This document discusses the history of asbestos use and regulation in Australia, and summarizes ANSTO's response to asbestos contamination found on its sites. It describes how asbestos was widely used in Australia until being progressively banned from the 1970s onward due to its health risks. ANSTO investigated areas of concern on its properties, implemented a 5-10 year remediation plan including cleaning and recording contaminated areas, and educated staff on safely managing asbestos, taking a cautious approach. The document frames ANSTO as a case study for responsibly addressing legacy contamination issues while upholding its values of improving public health.

1. Back to the Future:
Looking Forward and Looking Back
ANSTO & Getex – A Legacy Case Study

3. TODAY

4. ANSTO Health

5. Asbestos Lady
1947
Asbestos Man
1967
Asbestos - A Wonder Product
Source: www.flikr.com

6. A Short History of Asbestos
• 1898 - Recognised as potential hazard
• 1930 - Identified as hazard
• 1945 - Establishment of a 5mppcf
Guideline
• 1955 - Doll established link with Lung
cancer
• Early 1960’s - Mesothelioma of the
pleura linked to exposure to asbestos
dust
The knowledge wasthere, but societywasunaware
Source: www.flikr.com

7. Australian Asbestos Consumption
1900 - 1985
Time lag between the identification of a hazard
and change of business practises
Source: Safe Work
Australia; 2013
Peak
production
1970s

8. Asbestos Regulations Tighten
• 1967 – Ban on Crocidolite (blue)
• Late 1970s - Australia began to
regulate use of asbestos products
• 1989 – Ban in construction materials
• 2003 - Ban on Chrysotile (white)
Compliance today may not mean compliance in the future
Source: www.flikr.com

9. ANSTO – A Case Study
• How has ANSTO responded?
– Investigation
– Cautious approach
– Sampling of areas of concern
– Implementation 5 to 10 year plan
– Plan for clean-up
– Record areas of contamination
– Educate staff

10. Planning

11. Implementing

12. A Safe Approach
• Be familiar with current
legislation, but also current
literature
• Approach unknowns with caution
• Be an organisation driven by values
of improving peoples lives

13. Results of the Test

14. ANSTO Today

15. Looking Into ANSTO’s Future-
Toward 2055

16. 16

18. The End
(or is it just the Beginning?)