Tougher asbestos rules needed
The Rail and Maritime Transport Union is renewing its call for better regulations on the use of asbestos.
The union met with KiwiRail yesterday on the investigations into asbestos in the network of DL locomotives.
“These locomotives shouldn’t have been built with asbestos in them. That was clear in the service contract. But it
doesn’t surprise us that there were problems, we have had quality concerns with Chinese manufactured rail gear including
both the DL locomotives and the flat top wagons,” said Wayne Butson, General Secretary, Rail & Maritime Transport Union.
“New Zealand needs to follow Australia’s lead and ban the importation of asbestos containing products totally. Our weak
labelling-only approach is hopeless.”
“Australia has had a ban since 2004 on the importation, manufacture and use of all forms of asbestos and asbestos
containing products.”
"There is no reason why we shouldn’t do so as well,” Wayne Butson said.
Ends.