SA WATER

In reply to the Hon. J.A. DARLEY (4 July 2013).

The Hon. I.K. HUNTER (Minister for Sustainability, Environment and Conservation, Minister for Water and the River Murray, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs and Reconciliation): As the Minister for Water and the River Murray I have received this advice:

Both Allwater and SA Water have established standard work procedures for repairing Asbestos Cement pipes and provide training to employees on them.

The key requirements of the standard work procedures include:

Wearing personal protective equipment (disposable overalls, goggles, respirator, disposable gloves, eyewear);

Keeping the pipe wet and cutting the Asbestos Cement pipe with non-powered hand tools to minimise dust;

Using a drop sheet under the pipe to collect any off-cuts;

Collecting and wrapping any removed pieces of Asbestos Cement pipe in polyethene; and

Storing wrapped Asbestos Cement pipe in a designated Waste Disposal Bin for subsequent disposal to a licensed facility.

Traffic control devices are in place around excavation areas during repairs and an observer is placed at the site ensuring members of the public are protected.