An urgent safety response has been prompted for wind farms across the country following the discovery of asbestos in turbine lift brake pads.
WorkSafe Victoria and Goldwind Australia, a subsidiary of Chinese firm Goldwind Science and Technology Co. Ltd, said white asbestos was found in brake pads used in wind turbines at its Cattle Hill Wind Farm in Tasmania.
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The brake pads were supplied by 3S Industry, a Chinese-based supplier that is a major exporter to Australia.
3S Industry is one of a few companies supplying brake pads to Australia, which has prompted concern that a large percentage of the country’s wind turbines are affected.
Renewable energy company Goldwind Australia has 16 sites across Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, Western Australia, and Tasmania.
A safety response is being formed by interstate regulators to investigate the presence of the asbestos-containing material which has been illegal in Australia since 2003.
A Goldwind spokesperson told the ABC that regulatory authorities were informed and access was restricted immediately following the discovery.
“All staff access to the affected turbines with 3S lifts has been restricted across the entire Goldwind Australia fleet,” the spokesperson said.
“A comprehensive material and air testing program is underway to check for asbestos in other spare brake pads and in wind turbines.”
Clean Energy Council’s chief policy and impact officer William Churchill said despite the announcement, further testing revealed promising results.
“Air quality testing by independent hygienists has confirmed no detection of airborne asbestos found in any affected turbines and therefore zero risk of community exposure. The risk to maintenance workers has also been assessed as very low,” Churchill said.
“Regulators have been fully briefed and are satisfied with the swift and thorough response taken by industry to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of all personnel.
“All affected components have been isolated, testing is underway across the fleet and precautionary measures have been implemented.
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“The Clean Energy Council and our members take safety extremely seriously. Asbestos is banned for use in Australia and we have zero tolerance for its use in any products.
“We will continue to support members, share information across the industry, and work with authorities to ensure this issue is fully resolved and safeguards are strengthened where required.”
