Safety alert 13/2012 - Asbestos gaskets in vehicles

Automotive maintenance and repair industry

• If you are replacing a gasket on a new imported vehicle, contact the local dealership to find out whether the gasket contains asbestos and how to safely handle it if it does. 
• For Great Wall and Chery vehicles, check the model and part numbers on the ACCC’s Product Recall website to see whether the parts contain asbestos (unless service records or engine bay stickers verify that the gaskets have been removed). 
• For any vehicle manufactured before 2004, assume that the gaskets and brake and clutch linings do contain asbestos.
• Handle asbestos-containing products according to the Guidance Note – Asbestos materials in the automotive maintenance and repair industry.
• Ensure that vehicle maintenance records include any gasket replacement work. 

Great Wall or Chery work vehicles 

Asbestos is prohibited in workplaces unless it was in place prior to 2004.    Workplaces in possession of Great Wall or Chery work vehicles or vehicles for sale should see the ACCC product recall website for details of affected models. Where the vehicle may contain asbestos gaskets, contact the authorised dealer to have any asbestos gaskets replaced.  

Importers of vehicles, machinery, parts or gaskets 

• If you import any vehicles, machinery, equipment, parts or gaskets, it is your responsibility to have gaskets or similar items tested for asbestos content so you can demonstrate that they are asbestos free. 
• WorkSafe recommends such testing be conducted in Australia by a NATA certified laboratory. 

Work health and safety laws apply to work involving asbestos. Please see www.worksafe.wa.gov.au or contact WorkSafe on 1300 307 877.

• ACCC Product Recall website –  (search 2012/13251 for Chery and 2012/13250 for Great Wall – model and part numbers are provided). 
• NATA (National Association of Testing Authorities)  or phone 1800 621 666
• Customs