In response to the potential exposure of employees to asbestos in 2010, the BHP-Billiton Worsley Alumina refinery in Worsley, Australia has been improvement notices by the Department of Mines and Petroleum （DMP）. A DMP departmental inspector inspected the refinery the day after being notified of the potential exposure during the on-site removal of a flange gasket.
Asbestos is a toxic mineral that was use regularly in industry in throughout the 19th and 20th century for its strength and heat and fire resistant properties. Asbestos use is now banned in most developed countries because it is known to cause such fatal diseases as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the protective lining of the body’s major organs and cavities. However, many asbestos-containing products can still be found in older structures and industrial machinery.
The DMP investigated the refinery incident and discussions were held with BHP and John Holland site management. “The inspector also held a number of on-site meetings with employees to discuss their concerns about potential health effects from possible short-term exposure to asbestos fibres,” said the DMP’s resources safety division principal health adviser Mike Rowe.
Rowe also explained that the DMP had checked into “whether the site used appropriate risk assessment procedures for identifying and handling potential asbestos containing materials.” These procedures are of the utmost importance to worker safety and the prevention of asbestos cancer.
BHP has since confirmed that the investigation had been thorough and that detailed feedback had been provided to employees and contractors. The refinery claims to have taken action to comply with the DMP’s recommendations.
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