Brake pads used in windfarms
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Issued: 26/11/2025
Last updated: 28/11/2025
Purpose
This safety alert provides information about brake pads within imported lift and hoist machinery used in wind turbines that have been found to contain asbestos.
Background
Workplace Health and Safety Queensland (WHSQ) have been made aware of testing that has identified asbestos in some brake pads used in wind turbine lift systems. Affected items were initially identified at a Windfarm in Waddamana Tasmania.
WHSQ inquiries have identified one Windfarm in Queensland as having the affected brake pads. Engagement with this workplace is continuing, however the operator of the site has implemented controls to manage the risk.
Product description
Current information is that affected brake pads were used in lift equipment supplied by the Chinese company 3S Industry. Asbestos has also been identified in spare part brake pads supplied by 3S Industry.
This alert is to advise that lift machinery, hoists, and both brake and clutch pads supplied by 3S industry may be affected.
The affected motors and brake assemblies may have more than one brake pad. Some brake components may be concealed within the machinery casing.
Recommended actions
3S Industry lift machinery and brake components should be assumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise.
As this is an evolving situation, investigations are being undertaken to determine if other lift and hoist suppliers to the windfarm industry are affected.
As a precaution, it is advised access, operation, maintenance and servicing activities on all wind turbine lifts and hoists is ceased until an inspection has been conducted by a competent person to ascertain if asbestos is present.
Spare parts and new systems awaiting installation may also be affected.
Find information relating to asbestos testing organisations.
WHSQ investigations are continuing, including engagement with all operational windfarms across Queensland, to provide advice and guidance on how to identify and manage the risk. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
If you require assistance or more information please call WHSQ on 1300 362 128 during business hours 8:00am – 5:30pm Monday to Friday.