Karen Wolfe, Samantha Arkapaw & Paul Paciullo

Back to the Future: Looking Forward and Looking Back

ANSTO & Getex – A Legacy Case Study

TODAY

ANSTO Health

Asbestos Lady 1947

Asbestos Man 1967

Asbestos - A Wonder Product

Source: www.flikr.com

A Short History of Asbestos

• 1898 - Recognised as potential hazard

• 1930 - Identified as hazard

• 1945 - Establishment of a 5mppcf Guideline

• 1955 - Doll established link with Lung cancer

• Early 1960’s - Mesothelioma of the pleura linked to exposure to asbestos dust

The knowledge was there, but society was unaware Source: www.flikr.com

Australian Asbestos Consumption 1900 - 1985

Time lag between the identification of a hazard and change of business practises

Source: Safe Work

Australia; 2013

Peak production

1970s

Asbestos Regulations Tighten

• 1967 – Ban on Crocidolite (blue)

• Late 1970s - Australia began to regulate use of asbestos products

• 1989 – Ban in construction materials

• 2003 - Ban on Chrysotile (white)

Compliance today may not mean compliance in the future

Source: www.flikr.com

ANSTO – A Case Study

• How has ANSTO responded?

– Investigation

– Cautious approach

– Sampling of areas of concern

– Implementation 5 to 10 year plan

– Plan for clean-up

– Record areas of contamination

– Educate staff

Planning

Implementing

A Safe Approach

• Be familiar with current

legislation, but also current

literature

• Approach unknowns with caution

• Be an organisation driven by values

of improving peoples lives

Results of the Test

ANSTO Today

Looking Into ANSTO’s Future- Toward 2055

16

The End (or is it just the Beginning?)