Media release: Rail and Maritime Transport Union
Tuesday March 4, 2014
Asbestos regulations in New Zealand woeful
New Zealand needs to follow Australia’s lead and ban the importation of asbestos containing products, the rail union
said today.
KiwiRail has pulled its forty DL locomotives from the network after asbestos was detected in the soundproofing of the
drivers compartment.
“Our regulations in this area are inadequate”, said Wayne Butson, General Secretary, Rail and Maritime Transport Union.
“Rather than a weak, labelling-only approach, New Zealand needs to take a stronger stance and stop the importation of
asbestos containing products fully.”
Australia has had a ban since 2004 on the importation, manufacture and use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos containing products.
“Australia’s stronger regulations ensure companies are held accountable for their actions. Australian engineering firm
Bradken faces a fine of up to $850,000 for importing locomotives from China that contained asbestos.”
“In contrast, there is no accountability borne by KiwiRail for ensuring there is no asbestos included in goods produced
along its supply chain.”
Wayne Butson said that trains built locally would not have contained asbestos.
“Instead, the government took a short-sighted view of procurement with these DL locomotives and went for the cheapest
possible option, regardless of the consequences, and in the process, have put the safety of their workforce at risk,” he
said.
Ends.