Skills Institute

Friday, 18 November 2011 - 10:57am

Skills Institute Customer Relations Manager for Allied Trades Owen Smith recently warned Tasmania’s housing industry of the need to cope with increased asbestos problems over the next 50 years.

Speaking recently to the Mercury, Mr Smith said houses built in the 1970s or 80s may contain the hazardous material, which means tradespeople need to be aware of the problems asbestos can cause if not properly approached.

To assist with ensuring Tasmania’s workforce is well-equipped to deal with any potential issues associated with asbestos contamination, Mr Smith will also soon meet with Labour Senator Lisa Singh.

“Senator Singh was the founding CEO of Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation in 2010, and has been dealt significantly with the issue during her tenure as Workplace Relations Minister,” Mr Smith said.

“Through my role with The Skills Institute I have provided significant input to industry-designed training packages to inform apprentices of the dangers surrounding asbestos.

“Working regularly with the Workplace Standards Asbestos Unit, we have also helped develop training responses for the new regulatory environment that will impact upon property owners, renovators, sub-contractors and builders.”

The Skills Institute offers short-courses for tradespeople in dealing with asbestos, and the Workplace Standards Tasmania website (www.wst.tas.gov.au) also has information for workers in all trades as well as members of the general public.  Further information may also be found at: www.asbestos.tas.gov.au