Telstra to restart NBN pit remediation works following asbestos scare

Telstra has announced it is recommencing remediation works on its copper phone line pits from August 19, following an asbestos scare that caused lengthy delays to the NBN rollout.

In a statement, Telstra’s chief operations officer, Brendon Riley, says the telco giant has introduced stringent new rules for contractors since the initial scare.

“We advised our contractors today that only companies which hold a Class B licence and can certify their staff have relevant training will start work from 19 August. We expect the workforce to steadily ramp up as more contractors meet these stringent requirements,” Riley says.

“We have appointed and trained 125 Telstra staff for the proposed team of up to 200 specialists to supervise pit remediation. We have updated our process and procedures increasing our level of supervision so the community has confidence this work is being completed safely.”

Riley also promises additional consultation with local residents before any remediation work.

“We will brief local councils in the weeks prior to any NBN remediation work occurring and seek to brief residents and businesses through information packs and letters sent in the week leading up to the work. In the case of emergency works, we intend to doorknock to attempt contact.”