A recall of 23,000 Chery and Great Wall vehicles is because of asbestos used in the engine and exhust gaskets.
A risk assessment conducted by an independent occupational hygienist has found a negligible risk of asbestos exposure while the gaskets are in place, say WorkCover NSW. However, any disturbance or removal of the asbestos gaskets may liberate asbestos fibres and should only be undertaken by appropriately skilled personnel.
The replacement of the parts in existing vehicles will be completed by the supplier’s automotive repairers in line with work health and safety legislation.
The supply of asbestos containing materials has been prohibited in NSW since 31 December 2003. WorkCover is working with the supplier to arrange for the current stock of un-sold vehicles to have the asbestos gaskets removed or for the vehicles returned to the overseas manufacturer.
Work health and safety advice for the automotive repair and wrecking industry
WorkCover NSW alerts businesses in the automotive repair industry and the car wrecking and recycling industry to take the following actions:
- Treat all Great Wall and Chery motor vehicles as containing asbestos gaskets unless testing has indicated the gaskets are asbestos free, or service records are verified to determine that the gaskets have been removed. Contact the supplier for further information on the type and location of asbestos gaskets prior to removing any gaskets.
- Carry out all asbestos gasket removal work in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 and WorkCover Guidance Note: Working with Asbestos in the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry.
- Ensure that health monitoring is provided in accordance with the Work Health and Safety Regulation 2011 for all workers who are carrying out ongoing asbestos removal work or asbestos-related work. Contact the Dust Diseases Board (DDB) on (02) 8223 6600 for further advice on health monitoring.
Further information on working with asbestos in the motor vehicle industry is available in the WorkCover Guidance Note: Working with Asbestos in the Motor Vehicle Repair Industry or by contacting WorkCover on 13 10 50.
Further information on the product recall is available at www.recalls.gov.au