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Asbestos finding has forced the closure of the Queensberry Children's Centre, Carlton.
The child-care centre, which is affiliated with the University of Melbourne, has been closed since Tuesday after asbestos being removed from a nearby construction site. Asbestos was pilled into the play area of the child-care centre.
It was in a weekend clean-up that the asbestos spill occurred at a former car yard at 100 Leicester Street, behind the child-care centre and just meters from the play area of the children. It is said that the spill came from a corrugated cement sheeting.
WorkSafe Victoria sent engaged an inspector to the site on Tuesday morning after being alerted on Monday afternoon. They also issued a ban notice to stop any further asbestos removal from the site until the company could demonstrate proper safety systems.
The asbestos removal was carried out by a Langwarrin company, CV Asbestos Removal. They are licensed to asbestos abatement. At the moment, WorkSafe has no idea about the company's involvement.
Most of the parents of children at the Queensberry Children's Centre work at the university. To test the grounds of the child-care centre, the university brought in an independent occupational hygienist.
According to Martin Kingham from the Construction, Foresty, Mining and Energy Union (CFMEU), children are at risk. He has called on authorities to take action against the removalists.
"When that exposure goes to the general public and to young children it is just not on. We believe the company concerned should be investigated by Work Cover for breaches of the asbestos regulations," he said. "We're demanding that WorkCover investigate thoroughly and prosecute the offending company."
WorkSafe has spoken with the company however, further action is yet to be decided.
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