Safety Alert – Importation of Tremolite Asbestos Decorative Stone Wall Tiles

Work cover released an alert on their web site; “Importation of Tremolite Asbestos Decorative Wall Tiles: Safety alert”.  It is understood that the stone tiles are sold as ‘Snow White Stackstone’ which was imported from China. Photos are included within the WorkCover safety alert.

The Safe Environments strongly advise to all stone merchants to confirm whether they may be involved in the importation, selling or fixing of asbestiform materials and take appropriate action where required.

Legislative Requirements

The Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000 requires that suppliers of substances must ensure that those substances are safe and without risks when properly used.

The importation, sale or use of all forms of asbestos, including Tremolite asbestos, is prohibited under the Customs (Prohibited Imports) Regulations 1956 and the NSW Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 2001.

Asbestos & Health Effects?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral silicate. As a result naturally occurring materials, such as stone may comprise asbestiform material.

When asbestos fibres are liberated into the air with a specific geometry that allows the fibre to be inhaled into the lung, the fibres may irritate the lining of the lung which may form asbestos related illness. It should be noted that there is no evidence to support the theory that one fibre can kill. Asbestos related illness may occur as a result of a cumulative dose response.

Where Can I Get My Stone Tiles Tested for the Presence of Asbestos?

Importers who suspect they may have material that contain asbestiform material should be tested by a National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) accredited lab for AS 4964 Method for the qualitative identification of asbestos in bulk samples.

Note that you will need to request that the lab supply a non-NATA accredited certificate and expressly request that they investigate the presence of ASBESTIFORM material and clearly state this within the report. NATA accredited labs that conduct testing to Australian Standard AS 4964, will only confirm the presence of chrysotile, amosite and crocidolite asbesotsiform materials and are prohibited from reporting the presence of tremolite, anthophyllite and actinolite asbestiform materials. 

Safe Environments Recommends:

Consumers and retailers who suspect they may have material that contains asbestos should contact the relevant supplier or importer to confirm the absence of asbestiform material.

• Importers of natural stone tiles request documentation that verifies the composition of the stone and ensure they do not import stone containing asbestiform materials.
• Fixers and installers who may suspect that they have been in contact with material that contains asbestiform material should contact WorkCover.
• Where tiles containing asbestiform material have been installed, a risk assessment and suitable control be implemented by an Occupational Hygienist, in consultation with all stakeholders.