of occupational hygienists.
Further, the builder has provided formal advice that the Glenorchy site is not a safety issue to children, staff or any workers.
The Department of Education commissioned its own testing using another independent expert company, IPM Safety, to obtain an added level of assurance.
That testing took place yesterday and the results are expected later this week.
The initial advice from IPM Safety is that the “site currently represents a low risk to workers and the surrounding public” and notes that this risk will decrease as the fill is encapsulated under bitumen and concrete.
This work is commencing today.
WorkSafe will continue to work with all parties to ensure that information is available and to ensure, most importantly, the safety of workers and the wider community.
While we understand genuinely held concerns, it is important that public commentary is informed and responsible.
More Media Releases from Guy Barnett
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