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The Canberra Times
The Canberra Times
Bageshri Savyasachi

AFP facility closed after asbestos exposure

An Australian Federal Police training facility has been temporarily closed after a rope was found with friable asbestos.

The warehouse at 189 Gladstone Street, Fyshwick, was evacuated on September 10, a police spokesperson said.

The rope was hanging from an outdoor eave near the entrance to the building, a safety alert notice sent to members stated.

It was identified as a notable incident and Comcare issued a prohibition notice.

Comcare is the national workers' health, safety and compensation authority.

The asbestos "was identified by the AFP while preparing for routine maintenance," the AFP spokesperson said.

"The area was immediately cordoned off, site evacuated and Comcare notified."

Asbestos was not found anywhere else and rectification works have been completed, the AFP said.

Australian Federal Police personnel wearing masks. Picture by Keegan Carroll

The notice said the risk of asbestos exposure was negligible.

"It's unlikely the suspected incidental exposure poses an elevated risk to health," it said.

The spokesperson said "additional preventative works were concurrently undertaken as part of the remediation works".

Despite this, the site remains closed.

"No decision has been made to reopen the facility at this point in time," the spokesperson said.

"Several factors will influence that decision, including regulatory advice from Comcare after final site survey results are available."

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