Lisa Singh

BETTY THE HOUSE’S VISIT TO HOBART TO EDUCATE ABOUT ASBESTOS

 enator Singh welcomed Betty the House to Hobart today on its 200th visit to Australian communities for education and training in the prevention of asbestos related diseases, as part of National Asbestos Awareness Month. 

"Young apprentices are the Tradie Workforce of the future yet without adequate training on safe work procedures for asbestos, they could be putting their lives at risk,” Senator Singh said.

"Asbestos is a silent killer that still lies hidden in many homes and buildings. 

 "Home renovators can also learn from Betty on the risks of asbestos exposure and how to prevent it. Betty is a purpose built model house that is a tool to show homeowners the multiple locations where asbestos might be found in and around homes. 

 "We don't know how many fibres it takes to cause the development of an asbestos related disease, but what we do know is the greater the exposure to fibres, the greater the risk which is why it's so important for home owners and tradespeople to be aware of the dangers of asbestos exposure and how to avoid it. 

 "I've campaigned on behalf of sufferers of asbestos related diseases for a long time, but it alarms me that so many people still don't know about its dangers. 

 "We need to be vigilant to ensure we don't experience another wave of asbestos related disease suffering and death in Australian and Tasmania.

 "I congratulate Asbestos Free Tasmania Foundation AFTF on their training program 'Silent Killer' that has seen over 200 hundred apprentices, tradespersons and workers learn of the dangers of asbestos and the safe way to deal with it. 

 "With 13 Australians dying each week of asbestos related diseases, the legacy of this silent killer lives on. We must do all we can to ensure we prevent another generation from suffering from this deadly fibrous substance through ongoing education and training." 

FRIDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2017

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