Concerns raised over lead levels in RHH water

Unionists say they are concerned by the test results of a water sample taken at the new K-Block redevelopment.

A WATER sample taken at the Royal Hobart Hospital’s newly-renovated K Block had tested positive for elevated levels of lead, a unionist says.

Michael Anderson from the Communications Electrical and Plumbing Union said one of two samples recently taken by the union had recorded the presence of lead at nearly three times the recommended levels.

The. Royal Hobart Hospital. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

Mr Anderson said his members became concerned that they had been drinking the water from taps in K-Block for months.

“We decided to get a test done ourselves to an independent lab and unfortunately — and much to the workers disgust that’s come back around three times the advised range for lead in drinking water,” he told ABC Radio.

“These are the permanently completed site amenities for patients, for the public that they’ll be expected to drink ongoing.

The report we got back from the independent lab speak for themselves … it’s nearly three times the recommended limit.

Mr Anderson said he believed that there were other tests which showed contaminants in the hospital water supply.

“When this test came back, there’s a mandatory notification of another government agency, who then must follow up on these tests that comes out of the lab and they elaborated that there’d actually been hundreds of water tests of the new K-Block and up to 40 per cent of those tests are failing for nickel and lead.”

He said there was a history of similar problems due to cost-cutting at other constructions sites throughout Australia.

Health Minister Sarah Courtney said the government was working with the redevelopment’s managing contractor to ensure that hospital was ready to open.

Sarah Courtney. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“The Government has always been clear that we always expect the site to be appropriately managed by the Managing Contractor, including with matters relating to workplace safety.

“The Royal Hobart Hospital Redevelopment Project Team are considering a request from John Holland Fairbrother to grant Practical Completion of K-Block.

“The Project Team is currently assessing that request and taking expert advice regarding remaining building and contractual matters, including the final flushing and treatment of the water supply in line with standard hospital building commissioning practice.

“It is paramount that K-Block is safe, fit for purpose and compliant with building and health standards before the delivery of patient services can commence. This is exactly what Tasmanians would expect.”