Council’s management of the upgrade to the building will ensure no danger to the community while asbestos materials are removed. 

General manager Brad Cam said the current asbestos roof sheeting will be replaced with a new Colorbond roof. 

“The entire hall roof will be renewed before it poses any risk of asbestos-exposure to the community,” Mr Cam said. 

During the first week of the building closure, scaffolding and security fencing will be erected. The roof replacement will then take place over the following weeks. 

“The closure of the building will minimise risk posed to the public. 

“Council have been in touch with all the users of The Loft and Kandos Hall, and we’re letting as many library-goers as possible know to expect the closure.

“The site will be well signed and we’ve planned the work so that it will happen outside of school holidays to cause minimal inconvenience,” Mr Cam said. 

Customers can return books to the Rylstone Office while the Library is closed. The Loft will run from the CWA rooms in Jacques Street, Kandos, each Monday and Thursday afternoon from November 3. 

“Our main priority is safety, and I’m confident that we’ve got every necessary measure in place. All WorkCover and other regulatory requirements have been satisfied. 

“The sheeting on the roof will be sprayed with PVA glue before anything is moved or dismantled, and the asbestos in  the roof is non-friable, meaning it won’t release fibres,” Mr Cam continued. 

“The contractors who have been engaged to do the job are asbestos specialists, highly qualified and experienced.

“In addition, an occupational hygienist will be on-site for the duration of the project and will monitor air quality daily while works are being undertaken,” Mr Cam said. 

All relevant risk assessments have been undertaken and air monitors will be placed on fences and boundaries around the site. 

WorkCover has been notified about the works.