By Andrew Stackpool
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A
report has been released detailing the risks
associated with asbestos found in Metroliner
training aircraft at the School of Technical
Trade Training (RAAFSTT), Wagga.
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The
report says those who may have been exposed
are personnel who worked in the inboard underwing
and the engine/undercarriage zones of the aircraft.
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Anyone
who has worked at RAAFSTT since the Metroliners
were acquired in 1999 can call the Defence Asbestos
Information Hotline on 1800 000 655.
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SERVING
and former aviation technical staff, students from all three Services
and non-Defence civilian staff may have come into contact with
asbestos found in Metroliner training aircraft at the Air Force
School of Technical Trades (RAAFSTT) in Wagga.
A report into the risk of potential exposure to the asbestos has
found that during the period, the only personnel at potential
risk are those who worked in close proximity to the Metroliners
during maintenance training activities in two general work zones.
These were the inboard underwing zone and the engine/undercarriage
zone.
People walking through the hangar or working there without contact
with the Metroliners were at no appreciable risk.
It says that although the potential exposure is assessed as “real
and finite”, it is at the low-end of the spectrum compared
to industry norms for asbestos hazards.
The asbestos was detected last February during a routine maintenance
inspection of the three Metroliner aircraft used as training aids
at RAAFSTT.
The three aircraft were acquired as non-flying training aids in
1999. Safety assessments based on legislation and available knowledge
at that time did not identify any material hazards.
As soon as the discovery was made, the aircraft were sealed and
subject matter experts conducted tests to determine potential
levels of exposure and assess the risk from airborne asbestos
fibres.
Although their level of exposure to airborne asbestos fibres is
likely to be very low, all current and former aviation technical
staff and trainees who have served at RAAFSTT Wagga since 1999
are encouraged to contact their local Defence Medical Centre or
the Defence Asbestos Information Hotline on 1800 000 655 for more
information.
