ETU calls for audit of asbestos in electricity industry

The Electrical Trades Union (ETU) has questioned Endeavour Energy’s policy on asbestos meter boards, claiming that its policy relies on out-of-date workplace safety advice.

According to the ETU, Endeavour’s asbestos policy relies on information issued in 1988, instead of the more recent 2005 advice which provides higher protection. The union says the 1988 standards are one fifth of the level of the 2005 standards.

Endeavour Energy said its most recent safety alert to its workforce requires workers to wear protective face masks when opening or working on meter boards installed prior to 1988 to avoid the risk of inhaling friable asbestos.

“We are providing this safety advice as a prudent step in the event that customers need to check or commission work on their switchboard over the next few weeks,” said Endeavour CEO Rod Howard.

On 1 November, the ETU said Endeavour instructed its employees to “wear a P2 mask and a full asbestos protection suit when working on meter boards installed before 1988.”

“We are now in the situation where Endeavour staff will be asked to work in full asbestos hazard suits,” said ETU NSW Secretary Steve Butler. “This is a shocking failure of management.”

“The energy unions are seeking an urgent meeting with Minister Hartcher, where we will be calling for the government to conduct review and audit of asbestos in the electricity industry,” Butler concluded. “We need to see evidence that the government takes this matter seriously or we will be forced to consider all industrial options.”