Ventilation in trams carolos cut as a precaution due to traces of asbestos

Charleroi

The management of the TEC has decided to cut the ventilation in the trams of the light metro Charleroi Sunday afternoon, "as a precaution."

An badysis revealed the presence of a "tiny" trace of asbestos in a motor. The concentration is a hundred times lower than the norms and presents no danger for pbadengers and staff, said Sunday evening Stéphane Thiery, marketing director of the public transport company, the agency Belga. Prior to the renovation of the 45 motor vehicles used in this sector, carried out by Alstom, an badysis was carried out and revealed the presence of asbestos.

Two trams were inspected by a Swiss company commissioned by the transport giant. The latter noted "the presence of asbestos-covered cardboard boxes, used as wedges located under the floor and under the side walls, and asbestos cartons are visible on the plates screwed into the ventilation monoblocks. (joints), "explains Mr. Thiery.

In both cases, the occupational physician has certified that they do not constitute a danger to health, he says.

An additional badysis requested by the public transport company gave a "negative result", says its marketing director. While awaiting the official report, the decision has nevertheless been made to put the wind tunnels out of order.

The asbestos particle found inside a tram shows a concentration of 0.143 fibers, significantly less than the limit value of 100 fibers, Mr. Thiery insists.