Safety Alert – Brake pads used in windfarms

Purpose

This updated safety alert provides information regarding 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 and hoist systems. Affected items were initially identified at a windfarm in Waddamana Tasmania.

Ongoing WHSQ inquiries have identified four windfarms in Queensland as having affected brake pads. Engagement with the four workplaces is continuing and the operators of the affected sites have implemented controls to manage the risk.

Product description

Current information is that asbestos‑containing brake pads have been identified in several lift and hoist systems operating at Queensland windfarms. At present, WHSQ are aware of the following systems having been identified:

• 3S Industry lifts and hoists (various models)
• Avanti service lifts equipped with M508 hoists
• Hailo hoists – HW608 CE18

This alert is to advise that lift machinery, hoists, and both brake and clutch pads may be affected.

Affected motors and brake assemblies may have more than one brake pad. Some brake components may be concealed within the machinery casing.

Recommended actions

All 3S Industry lift/hoist machinery, brake components, and the Avanti and Hailo systems referenced above, should be assumed to contain asbestos until proven otherwise.

As the situation continues to develop, investigations are underway to assess whether other lift and hoist equipment, as well as additional suppliers within the windfarm industry, may also be 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 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.