A MOUNT Gambier contractor removing asbestos materials from the Millicent Swimming Lake kiosk without the correct licence has been issued a prohibition notice by SafeWork SA.
A spokesperson for SafeWork SA told The South Eastern Times the notice has effectively put a stop to further removal work at the privately owned kiosk until an appropriately qualified removalist was contracted.
“The site has been barricaded to ensure members of the public are not at risk,” he said.
SafeWork SA said it would be actively conducting inquiries into the adequacy of procedures used for the asbestos work that had been undertaken at the Millicent Swimming Lake kiosk to date.
The Environmental Protection Agency said it has been notified of the matter and an officer attended the site last week for an inspection.
An EPA spokesperson said it was currently working closely with SafeWork SA on the matter and an EPA investigation into the activity of the contractor will be undertaken if any breaches under the Environment Protection Act 1993 are identified.
Wattle Range Council chief executive officer Ben Gower said he had been in consultation with SafeWork SA as council was responsible for the toilet/change room facility and swimming lake and wanted to ensure the public was safe.
“SafeWork SA has advised it is currently safe to open the toilet/change room facilities as the kiosk has been isolated,” Mr Gower said.
“We have been advised the asbestos will be removed on November 15 and during that time the toilet will be closed to ensure that members of the public using the lake are not put at any potential risk.”
