Australia's Science Forum

Hi everyone
we just recently through out all our talc because it was old and were not sure about the asbestos warning does anyone know of a supplier in Australia we could contact to get more.
thanks

Check wit the suppliers of samples. Anything mined in recent times should have come from an area which is asbestos free. I would ask for it in writing before purchasing, to make sure. I've started making enquiries as our kits have to be replaced. Westlab have Moh's kits which are asbestos-free but I haven't enquired with anyone regarding just talc on its own.

Thanks Merilyn will check it out

The only places I've found Mohs hardness kits are Westlab (without diamond) and Serrata (with diamond). Has anyone asked Serrata about asbestos?

YES I have asked Max at Serrata and he has been in touch with his suppler and they are assured that the samples they have NOW are asbestos free

Westlab were able to send me a letter from their USA supplier stating that the talc was asbestos free. I'd want something like that from anyone I purchased these kits from, not just a verbal assurance.

Merilyn, I contacted Serrata after making my post and got forwarded a chain of emails and documents from the US supplier, as well as further statements from the Queensland Department. I'm not 100% convinced that the supplier's responses constitute a definitive statement about asbestos in the talc, but Serrata has concluded that their Mohs kits are safe.

At least you got something in writing which hopefully is sufficient. I guess it's not up to us to determine if the information is legitimate. I take the approach that when I'm in doubt, I let someone in greater authority than me make the final decision i.e. my coordinator, WHS committee etc. I love being the pleb!

We have Moh's kits dating back from before I started working here - so at least 10 years old. They are most probably from Serrata. What are most peoples thoughts on whether these should be disposed of - and if so how to go about it?

Kathryn

THE CSIS tells us that Talc can go to landfill, so rubbish bin.

I'm sure CSIS was written before there was a thought that the talc could possible contain asbestos.

I agree Rae, but as my head teacher said, there it is in black and white out it goes. Its his back any way

Sorry but I think it would be irresponsible as well as illegal to just put it into landfill if it is suspected of containing asbestos.

I agree Kathryn. Just the fact that it has been brought to his attention with the possibility I would have thought would make it a duty of care.

Hi Kathryn. Check with your head office to see what they want you to do - I'm not sure which system you work in. The Wollongong CEO is organising testing and disposal of the affected kits, so I've had to isolate the potential problems and am now waiting on them to organise the rest.

By the way the Principal agreed with the Head teacher. I ONLY LIVE HERE.

Hi Rae
I believe the Wingecarribee Council tipped a truckload of asbestos containing waste onto a road as road filling in Robertson few years ago now and we are worried about a few samples of talc that may contain asbestos. But I am not saying that we should just throw it in the bin - it will cost $ $ $ for disposal.

The funny thing is, Adrianna, it was the road where I grew up that was one of them. In there defence I think they purchased road base/ recycled cement from somewhere that had asbestos in it. I'm sure it wasn't deliberate.

And Wollongong city council did it too. They formed side of road barrier piles that had asbestos in it. Councils have to purchase there material from somewhere too and if it has asbestos surely it should be the supplier who is in trouble.

This information came via the PSA email today:

https://www.asbestossafety.gov.au/sites ... 2015_0.pdf