NBN rollout hits asbestos snag

A union claims contractors involved in the NBN rollout in Tasmania could be working with asbestos. Source: AAP

A UNION official has demanded the rollout of the National Broadband Network (NBN) in Tasmania be halted until asbestos problems are dealt with.

Communications, Electrical and Plumbing Union (CEPU) official David Mier says up to 85 per cent of contractors working in pits containing asbestos have not completed the required safety training.

Workplace safety watchdog Comcare has confirmed it is investigating a range of issues related to Telstra pits.

Mr Mier said up to 60 workers on 13 sites he had visited in Tasmania had not received asbestos awareness training.

"The pit and pipe work should be stopped where people haven't done asbestos awareness courses," Mr Mier told AAP.

"If you are part of the general public you would want to know that people who are removing asbestos pits out the front of your house have been trained to do so."

Mr Mier accused NBN Co contractor Visionstream of cost cutting and said the lack of training meant sites were being left dangerously exposed.

"Kids wagging school or little kids just playing, they just jump in there thinking it's a sandpit," he said.

A spokesperson for Comcare said the government body was already taking action at some sites.

"Comcare is currently investigating a range of regionalised issues with Telstra pits and contracting arrangements, including the ones in Hobart," a statement read.

"Comcare is intervening on specific sites and are working with NBN and Telstra to enhance the current systems, including the asbestos awareness training area."

NBN Co said it was awaiting details so it could confirm whether the problems were occurring at its sites.

"We've asked the union for specifics so we can investigate these claims thoroughly," a spokesperson said.

"We've yet to receive that information."

The company said it required all construction staff and contractors to complete an approved safety course that included asbestos awareness.

"Worker safety and public health are our top priorities," the spokesperson said.

Mr Mier said he would deliver a report to the companies involved and federal communications minister Stephen Conroy on Thursday.

Areas of Tasmania were chosen to be among the first in Australia to be connected to the multi-billion dollar broadband network.

Asbestos campaigner and Tasmanian Labor Senator Lisa Singh said workers had a right to receive proper training.

"NBN have a moral obligation that they sub-contract out work to people adequately trained in asbestos handling," she said.

"This highlights the ongoing dangers asbestos still poses in the community.

"There is no safe level of exposure to asbestos."

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