Several Dickson businesses could be shut for months after an asbestos scare in the busy inner north commercial precinct.
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Work Safety Commissioner Mark McCabe believes the asbestos is located on the roof of the building but further tests are required to determine the extent, exact source and asbestos levels.
Work safety officers were onsite speaking to affected businesses and continuing with their investigation on Friday morning.
At least five businesses have been ordered to cease trading until all investigations are completed and the situation rectified.
The asbestos was found after a tenant occupying the property reported their suspicions to WorkSafe ACT. The building was assessed and test results were released on Thursday prompting WorkSafe ACT to issue a Prohibition Notice to several businesses on the premises, ordering them to cease operation.
Mr McCabe said that because of the high level of asbestos fibres found, it was unsafe for anyone to be inside the building without permission from WorkSafe ACT.
''The dangers of asbestos can be fatal. While there is a low likelihood of exposure, there is a high consequence if a person is exposed to it for a long time,'' Mr McCabe said. ''There are two ways in which we can fix the problem. We either remove and replace the roof or encapsulate it to stop the asbestos fibres from going down. Either will be a costly process for the property owners.
The owners of the property would not comment when contacted.
The affected businesses could be left out of action for months until the roof is either replaced or fixed.
''WorkSafe ACT is committed to investigating the source of the asbestos, working with the landlord to repair the roof and determining whether any work safety obligations have been breached by the landlord,'' Mr McCabe said.
Mr McCabe advised anyone concerned about possible exposure to asbestos to contact their local GP.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners president Dr Liz Marles said ''incidental exposure [to asbestos] poses quite a low risk to members of the public. It's only when the asbestos has been disrupted is the risk very high - even then it'll only be evident decades down the track.''