Initial testing has found no airborne asbestos fibres in 33 of 40 KiwiRail locomotives, the rail company says.
KiwiRail’s 40 DL locomotives were taken off the tracks last Friday after asbestos was found in a sample.
The substance was found in the soundproofing compound used in the locomotives, prompting KiwiRail to carry out extensive testing.
The state-owned company said 33 of 40 locomotives had been undergone visual assessments, swab testing and air sampling.
“Our immediate priority is staff safety, and this vindicates our joint decision to withdraw the locomotives from service,” says chief executive Peter Reidy.
A second round of testing will be conducted next week to satisfy Rail and Maritime Transport Union (RMTU) representatives there is no risk to rail workers.
“The locomotives must not be used while there is any friable material in them. The results of the second opinion will confirm how we proceed with the reintroduction of the locomotives,” says RMTU general secretary Wayne Butson.
During the testing process a second material, used as a packing material in the engine bay doors of the locomotives, was also found to contain asbestos. The RTMU wants KiwiRail to remove this packing material from the trains.
The Chinese manufacturers have accepted the asbestos was included in breach of contract specifications and would carry out necessary rectification.
3 News
