The detection of silica dust at the Brisbane Underground Metro site, combined with the discovery of asbestos in imported construction materials, underscores that hazardous materials continue to pose serious risks to major infrastructure projects. These events highlight why vigilance, early intervention, and professional asbestos audits and asbestos surveys are essential to protect workers, maintain compliance, and prevent costly disruptions.
Silica risks on major underground construction projects
Large-scale underground transport projects involve extensive excavation, cutting, and tunnelling through concrete, rock, and engineered materials. These activities can release respirable crystalline silica, a substance known to cause irreversible lung disease, including silicosis and lung cancer.
On complex projects such as the Brisbane Underground Metro, the presence of silica reinforces the need for ongoing hazard identification and monitoring. Silica-related risks are not always visible and can escalate quickly if appropriate controls are not identified early and consistently enforced.
Asbestos detected in imported doors on the same project
In addition to silica concerns, asbestos was identified in imported doors supplied to the Cross River Rail project, which forms part of Brisbane’s broader underground transport infrastructure. Workers raised concerns after suspect materials were identified within door components, triggering a prolonged dispute over safety.
After weeks of inaction, Queensland’s Industrial Relations Commission ordered the head contractor, CPB Contractors, to remove the asbestos-containing doors from the site. The decision reinforced a critical safety principle: workers must be able to raise asbestos concerns and cease unsafe work without fear of retribution.
This incident also highlights a growing risk across the construction industry: asbestos introduced through imported products. Even new materials can contain asbestos if supply chains are not properly verified.
Why asbestos audits and asbestos surveys remain critical
The discovery of asbestos in imported doors demonstrates that asbestos risk is no longer limited to legacy buildings or underground services. It can enter projects through finished products, fixtures, and fittings if due diligence is inadequate.
A professional asbestos audit helps identify and manage asbestos risks across all aspects of a project, including materials brought onto the site. An asbestos survey provides systematic inspection, sampling, and documentation to confirm whether asbestos-containing materials are present before installation or disturbance occurs.
Together, asbestos audits and asbestos surveys:
- Identify asbestos before it is installed or disturbed
- Reduce the likelihood of work stoppages and regulatory intervention
- Support compliance with workplace health and safety legislation
- Protect workers, contractors, and the public
- Reduce legal and reputational risk for project owners and builders
Avoiding complacency in modern construction
The presence of both silica and asbestos on the Brisbane Underground Metro and Cross River Rail projects demonstrates how dangerous complacency can be. Assumptions that “new materials are safe” or that asbestos is a thing of the past can expose workers to serious harm and place organisations at significant legal risk.
Major projects require continuous verification, not only of the site itself, but of all materials entering it.
How Global Asbestos Audits supports construction projects
Global Asbestos Audits is a trusted expert in asbestos identification, testing, and compliance across Brisbane and Queensland. We work with infrastructure providers, developers, contractors, and asset owners to proactively manage asbestos risks at every stage of a project.
Our services include:
- Comprehensive asbestos audits
- Pre-construction and pre-installation asbestos surveys
- Independent sampling and laboratory analysis
- Review of imported materials and fixtures where asbestos is suspected
- Asbestos registers and compliance documentation
By engaging Global Asbestos Audits early, organisations can identify asbestos risks before materials are installed, avoid costly disputes and shutdowns, and demonstrate a genuine commitment to worker safety.
A clear lesson for Brisbane infrastructure projects
The detection of silica and asbestos, particularly asbestos in imported doors, on Brisbane’s underground transport projects, sends a clear message to the construction industry. Hazardous materials remain a present and evolving risk, even on modern builds. Professional asbestos audits and asbestos surveys are critical tools for avoiding complacency, supporting safe work practices, and ensuring projects proceed responsibly. Global Asbestos Audits remains committed to helping organisations identify risks early and maintain the highest standards of safety and compliance.