Spring Newsletter October 2014

Asbestos Related Disease Support Society QLD Inc. 16 Campbell Street, Bowen Hills QLD 4006 PO Box 280, Spring Hill QLD 4004 Phone: 1800 776 412 [email protected] www.asbestos-disease.com.au Invitation to SYMPOSIUM 2014 The Killer ThaT SurroundS uS WedneStillS day 29th OctO ber 2014 9.00am tO 12.00 nOOn

Venue: Traders Hotel Roma Street Brisbane. (Above Roma St, Station) Registration from 8.30am, coffee, tea and biscuits on arrival for a prompt 9.00am start. Further Refreshments from 12:00pm

SpeakerS Free communiTy evenT

Thady Blundell, Chairperson Professor Roger Allen, Asbestos A-Z Professor Judith Bauer, Nutrition and Alternate Treatment Dr Pretoria Bilinski, Oncology and Palliative Care Dr Richard Slaughter, Radiology and Asbestos Barry Robson, President ADFA, James Hardie Compensation Fund

Information Stands Air Liquide Melanoma Patients Australia Asbestos Related Disease Nutrition Study Qld Rehab Asbestos Related Disease Support Society Turner Freeman Lawyers Qld Inc. Workplace Health & Safety Qld DOTS Allied Health Services Pty Ltd

RSVP 14th October 2014 1800 776 412 – [email protected]

BOOK NOW – SEATS ARE LIMITED by Sponsored

2 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 In this issue...

Presidents Report 4

Secretaries Report 6

Race Day! 8

James Hardie Compensation Fund 10

Nausea in Patients with Mesothelioma and with Chronic Asbestos Disease 11

Home Building and Renovations 12

Walk From Townsville to Brisbane to Raise Money and Awareness 13

Updated Asbestos Waste Disposal Information 14

A Costly Catastrophe 15

Tags will be Fitted to Meter Boxes of Homes 16

Donations 17

HIA Sunday Mail Home Show 18

Raising the Roof on Asbestos Awareness 19

Office hours over the Christmas break Please note that Any members needing As Christmas will soon be the office will assistance or knowing upon us, The Committee be closed from anyone needing assistance Members of ARDSSQ Monday 15 December between the above dates, would like to take this 2014 till Monday 12 in an emergency please opportunity to wish you call the mobile 0408 758 all a very safe and an January 2015. 963 and a non-emergency enjoyable Christmas. call 1800 776 412 and leave a brief message.

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 3 Presidents Report

Helen Colbert

Welcome to ARDSSQ Newsletter Spring Edition. After having her son, Amanda went to work at the Queensland Nurses Union where she held many I would like to express my sincere gratitude and roles over 20 years of employment. Her main area appreciation to everyone for your support, words of expertise and passion was however health and of encouragement and condolence I have received safety and workers compensation. following the passing of my husband Raymond (Ray) immediate late Secretary of the Society. In 2008 Amanda was elected to the Assistant Secretary role at the Queensland Council of Your thoughtfulness and kindness will always Unions, making her the most senior female union remain with me. leader in Queensland. Amanda left the QCU in I would like to warmly welcome Amanda Richards 2013. to her new role with the Society. Amanda has an Associate Diploma in Labour On the 1 September 2014 the Society’s Studies from the University of Adelaide, and Management Committee appointed Amanda a Diploma in Work Health and Safety. She is a Richards to the position of General Manager. member of the Australian Institute of Corporate Amanda comes to ARDSSQ after over 25 years Directors and Women on Boards. in the union movement. Amanda has a nursing Amanda is a member of the Q Leave Board, the background and worked at the Royal Brisbane, Bert Training Board and Workplace Health and Mt Olivet, Redcliffe and Prince Charles Hospital Safety Queensland Board. She was previously a (where she worked the majority of her nursing member of the Q Super and Q Comp Boards. career) and Buderim Private.

Support Group Break up party’s! SUNNYBANK HILLS You are invited to attend our Brisbane South Social Support CHERMSIDE Group Christmas lunch on Thursday 20 November at the Calamvale Hotel, corner of Compton and Beaudesert Roads Brisbane North Social Support Group Christmas break up Calamvale. Our lunch will be held in the Circuit Bar where meeting for 2014 is being held on Wednesday 5 November. a roast meal will cost around $8.45 (Other meal options are You are invited to join our group at the Chermside Library at available). Arrive around 11.30am for a 12pm lunch. 375 Hamilton Road (Corner Kittyhawk Drive) Chermside from We will also be having a Secret Santa sack. If you wish to 9.30am till 11.30am. As this will be the last meeting for 2014, I participate, please bring along a small gift to the value of $5 encourage you all to attend. The theme of the day will be all per person and upon arrival you will be given a number and things Christmas. Christmas decorations, Christmas food and during the course of the lunch you will be able to receive a Christmas cheer. If you would like to join in on this festivity, surprise secret Santa gift. please bring along a plate of Christmas treats to share. Please RSVP to Kay or Kerrie at the ARDSSQ office on 1800 Kindly RSVP to either Lyn Parks 3886 3112 or Kerrie 776 412 by Tuesday 18th November, 2014. Williams at the ARDSSQ office 1800 776 412 by Monday 3rd November, 2014. If you require any further information regarding our social support groups, please do not hesitate to contact the society on 1800 776 412.

4 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Presidents Report... continued

The New Management Committee

Left to Right – Rod Towerton, Eileen Stagg, Trish Ramsay, Andrew Ramsay, Bev Robertson, Kay Ravbar, Helen Colbert, Jennifer Pengelly, Amanda Richards, Pat Cini and Kerrie Williams Absent: Bud Neiland

The Annual General Meeting was held on the 9 September 2014 where members were elected to the following Executive Positions.

President Helen Colbert Committee Member Bud Neiland

Vice President/Chairperson Andrew Ramsay Committee Member Jennifer Pengelly

Secretary Amanda Richards Committee Member Rodney Towerton

Assistant Secretary Kerrie Williams I would like to thank everyone for their ongoing Treasurer Kay Ravbar support and I look forward to working with the new committee into the future. Committee Member Eileen Stagg Helen Colbert President Committee Member Beverley Robertson

Committee Member Trish Ramsay

Committee Member Patricia Cini

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 5 Secretaries Report

Amanda Richards

Thank you for the honour of electing me to Practice Nurses and the community around Secretary of ARDSSQ I look forward to working Australia. The Queensland workshops are with the new committee over the next year and proposed for May 2015. a big thank you to the previous committee The Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, members for all their hard work. Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia are The news that James Hardie asbestos also running an Asbestos Awareness campaign compensation fund is seeking to pay victims through the Asbestos Education Committee. via installments is absolutely outrageous and The campaign is aimed to assist groups I would encourage you to write letters to the who have minimal resources. This campaign editor of the Sydney Morning Herald or ring the incorporates the Blue Lamington Drive and the radio stations about this issue. We are keeping “Don’t play Renovation Roulette – Get to kNOw in contact with Barry Robson at ADFA so we asbestos this November” campaign. are kept abreast of the latest activities in this area. Up Coming Events

The Queensland Government is seeking to • ARDSSQ will have an awareness stall at Safe amend the public health act in order for the Work Week’s Big Breakfast in King George Queensland Government to pick up the liability Square on 2nd October. of Local government in order that they can 13 October will see ARDSSQ holding an manage non work related asbestos issues. • awareness stall at Greenbank RSL for Men’s ARDSSQ have requested a meeting with the Week. Minister for Health in regards to this matter.

Workplace Health and Safety Queensland • ARDSSQ annual Symposium will be held at the Traders Hotel on Wednesday 25th sought a meeting with ARDSSQ recently October invitation will be sent out shortly. to discuss health monitoring and asbestos. They have advised that they have delayed the • The inaugural International Conference on introduction of this section of the Work Health Asbestos Awareness and Management and Safety Regulations until the National review will be held in Melbourne at Palladium at of the Work Health and Safety Legislation is Crown from the 16 – 18th November. I will be completed. attending on behalf of the Society.

There are many activities happening at a • Asbestos Awareness Week will be the 24th national level to raise awareness of Asbestos. – 28th November, we are organising to do a The Asbestos Safety and Eradication Agency number of awareness stalls in hospitals and has partnered with the Lung Foundation to run other facilities such as TAFE’s this year. workshops for the Health Professionals, GP’s,

6 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Secretaries Report... continued

• Our Ecumenical Service will be held on the between the 26 September and 27 October. 28 November at 11 am at the Cathedral of By undertaking this walk, Trevor hopes to St Stephen, Elizabeth Street, Brisbane. This raise over $100,000 for ARDSSQ and raise will be our 22nd year holding this service awareness of asbestos in the community. in dedication of those who have lost their As Trevor passes through certain towns battle to an asbestos related disease. and cities he will also be holding events Light refreshments will be served after the to help raise money. You will be able service. Invitations will be sent closer to the to track Trevor’s journey at his website time. www.walkforawareness.com.au Amanda Richards • Trevor Gillmeister in memory of his late Secretary / General Manager father who passed on after a battle with an asbestos related disease, will be undertaking a mammoth walk from Townsville to Brisbane

Safe Work Week’s Big Breakfast in King George Square – over 400 information bags were handed out to the city community while on their way to their workplace.

Amanda Richards, Shane Webcke – The Safe Work Week Ambassador & Andrew Ramsay

Amanda Richards & Jarrod Bleijie – The Attorney General and Minister for Justice

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 7 Mark Forbes and Bud Neiland in full swing at Race Day Auction time.

The 2014 Charity Race Day was a Spectacular Day!

Brisbane Racing had organised 7 races for us The ladies went all out as you can see by the which were sponsored by the following groups: photos with a spectacular array of frocks, hats • Turner Freeman Lawyers and fascinators. Some of the men didn’t scrub up too badly either. • CFMEU United Queensland • CBUS People were entertained throughout the day • Electrical Trades Union by our fantastic MC Mark Forbes who had a series of activities to keep people amused, • BERT/CIP such as the wheelbarrow races, fashions on • United Voice the field and other forms of silliness. • Queensland Council of Unions We did have a few serious notes on the day, We had blue skies, a bit of a breeze (well a bit a minute silence to show our respects to Ray chilly by the end of the day) and great company Colbert the immediate past Secretary. Michael - over 1300 tickets were sold. Ravbar’s speech (Secretary, CFMEU) and our President’s speech when she awarded People started arriving from about 11am and the Shirley White Cup to the Electrical Trades the party started! I even heard that some Union who will hold the cup in trust for the next arrived in a Hummer! twelve months.

Welcoming Address delivered by Michael Ravbar – Congratulations to Damon Clarke (on left) a delegate for CFMEU CFMEU QLD Qld. 1st Prize Winner in the Trailer Raffle on the day.

MC of the day Mark Forbes in discussion with Winners of Best Dressed Couple Category for ARDSSQ Ambassador, Trevor Gillmeister, about his Fashions on the Field embarkment on his Asbestos Walk for Awareness.

8 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Winner of the Shirley White Cup, Race 4, was the Electrical Trades Union QLD. Congratulations!

The raffle was our traditional trailer full of A very big thank you must go out to the CFMEU products donated by our many supporters who without their support this event would not along with many other prizes donated to us be as successful as it is and to Turner Freeman ending up with seven prize draws. for their ongoing assistance to help the event • All Trades Queensland get up and running.

• Sealy of Australia A special thank you to the girls in the office Kay • Creative Safety Initiatives and Kerrie, and also Bud and Andrew for their • Nirvana Rejuvenation Spa & Hair Salon many and varied activities to make this day happen. Our volunteers also put in a sterling • Future Skills effort helping make sure things ran smoothly • Forest Meiers on the day. • Clayfield Markets • Trade Glass Finally, a huge thank you to all our sponsors, people who donated products and time, the • Andrew and Trish Ramsay people who bought tickets, you all contributed • Panda Pearls to a great day raising lots of money for people • Normanby Hotel who suffer from asbestos related diseases. • Hamper Me • Union Shopper • Corinne Strong • AIA and DCAQ

Damon Clarke was the lucky winner of the trailer of goods.

The auction however was where the action happened with record bids happening over the various items. Thank you to everyone for Jess Kanofski, winner of Best Dressed Female for purchasing our auction items. Fashions on the Field (Proudly Sponsored by AIA and DCAQ). Prize presented by Ann-Marie Allan from AMWU.

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 9 James Hardie Compensation Fund

Members of the Society may have recently Previously, the New South Wales Government, seen press coverage relating to the James with the assistance of the Commonwealth Hardie Compensation Fund and the prospect Government, has stepped in three times to that the Fund may seek to pay out in instalments inject money into the Fund and these monies rather than lump sums to those who claim have been fully repaid by James hardie over compensation against it. The Fund does not time. What has recently occurred is that there pay out claims in respect of former James has been a spike in mesothelioma claims Hardie employees – these persons are subject against James Hardie. The concern is that to workers’ compensation insurance policies. the James Hardie contribution to the Fund The Fund pays out in respect of court claims pursuant to the Funding Agreement will lead lodged against it for those with asbestos to a shortfall. One analysis has indicated that disease who came in contact with James there could be an $85 million shortfall in the Hardie products outside of employment with 2016 financial year. James Hardie. Under principles relating to court claims, all such claims are paid out as At this stage the situation is unresolved. lump sums. It is not proposed that the method of calculating compensation for principles The James Hardie Compensation Fund is relating to compensation be altered, just that formally known as the Asbestos Injuries compensation in certain circumstances be Compensation Fund (AICF). This is a separate paid in instalments. What those circumstances legal entity to James Hardie and is responsible and how protracted the instalments would be for all James Hardie asbestos related claims in is unknown. Asbestos support groups around the past and into the future. the country, including the Society, are keeping abreast of the situation and the Society will James Hardie’s requirement to contribute to keep members informed. At this stage though, the Fund is subject to what is known as the there is no current change to the payment Amended Final Funding Agreement. Pursuant of compensation to those who bring claims to this Agreement, James Hardie is required against the James Hardie Fund. All claims are to annually contribute to the AICF based on a being paid in full at the present moment. complicated accounting formulation. Thady Blundell It is the AICF who has raised the issue of Society Legal Adviser altering the way in which claims are paid out as there is a concern that the Fund could run short of money as soon as 2017.

10 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Nausea in Patients with Mesothelioma and with Chronic Asbestos Disease

Nausea is the unpleasant and kidney impairment may also Complementary therapies may sensation of being about to cause nausea. assist with the treatment of nausea, vomit. It may be accompanied such as cognitive behavioural An assessment for nausea will by vomiting or it may occur on therapy for anticipatory nausea, require the doctor or nurse taking its own. Nausea is a common relaxation therapy or distraction, a medical history and conducting symptom for patients with or acupuncture. a clinical examination. Blood mesothelioma and with chronic tests may be drawn to exclude Medications to treat nausea disease, up to 70% of patients with dehydration, renal impairment, and may be prescribed. Different life limiting disease report nausea high calcium levels. Correction of anti-emetics (or anti nausea at one time during their illness. any obvious cause and attention medications) act on different Nausea may be intermittent to hydration status should help to receptors to treat different causes or persistent. It may be due to control the nausea. If untreated of nausea. Prokinetic agents (like a variety of causes including: nausea will lead to reduced Metoclopramide or Domperidone) medications, chemotherapy, acute appetite and reduced oral intake aid gastric emptying, Antacids infectious causes (such as viral with dehydration. (like Ranitidine and Omeprazole) gastroenteritis), and vestibular/ decrease stomach acid inner ear problems (with vertigo General management strategies production and aid healing of the and unsteady walking), or delayed to lessen nausea include the stomach lining. Centrally acting gastric emptying (due to opioids, following: medications (like Haloperidol mucosal inflammation, or raised or Prochlorperazine) act on intra abdominal pressure due to • A review of medications and receptors in the chemoreceptor tumour). Anxiety may cause or elimination of unnecessary zone. Other medications such exacerbate nausea. medications in particular those that may cause nausea. as 5HT3 antagonists (like While patients with mesothelioma, Ondansetron) and Aprepitant Taking medications with food that are undergoing chemotherapy, • can be used to specifically treat (unless specified on the label may expect to experience some chemotherapy induced nausea. that the medication must be nausea, all patients should be aware taken on an empty stomach) If simple strategies are not that there are many commonly effective or if nausea is persistent, used medications which can cause • Consuming small amounts further investigations may need nausea. Many commonly used of food and fluids regularly to be conducted to determine the cardiac medications, diuretics, rather than large amounts at cause. and antibiotics can cause nausea. one sitting Oral antidiabetic medications and • Changing the types of foods Dr Pretoria Bilinski non-steroidal anti inflammatory such as avoiding fatty foods medications can cause nausea. MBBS FRACP MPallC FAChPM and spicy foods and eating MHA Opioid medications can cause bland food like bread and nausea and may also to contribute crackers Medical Oncologist and Palliative to constipation (which can also Care Physician cause nausea). • Not eating a large meal prior to lying down in bed may lessen Inactivity with chronic illness can feelings of being bloated lead to constipation and in turn nausea. Common viral infections • Regular mouth care and can trigger nausea, including cleaning of teeth acute gastroenteritis and middle • Avoiding strongly smelling ear infections. Chemical and foods and perfumes electrolyte imbalances and liver

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 11 Home Building and Renovations Home, Building & Renovations Home, Building & Renovations Don’t tackle asbestos and home renovations yourself!

Asbestos disease has affected many “There is still thousands of tons of asbestos Who we are: Australians from many walks of life. Not justDon’t present tackle in our community. asbestos This is found and in homeThe Asbestos renovations Related yourself! those suffering from asbestos disease, but building materials, insulation on steam pipes, Disease Support Society Asbestosfamily members disease have has affectedbeen devastated many by some“There brake is stilllinings thousands and other of tonsmaterials. of asbestos WhoQld Inc we (ARDSSQ) are: Australiansan asbestos from disease many diagnosis. walks of life. Not just presentAsbestos in was our usedcommunity. widely without This is found proper in Theis a Asbestosnot for profit Related thoseRugby suffering league from great, asbestos Trevor disease,Gillmeister, but buildingunderstanding materials, of its insulation dangers. on Because steam pipes,there Diseaseorganisation Support working Society familyhas seen members this first have hand. been His devastatedfather, Ron by someis still sobrake much linings asbestos and otherpresent materials. in homes Qldto provide Inc (ARDSSQ) support anGillmeister asbestos developed disease diagnosis. mesothelioma – an Asbestosand buildings, was used we must widely raise without awareness proper isfor a people not for livingprofit with asbestosRugby relatedleague cancer,great, Trevor in 2008. Gillmeister, Prior to understandingabout the dangers of its of dangers. asbestos Because exposure, there organisationasbestos related working hasthat seenRon hadthis firstbeen hand. in excellent His father, health. Ron isotherwise still so much the diagnosis asbestos ofpresent asbestos in homes disease todiseases provide and support their family GillmeisterUnfortunately developed Ron had mesothelioma been heavily – an andwill never buildings, stop.” we must raise awareness formembers, people carersliving withand asbestosexposed torelated asbestos cancer, whilst in working2008. Prior as ato about the dangers of asbestos exposure, asbestosfriends. related thatboilermaker, Ron had working been in with excellent various health. asbestos otherwiseThe Asbestos the diagnosis Related ofDisease asbestos Support disease diseasesOur aim and is totheir reduce family Unfortunatelymaterials. Ron had been heavily Societywill never of stop.”Queensland is trying in many members,the number carers of people and exposedThe diagnosis to asbestos of mesothelioma whilst working came as a ways to raise awareness about the dangers friends.exposed to asbestos boilermaker,as a shock to working Ron, Trevor with and various the asbestosentire of asbestosThe Asbestos and Relatedwill have Disease a stall at Support the andOur future aim incidenceis to reduce materials.Gillmeister family. The disease came Societyupcoming of Queensland Sunday Mail isHome trying Show in many 2014 to theof asbestos number relatedof people withoutThe diagnosis warning and of mesothelioma was the result came of the waysbe held to raisefrom awarenessFriday, 29 August about to the Sunday, dangers 31 exposeddisease in to the asbestos Australia asunprotected a shock to asbestos Ron, Trevor exposure and the that entire Ron ofAugust asbestos 2014 and at the will Brisbane have a stall Convention at the and andcommunity future incidence and to help those who have Gillmeisterhad sustained family. in his The working disease life. came upcomingExhibition Centre Sunday at Mail Southbank. Home Show The 2014Society’s to ofbeen asbestos affected. related • For advice on where to obtain withoutRon unfortunatelywarning and passedwas the awayresult fromof the bestall held will containfrom Friday, important 29 August information to Sunday, 31 diseaseContact in us: the Australia information about safety procedures unprotectedhis asbestos diseaseasbestos and exposure since thenthat TrevorRon Augustregarding 2014 materials at the Brisbane containing Convention asbestos, and community• For information and to help about those asbestos who have related including personal protective hadhas beensustained working in his to workingraise awareness life. Exhibitionprecautions Centre to take at andSouthbank. other information The Society’s beendiseases. affected. • Forequipment, advice on respirators where to and obtain asbestos aboutRon asbestos unfortunately disease passed issues away and fromis now stallrelevant will containto home important renovators. information Ask yourself, Contact• For help us: getting legal advice regarding informationremovalist. about safety procedures hisan ambassadorasbestos disease for the and Asbestos since then Related Trevor regarding“Why would materials I put myself, containing loved ones asbestos, and • Forentitlements information and about other asbestos legal issues. related including personal protective hasDisease been Support working Society to raise of awareness Queensland precautionsothers in harm’s to take way and by notother ensuring information any • Todiseases. register your asbestos exposure. equipment, respirators and asbestos abouttrying toasbestos raise awareness disease issues about and the is now relevantremoval ofto asbestoshome renovators. containing Ask material yourself, • For helpadvice getting if you legalare worried advice aboutregarding removalist. andangers ambassador of exposure for the to Asbestosasbestos. Related Trevor “Whyis carried would out I putby a myself, trained loved contractor ones and who entitlementsasbestos in your and home other orlegal work. issues. asbestos-Disease.com.au Diseasestates: Support Society of Queensland othersknows howin harm’s to do way it safely by not and ensuring properly?” any • ToRequire register sample your asbestos testing for exposure. asbestos. phone 1800 776 412 trying to raise awareness about the removal of asbestos containing material • For advice if you are worried about dangers of exposure to asbestos. Trevor is carried out by a trained contractor who asbestos in your home or work. asbestos-Disease.com.au states: knows how to do it safely and properly?” • Require sample testing for asbestos. phone 1800 776 412

THINKING RENOVATION, THINKINGMAINTENANCE RENOVATION, OR DEMOLITION? MAINTENANCE OR DEMOLITION? Is your structure built pre 1990? Before you start:- Is your structure built pre 1990? • Have a professional inspection of the building for location, Beforetype and youcondition start:- of any asbestos. • Have a professional inspection of the building for location, • Seek information on how best to manage and/or remove type and condition of any asbestos. any asbestos safely. • Seek information on how best to manage and/or remove • To protect you and your family we recommend you use a any asbestos safely. licensed, qualified professional to remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials no matter how small. • To protect you and your family we recommend you use a licensed, qualified professional to remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials no matter how small. WE CAN HELP YOU Helpline Toll Free 1800 776 412 www.asbestos-disease.com.au JH0621_284WE CAN HELP YOU Helpline Toll Free 1800 776 412 www.asbestos-disease.com.au

JH0621_284

12 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Walk from Townsville to Brisbane to Raise Money and Awareness Home, Building & Renovations Home, Building & Renovations Don’t tackle asbestos and home renovations yourself!

Asbestos disease has affected many “There is still thousands of tons of asbestos Who we are: There are many ways you can donate Australians from many walks of life. Not justDon’t present tackle in our community. asbestos This is found and in homeThe Asbestos renovations Related yourself! those suffering from asbestos disease, but building materials, insulation on steam pipes, Disease Support Society to this mighty campaign Asbestosfamily members disease have has affectedbeen devastated many by some“There brake is stilllinings thousands and other of tonsmaterials. of asbestos WhoQld Inc we (ARDSSQ) are: Australiansan asbestos from disease many diagnosis. walks of life. Not just presentAsbestos in was our usedcommunity. widely without This is found proper in Theis a Asbestosnot for profit Related thoseRugby suffering league from great, asbestos Trevor disease,Gillmeister, but buildingunderstanding materials, of its insulation dangers. on Because steam pipes,there Diseaseorganisation Support working Society • Everyday Hero https://give. familyhas seen members this first have hand. been His devastatedfather, Ron by someis still sobrake much linings asbestos and otherpresent materials. in homes Qldto provide Inc (ARDSSQ) support anGillmeister asbestos developed disease diagnosis. mesothelioma – an Asbestosand buildings, was used we must widely raise without awareness proper isfor a people not for livingprofit with everydayhero.com/au asbestosRugby relatedleague cancer,great, Trevor in 2008. Gillmeister, Prior to understandingabout the dangers of its of dangers. asbestos Because exposure, there organisationasbestos related working hasthat seenRon hadthis firstbeen hand. in excellent His father, health. Ron isotherwise still so much the diagnosis asbestos ofpresent asbestos in homes disease todiseases provide and support their family walkforawareness2014 GillmeisterUnfortunately developed Ron had mesothelioma been heavily – an andwill never buildings, stop.” we must raise awareness formembers, people carersliving withand asbestosexposed torelated asbestos cancer, whilst in working2008. Prior as ato about the dangers of asbestos exposure, asbestosfriends. related • Sending a cheque or money order to the thatboilermaker, Ron had working been in with excellent various health. asbestos otherwiseThe Asbestos the diagnosis Related ofDisease asbestos Support disease diseasesOur aim and is totheir reduce family Unfortunatelymaterials. Ron had been heavily Societywill never of stop.”Queensland is trying in many members,the number carers of people and In October 2008, Gilly’s father Ron lost his society office. exposedThe diagnosis to asbestos of mesothelioma whilst working came as a ways to raise awareness about the dangers friends.exposed to asbestos 12-month battle with mesothelioma - the boilermaker,as a shock to working Ron, Trevor with and various the asbestosentire of asbestosThe Asbestos and Relatedwill have Disease a stall at Support the andOur future aim incidenceis to reduce • By calling the office and Kerrie and Kay materials.Gillmeister family. The disease came Societyupcoming of Queensland Sunday Mail isHome trying Show in many 2014 to theof asbestos number relatedof people most lethal of all asbestos diseases. Since withoutThe diagnosis warning and of mesothelioma was the result came of the waysbe held to raisefrom awarenessFriday, 29 August about to the Sunday, dangers 31 exposeddisease in to the asbestos Australia will take credit card details. asunprotected a shock to asbestos Ron, Trevor exposure and the that entire Ron ofAugust asbestos 2014 and at the will Brisbane have a stall Convention at the and andcommunity future incidence and to help those who have this loss, Gilly has joined forces with ARDSSQ Gillmeisterhad sustained family. in his The working disease life. came upcomingExhibition Centre Sunday at Mail Southbank. Home Show The 2014Society’s to ofbeen asbestos affected. related • For advice on where to obtain • Or our website withoutRon unfortunatelywarning and passedwas the awayresult fromof the bestall held will containfrom Friday, important 29 August information to Sunday, 31 diseaseContact in us: the Australia information about safety procedures and is embarking on a month-long walk from unprotectedhis asbestos diseaseasbestos and exposure since thenthat TrevorRon Augustregarding 2014 materials at the Brisbane containing Convention asbestos, and community• For information and to help about those asbestos who have related including personal protective www.asbestos-disease.com.au and hadhas beensustained working in his to workingraise awareness life. Exhibitionprecautions Centre to take at andSouthbank. other information The Society’s beendiseases. affected. • Forequipment, advice on respirators where to and obtain asbestos Townsville to Brisbane to raise money and follow the link. aboutRon asbestos unfortunately disease passed issues away and fromis now stallrelevant will containto home important renovators. information Ask yourself, Contact• For help us: getting legal advice regarding informationremovalist. about safety procedures hisan ambassadorasbestos disease for the and Asbestos since then Related Trevor regarding“Why would materials I put myself, containing loved ones asbestos, and • Forentitlements information and about other asbestos legal issues. related including personal protective awareness. hasDisease been Support working Society to raise of awareness Queensland precautionsothers in harm’s to take way and by notother ensuring information any • Todiseases. register your asbestos exposure. equipment, respirators and asbestos abouttrying toasbestos raise awareness disease issues about and the is now relevantremoval ofto asbestoshome renovators. containing Ask material yourself, • For helpadvice getting if you legalare worried advice aboutregarding removalist. All money donated is tax deductable. andangers ambassador of exposure for the to Asbestosasbestos. Related Trevor “Whyis carried would out I putby a myself, trained loved contractor ones and who entitlementsasbestos in your and home other orlegal work. issues. asbestos-Disease.com.au Gilly will begin his trek on Friday 26 September Diseasestates: Support Society of Queensland othersknows howin harm’s to do way it safely by not and ensuring properly?” any • ToRequire register sample your asbestos testing for exposure. asbestos. phone 1800 776 412 trying to raise awareness about the removal of asbestos containing material • For advice if you are worried about leaving from Townsville and will arrive in The ARDSSQ toll free number 1800 776 412. dangers of exposure to asbestos. Trevor is carried out by a trained contractor who asbestos in your home or work. asbestos-Disease.com.au states: knows how to do it safely and properly?” • Require sample testing for asbestos. phone 1800 776 412 Brisbane Monday 27 October, 2014. Please share this information with your family Gilly’s goal is to raise over $100,000.00 for the and friends. society. THINKING RENOVATION, Let’s help Trevor reach his goal. THINKINGMAINTENANCE RENOVATION, OR DEMOLITION? Please follow his journey on:

MAINTENANCE OR DEMOLITION? Facebook Is your structure built pre 1990? Trevor Gillmeister - Taking an Axe Before you start:- Is your structure built pre 1990? to Asbestos: Walk for Awareness • Have a professional inspection of the building for location, or Beforetype and youcondition start:- of any asbestos. Facebook • Have a professional inspection of the building for location, • Seek information on how best to manage and/or remove type and condition of any asbestos. The Queensland Asbestos Disease any asbestos safely. Support Society • Seek information on how best to manage and/or remove • To protect you and your family we recommend you use a any asbestos safely. licensed, qualified professional to remove and dispose of Instagram asbestos containing materials no matter how small. • To protect you and your family we recommend you use a taking_an_axe_to_asbestos licensed, qualified professional to remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials no matter how small. WE CAN HELP YOU Helpline Toll Free 1800 776 412 www.asbestos-disease.com.au Twitter: @taking_an_axe JH0621_284WE CAN HELP YOU Helpline Toll Free 1800 776 412 www.asbestos-disease.com.au Hashtag: #axingasbestos

JH0621_284

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 13 Updated Asbestos Waste Disposal Information

The Queensland Government’s asbestos guide to asbestos disposal, it is not exhaustive website (www.qld.gov.au/asbestos) now and will be added to over time. includes up to date asbestos waste disposal information. The Queensland Government encourages you to contact the waste facility directly to confirm The revised information includes important details, fees, waste tracking requirements disposal guidelines, the requirements for and any special arrangements before arriving transporting waste and a description of onsite. Please remember also that asbestos is regulated waste transport including information a ‘regulated waste’ and so there are specific about when an environmental authority is requirements that must be met when it is required. transported.

The website also includes an updated list of For more information please visit the local council asbestos disposal locations Queensland Government’s asbestos website as well as a number of private asbestos at www.qld.gov.au/asbestos or call waste facilities throughout Queensland. The 13 QGOV (13 74 68). information on the website is provided as a

14 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 A Costly Catastrophe

By Kirsten Lawson – Canberra Times – 26 August 2014

The expected demolition of up to some streets containing remnants of people, including some elderly, who 1000 Mr Fluffy homes in Canberra will the loose-fill insulation. are reluctant to leave their long-time reverberate around the city for years, home. not only as a massively expensive The Canberra Times knows of one exercise but one with enormous street with nine Mr Fluffy homes. Chief Minister Katy Gallagher says complications and anguish writ large. Two streets have seven houses each; she has received letters from people four streets have six houses each; pleading with her not to demolish The homes are spread across four streets have five. It is clear Dirk their homes. She has stopped short the city, with Mr Fluffy’s fingers Jansen,whose company installed of saying they will be exempt from reaching into the most prestigious the asbestos in the 1970s, went from mass demolition, but will be looking and expensive streets and suburbs, door to door with the product, a process. If people are allowed to including Forrest, Yarralumla and pattern that has created pockets of stay long term, the government must Reid, and touching not only the city’s contaminated homes. answer for the safety of the homes ordinary homes, but also homes – not only for the residents, but for worth millions of dollars and homes The government must also decide future residents and tradespeople, in heritage areas. what to do about the possibility of and for visitors, grandchildren, contaminated soil on properties friends, helpers. It will take nerve, and not just financial where Mr Fluffy homes have been nerve, to demolish and rebuild such demolished (or burned in the 2003 One thousand homes clearly for a way homes. bushfires) and rebuilt in the meantime. to keep them in their homes, perhaps And it must avoid a debacle like temporarily, and possibly leaving their Single-brick homes, like the one the federal insulation scheme, houses to the end of what will be a demolished recently in Woden Valley, by somehow ensuring sufficient drawn-out cannot be taken down can be taken down quite simply. It is a highly professional and scrupulous quickly. It took the government four matter of removing the internal walls, operators in the asbestos industry to years to remove the bulk of the fibres cleaning the remaining asbestos get the job done. in the failed clean-up of 1989-93. It fibres and sealing the interior, before remains to be seen how long it takes pushing down the brick exterior. Once It is recruiting now and must clearly to demolish and rebuild. the cleaning and sealing is done, the find ways to recruit and train carefully, demolition is very fast. and to monitor closely. It is difficult It will clearly cost hundreds of millions to see this part of the program of dollars. One housing industry Double-brick homes are more running as smoothly as it must for figure said it could cost more than difficult to demolish because the the safety of neighbours and tradies. light rail. The question of who pays is load-bearing wall is on the inside. The government is also working out just one of many deep difficulties in The team is looking at whether how to accommodate the wishes of this troubling affair. there is a way to demolish them without having to bubble-wrap them, effectively enclosing them in a tent. This would allow the outside wall to be removed first, the asbestos cleaned and the surfaces sealed, before the load-bearing wall can be pushed over, but it is clearly much more expensive. Whichever way the homes come down, trucks laden with asbestos contaminated building materials will be rumbling through the city to a dumping ground chosen to receive this ignominious legacy of the asbestos era. An analysis of the homes shows demolition will leave some streets Toxic Legacy: Demolition workers taking down a Mr Fluffy house in scarred, with seven or more homes in Farrer in July

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 15 Tags will be Fitted to Meter Boxes of Homes

Hi-vis warning for tradies

By Emma Macdonald – Canberra legal requirement to display a tag in the meter Times – 19 August 2014 box is the latest step to deal with the Mr Fluffy situation and balances the need to ensure Canberra’s Mr Fluffy homes will be required tradespeople and workers are aware a home by law to have high visibility tags in their meter is affected by loose-fill asbestos insulation boxes to protect the health and safety of against the personal interests of homeowners tradespeople who may come into contact with and occupiers who have requested their loose amosite asbestos still present in homes. privacy be respected.”

ACT Chief Minister Katy Gallagher will on Ms Gallagher noted that all ACT builders and Tuesday announce the rollout of the tags in tradespeople must be trained in asbestos risk meter boxes for the more than 1000 Mr Fluffy – the Government recently mandating that homeowners as they await the review of the asbestos awareness training for all affected Asbestos Response Taskforce. The taskforce workers must be completed by September is anticipated to recommend all Fluffy homes 30. Tradespeople were also urged to discuss are ultimately demolished. the circumstance of homes they may be working on with homeowners, ask for copies Mandatory tags, meantime, will be provided to of any asbestos assessment reports for the homeowners as a temporary safety measure property and engage appropriately licensed for tradespeople. asbestos experts to assist with the work to be undertaken. “It is also important to note Their placement in metre boxes will be enforced that the law does not absolve a homeowner’s by ACT WorkSafe which will have the power to responsibility to inform tradespeople that their fine homeowners without tags up to $3,200 if home is affected by Mr Fluffy insulation, or to they refuse to adopt the measure. Made from provide a copy of any asbestos assessment an industrial strength self-adhesive vinyl, the report,” Ms Gallagher said. Tags will be available tags will be required to be affixed to meter for affected homeowners free of charge from boxes with distribution starting in September. licensed asbestos assessors, WorkSafe ACT and the Asbestos Response Taskforce in They must be in place by January 1, 2015, after coming weeks. which time it will be an offence not to have one. Tags will be free of charge and homeowners will have the option to affix tags themselves, or have them placed by WorkSafe. Ms Gallagher said “It is important that the government focus not only on those living in affected Mr Fluffy houses, but also apply strategies to protect tradespeople and other workers who may come into contact with affected homes. This

16 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Donations

In memory of two much loved men

Thank you Karen Davis for your donation to go towards this Spring Newsletter.

‘In memory of two much loved men’

Arthur Raymond Hutchins Lee Raymond Hutchins 9.3.1934 – 30.5.2004 2.12.65 – 8.3.2014

“What Makes a Dad”

Your dad is a masterpiece made by God as described in this touching poem that shows the special nature of fathers. The author is unknown. “God took the strength of a mountain, The majesty of a tree, The warmth of a summer sun, The calm of a quite sea, The generous soul of nature, the comforting arm of night, The wisdom of the ages, The power of the eagle’s flight The joy of a morning spring, The faith of a mustard seed, The patience of eternity, The depth of a family need, Then God combined these qualities, When there was nothing more to add, He knew His masterpiece was complete, And so, He called it… Dad.”

Thank you Hutchinson Builders and Gary Partridge for your generous donations to the society.

Pictured: Managing Director of Hutchinson Builders Greg Quinn, Helen Colbert President ARDSSQ, Gary Partridge – CFMEU Delegate, Our volunteers, Wendy Towerton, Bev Robertson, Trish Ramsay, Rod Towerton and Ross Lindsay and Kerrie Williams.

We would like to thank Reel Image Video and Multimedia for their ongoing support.

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 17 HIA Sunday Mail Home Show

Friday 29 August – Sunday 31 August 2014

HIA Sunday Mail Home Show The model of the Asbestos Safety House created a lot of interest from the visitors to the Friday 29 August – Sunday 31 August 2014 stand. Further information on the Asbestos Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre Safety House can be found on page 19.

During the recent HIA Sunday Mail Home Show, the Society along with Work Place Health and Safety Qld, Turner Freeman Lawyers, industry representatives:- Allens Industrial Products Pty Ltd, Parsons Brinckerhoff and the Asbestos Industry Association, assisted in manning an asbestos awareness and information stand informing members of the community to the dangers of asbestos exposure and how easily exposure to asbestos can occur through incorrect identification and handling.

As well as this the industry representatives fielded many questions from the community relating to house hold maintenance and identification of asbestos containing materials, to how much does it cost to have a sample tested? And what cost is involved in having the asbestos containing material (ACM) removed. Volunteers who helped make the display a success are listed below: I would like to thank everyone involved for their tremendous effort in preparing the information David Agudelo Ross Lindsay kits, manning the stand over the three days from Tyson Allen Bud Neiland 9am till 5pm the transporting of equipment and Travis Allen Andrew Ramsay information materials, as well as set up and Thady Blundell Trish Ramsay dismantling of the display. A feature at this Lisa Broadbent Kay Ravbar years home show was a purpose built model Carl Colbert Bev Robertson named:- Helen Colbert Michael Shepherd Rob Davis Rod Towerton “Asbestos Safety House” Ciaran Ehrich Wendy Towerton Trevor Gillmeister Kerrie Williams Showing where asbestos containing materials could be found in the home. Thank you for your continued support.

18 | Spring Newsletter October 2014 Raising the Roof on Asbestos Awareness

A new asbestos safety house, displayed for going to work on contains asbestos to avoid the first time at the Brisbane Home Show in exposing themselves and others to asbestos August, showed the public a model domestic fibres. house highlighting some of the common locations where asbestos can be found. Visitors to the display were advised to play it safe around asbestos materials and if they The model house was purpose built for the weren’t sure whether a material contained show to help increase the awareness of home asbestos, to have it checked by a specialist renovators and tradespeople who may be first. If they were planning a renovation, they unaware of the hidden dangers of asbestos. were advised to get in touch with an asbestos consultant or specialist. The asbestos safety house shows several exterior profile materials that were used as The asbestos safety house has proven to be cladding and which contain asbestos, such as a valuable educational and awareness tool for Super Six corrugated roofs, Coverline, imitation the Queensland Government. It will be used at brick, flat asbestos cement sheets and Hardi future events to raise awareness of asbestos. plank exteriors. For more information about asbestos in The house’s interior shows where asbestos your home, visit www.qld.gov.au/asbestos can be found in wall sheeting, often behind or call 13 QGOV (13 74 68). paint, tiles or wallpaper. Other locations include the backing of sheet vinyl flooring. Each of the locations in the house was marked with a ‘hot spot’ label to identify it as possibly containing asbestos.

Visitors to the display were enthusiastic about the house and many were surprised to learn that asbestos could be found in their pre-1990 home, in a multitude of places.

It is estimated that more than 1,000,000 homes across Australia contain some asbestos in more than 3000 asbestos products and applications. It’s important to remind home renovators and tradespeople to check, before they begin work, whether the material they’re

October 2014 Spring Newsletter | 19 Support Those Who Support The Society SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY SponCorporateCorporate sors Sponsors SUPPORT THOSE WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY SponCorporateSUPPORT THOSE sors WHO SUPPORT THE SOCIETY SponCorporate sors

Trident Trades & Labour Hire

Trident Trades & Labour Hire Your consideration of these organisations would be greatly appreciated —their assistance is invaluable Your consideration of these organisationsTrident would Trades be & Labourgreatly Hire appreciated Your considerationCorporate of these Members— theirorganisations assistance would is invaluable be greatly appreciated — their assistance is invaluable YourCorporate consideration Members of these organisations would be greatly appreciated Air Liquide Healthcare Pty Ltd Communication Workers Union—their assistance is invaluable AMWU - Your Rights at WorkAir Liquide Healthcare Pty CPSULtd (Community &Communication Public Sector Workers Union) Union Australian Institute of MarineAMWU & Power - Your Rights at WorkDOTS Allied Health ServicesCPSU (Community Pty Ltd & Public Sector Union) Engineers Australian Institute of MarineHigh & Power Street UnderwritingDOTS Agency AlliedCorporate Health Pty Ltd Services PtyMembers Ltd Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industries EngineersCorporate Union Logan Funerals Members High Street Underwriting Agency Pty Ltd Australian Services UnionAustralian Rail, Tram & BusNiagara Industries Therapy Union Logan Funerals Aust Federated Union of AustralianLocomotive Services UnionAir PFG Liquide Financial Healthcare ServicesNiagara Pty Ltd Therapy Communication Workers Union EmployeesAir Liquide Aust Healthcare Federated Union Pty Ltdof LocomotiveAMWUQueensland - Your Independent Rights PFGat Work Financial CommunicationEducation Services Union WorkersCPSU (Community Union & Public Sector Union) Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Employees AustralianQueensland Institute Nurses of QueenslandUnionMarine of & Employees Power Independent EducationDOTS Union Allied Health Services Pty Ltd Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Queensland Nurses Union of Employees Builders LabourersAMWU Federation - Your Rights at Work Safe WorkEngineers College CPSUof Workplace (Community Health & & PublicHigh SectorStreet Underwriting Union) Agency Pty Ltd Builders Labourers FederationAustralian Rail, Tram Safe& Bus Work Industries College ofUnion Workplace Logan Health Funerals & CEPU PlumbingAustralian Union Institute – CEPUQld Branch Plumbingof Marine Union & Power– Qld Branch Safety DOTS SafetyAllied Health Services Pty Ltd CEPU Electrical Division CEPU–Engineers Qld BranchElectrical Division –Australian UnitedQld Branch Voice Services UnionHighUnited StreetVoice UnderwritingNiagara Agency Therapy Pty Ltd Chemmart Loganholme Chemmart Loganholme AustWorkplace Federated Health Union & WorkplaceSafety of Locomotive Queensland Health & Safety QueenslandPFG Financial Services Australian Rail, Tram & Bus Industries Union Employees Logan FuneralsQueensland Independent Education Union Australian Services Union Beaudesert RSL sub-branch Niagara TherapyQueensland Nurses Union of Employees Aust Federated Union of LocomotiveBuilders Labourers Federation PFG Financial ServicesSafe Work College of Workplace Health & The contact detailsCEPU Plumbing for all Union of our – Qld corporate Branch sponsors and Safety The contact Employeesdetails for all ofCEPU our Electricalcorporate DivisionQueensland sponsors – Qld Branch Independent and United Education Voice Union Beaudesert RSL sub-branchChemmart LoganholmeQueensland Nurses UnionWorkplace of Employees Health & Safety Queensland corporate memberscorporate are available members by are ringing available by ringing CEPU Plumbing Union – Qld Branch United Voice the QARDSS office on 1800 776 412. CEPU Electricalthe QARDSSDivision – Qldoffice Branch on 1800 776 412.Workplace Health & Safety Queensland Chemmart Loganholme The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and

corporate members are available by ringing QARDSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514). QARDSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514). Membership and donations of $2.00the or QARDSS more are tax office deductible. on 1800 776 412. The contact details for all of our corporate sponsors and Membership and donationsWe of thank $2.00 all or members more are for tax their deductible. ongoing support. corporate members are available by ringing We thank all membersthe ARDSSQ for their officeongoing on support. 1800 776 412 2 QARDSS is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514).

Membership and donations of $2.00 2 or more are tax deductible. ARDSSQ is an endorsed charity (ABN 29 150 479 514). We thank all members for their ongoing support. Membership and donations of $2.00 or more are tax deductible. We thank all members for their ongoing support. 2

20 | Spring Newsletter October 2014