In this episode Linda Apthorpe, Consultant Occupational Hygienist and University Lecturer returns to discuss naturally occurring asbestos.

Naturally occurring asbestos is the natural geological occurrence of asbestos minerals found in association with geological deposits including rock, sediments and soils. Generally, this refers to asbestos that has not been extracted or refined for commercial purposes and has been exposed unintentionally by excavation, road building or other construction or mining type works.

Guest Bio:

Linda Apthorpe (pictured left) is a Consultant Occupational Hygienist who provides consulting, specialised training and laboratory services to a wide variety of workplaces. She has over 20 years’ experience as an occupational hygienist, is a Fellow Member of AIOH and a Certified Occupational Hygienist.

Linda is also a Lecturer at the University of Wollongong for the Work Health & Safety Program which includes post graduate studies in Occupational Hygiene.

In this episode, Mark & Linda discuss the following:

• What is naturally occurring asbestos (NOA)?
• How is NOA formed?
• What does NOA look like?
• Where across Australia is NOA found? How would a property owner determine whether their property has a potential for NOA?
• Is NOA being disturbed when mining for other materials?
• Why is it important to identify NOA on a property?
• When and where is NOA most likely a potential health risk for workers and others?
• Do landowners who have potential for, or have NOA in their property need a NOA management plan?
• What are the legal requirements and who are the regulators when it comes to NOA?
• What are some NOA safe work procedures and control measures property owners can put in place?
• What can those people who live in NOA areas do to reduce exposure in and around the home?
• Where can listeners go to get further information on naturally occurring asbestos and asbestos more broadly?
• What would you be your final summary points for listeners to take away from today about NOA?

People who live and work in areas where naturally occurring asbestos is identified or assumed to be present must ensure they are aware of its existence so they can take the necessary precautions to prevent exposure. Potential asbestos exposure, whether in the workplace or around the home due to natural sources need to be ascertained, and an asbestos management plan developed to eliminate or minimise the risks to workers, families and communities. Tune in as we discuss naturally occurring asbestos that can pose a potential hazard to human health if disturbed.

Additional Resources:

• Podcast Transcript
• SafeWork Australia – Asbestos
• Asbestos Safety Eradication Agency
• Worksafe NZ
• Asbestos Awareness NOA
• SafeWork NSW NOA in NSW Map
• SafeWork NSW NOA FAQ
• SafeWork NSW – Residing in areas of naturally occurring asbestos factsheet
• SafeWork NSW –Recreation in NOA factsheet
• SafeWork NSW – Farming in NOA areas Factsheet

Contact a 3M Safety Specialist at scienceofsafetyanz@mmm.com for more information.