Qantas warned on coronavirus risk in cleaning notice issued by Safe Work NSW

Safe Work NSW has told Qantas to improve aircraft cleaning practices to reduce risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Inside the economy cabin of a Qantas A380, pre-flight. Picture: Supplied

Qantas will consider appealing an “improvement notice” issued by Safe Work New South Wales after cleaners were observed wiping tray tables, floors and surfaces with the same wet cloth in aircraft that could have transported people with coronavirus.

The notice, dated February 26, said personal protection equipment (PPE) was not mandated for the tasks that could “expose workers and other persons to risk of injury or illness”.

It directed Qantas to “as far as reasonably practicable, develop and maintain a safe system of work to clean aircraft to minimise the risk of exposure of workers and others to infectious diseases including COVID-19”

“You must consult with workers who undertake the work of cleaning aircraft when developing this safe system of work,” said the notice.

“You must consult with a competent person (eg occupational hygienist and/or infection control expert) when developing this safe system of work specifically regarding the coronavirus.”

A Qantas spokesman said they were considering appealing the notice.

“Qantas is not known for being complacent when it comes to safety or the cleanliness of our aircraft,” said the spokesman.

“All of our fleet presentation teams are provided with personal protective equipment for cleaning the aircraft and for more hazardous items, we have additional equipment such as masks and safety suits. Our aircraft are thoroughly cleaned after each international flight.”

On Wednesday, Qantas was identified as one of several airlines that had transported passengers who later tested positive to the deadly virus.

One of the men who flew in first class with Qantas from Singapore on February 28, was “symptomatic” during the flight and was admitted to hospital in Sydney.

In response Qantas cancelled yesterday’s Sydney-London via Singapore flight so the A380 used could undergo a deep clean.

Cabin crew who directly dealt with the passenger, and another man on an A330 flight from Singapore, were instructed to “self-isolate” after confirmation both had COVID-19.

The Transport Workers Union noted that the improvement notice followed the suspension of an aircraft cleaner and union delegate who told workmates not to board aircraft returning from China, because they could catch coronavirus.

TWU NSW branch secretary Richard Olsen said the notice reflected that worker’s concerns, and called on Qantas to reinstate him.

“Workers are worried about the risk to passengers, themselves and their families because of Qantas’s refusal to provide training and protective gear since this outbreak began,” Mr Olsen said.

“Instead of suspending workers and trying to silence them, Qantas needs to start consulting with workers and help reduce the risk of exposure.”

TWU national secretary Michael Kaine said the coronavirus was a serious outbreak that had countries around the world on high alert.

“Qantas has failed in its duty of care to passengers and workers,” Mr Kaine said.