Released 29/06/2017
Access Canberra is currently investigating asbestos contamination at a commercial property in Fyshwick.
WorkSafe ACT was informed of possible asbestos contamination at a Harvey Norman warehouse (not store) in Fyshwick on Saturday 24 June 2017 and issued a Prohibition Notice on the site that day.
WorkSafe ACT also engaged a licensed asbestos assessor who confirmed on Sunday 25 June 2017 that asbestos containing material was present at the site and so the Prohibition Notice remains in place. The asbestos is not loose fill amosite asbestos (Mr Fluffy).
It is understood that upgrade works to the ceiling space over the last few months disturbed asbestos ceiling panels which resulted in parts of the panels becoming friable.
The licensed asbestos assessor has detected friable asbestos containing material on stock and stock covering (ie. boxes) in the warehouse as well as the floor areas. It is possible stock may have been impacted over the past few months with the timeline being determined.
Access Canberra is working with Harvey Norman both at the Fyshwick warehouse and Corporate Office to remediate the site and investigate how this occurred.
Harvey Norman will be contacting customers who may have purchased stock over the impacted period and is working with licensed asbestos assessors and removalists on the management of remaining stock.
Customers with questions or concerns should contact Harvey Norman on these dedicated contact points:
Call: 1800 572 011
Email: fyshwick.enquiries@au.harveynorman.com
Access Canberra will be reviewing Harvey Norman’s response to this issue including the information and support provided to those affected.
If customers who may have purchased goods, or staff who may have worked in the warehouse over the past few months have concerns about their health, they should contact their General Practitioner.
It is important to remember that an isolated exposure to asbestos fibres of short duration is extremely unlikely to result in the development of an asbestos-related disease. The risk of developing an asbestos-related disease increases with repeated and intense exposure over time.
General information on asbestos and health can be found here: http://www.health.act.gov.au/sites/default/files/Fact%20sheets/Asbestos%20fact%20sheet%20%28October%202014%29.pdf
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