WorkSafe New Zealand is seeking information from wind turbine owners & operators regarding certain imported components that may potentially contain asbestos. This follows advice from their partner agencies in Australia, who have identified asbestos-containing material in specific internal service lift components.
At this stage, WorkSafe has not received any reports of asbestos in any wind turbine components in New Zealand.
This notice is being shared as a precautionary measure to ensure Worksafe has an accurate understanding of any components that may have originated from the same overseas suppliers.
These components were supplied by the following companies based in China:
- 3S Industry Group INC. 11 Tongji South Road, Jingkai District, Beijing 100176, China – lift supplier; and
- Tianjin Jinxing Eternal Electric Co., Ltd. – lift motor manufacturer
Action required:
- Confirm to Worksafe via email whether you have imported turbine or lift components from the suppliers listed above, or whether installed equipment may include components from these suppliers.
- Arrange independent asbestos testing if such components are present.
- Notify WorkSafe if asbestos is confirmed and ensure removal complies with the Health and Safety at Work (Asbestos) Regulations 2016.
WorkSafe advises routine inspection and verification to ensure any risk is appropriately managed.
For further details, please review the attached Worksafe notice.
