Audit call after asbestos exposure
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West Australian construction unions are calling for an urgent audit of Alcoa's operations after workers were exposed to low levels of white asbestos at the Kwinana Refinery last month.
Construction, Forestry, Mining and Energy Union WA secretary Mick Buchan said it was "an absolute disgrace" that dozens of workers were directly and indirectly exposed to asbestos at the plant.
"Workers have the right to go to work and do their job without the fear of being exposed to deadly material in the workplace," he said.
"Asbestos is a hazardous material known to cause fatal mesothelioma and lung cancer as well as being linked to cancer of the colon, vocal chords and asbestosis."
In a statement, Alcoa said work ceased immediately and steps were taken for a licensed asbestos removal contractor to sample the material, contain and clean up the affected area.
An independent analysis of the material confirmed it contained white asbestos.
Alcoa said it was deeply concerned by the misinformation and speculation regarding the potential low level asbestos exposure to a small number of contractors.
It explained that on May 1, a contractor working at the Kwinana alumina refinery identified insulation tape suspected of containing asbestos which was covering weld seams in a tank roof which was being removed for replacement.
The tape was out of view in a sealed cavity between two layers of double-skinned steel roof, which was installed in the late 60s.
Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union State secretary Steve McCartney said it was not good enough that workers' health had been placed at unnecessary risk and called for immediate action to be taken.
"Workers and their families have unknowingly been put at serious risk at the Kwinana refinery and we need an immediate audit of asbestos at Alcoa's WA operations to make sure workers aren't exposed (again)," he said.
Alcoa health director and chief medical officer Dr Michael Donoghue assured the risk of health impacts on employees or contractors was considered extremely low due to the non-friable condition of the material, limited amount, the type of asbestos and the short duration of the task.
He said the health risk was negligible and the risk to family or friends low, but would visit the plant this week to brief crews.
Alcoa said a review of the vessel did not indicate any potential for the presence of asbestos but it would make sure similar vessels on site were added to the asbestos register.
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