By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
A “SIGNIFICANT number” of asbestos-lined telecommunications pits will affect Geelong’s NBN rollout, Telstra has revealed.
A Telstra spokesman said the company had yet to undertake any NBN-related remediation work in the Geelong area.
“We haven’t used asbestos cement since the mid-80s, so those affected pits would be in the older suburbs,” he said.
The NBN rollout started this month in Geelong, connecting 12,000 homes in 18 suburbs from Bell Post Hill to East Geelong, including the central activities area.
The asbestos issue emerged nationally after contractors and residents complained they might have been exposed to the potentially deadly material as older pits were opened to lay optic cable for the NBN.
The spokesman said a temporary stop-work on pit remediation would remain in place for contractors until they were fully trained on working with, removing, transporting and disposing of asbestos material.
He said the copper network was built over many years and, as with other types of construction, some pits and ducts were manufactured from asbestos containing cement.
“The pits and ducts are underground and left undisturbed pose no risk.
“As part of Telstra’s agreements with NBN Co some of Telstra’s pits need to be upgraded to facilitate the NBN rollout.
“There are strict guidelines in place for asbestos removal, which require our employees and contractors to wear appropriate protective clothing and take appropriate safety measures.”
The spokesperson said Telstra had put in place a range of initiatives to strengthen its approach to asbestos management, including a field workforce of up to 200 specialists to inspect and supervise all asbestos-related remediation work.
All contractors and subcontractors would undergo mandatory training.
“We have also committed to stronger community engagement guidelines so people will be aware of what to expect when work commences in their area,” the spokesperson said.
“This includes longer notification periods, more intensive doorknocking and letterbox drops and improved signage at worksites alerting residents to asbestos-related works.”
“The safety of our workers, our contractors and the community is an absolute priority.”
The spokesperson said residents concerned about work in their areas could phone a special hotline on 1800 067 225.
