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Publications
An information booklet for electricians and electrical contractors
Australian and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council, 1997 (Revised 2005)
This information booklet was prepared on behalf of ANZECC by V & C Environmental Consultants Pty Ltd to assist with implementation of the Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB) Management Plan, as part of the National Strategy for the Management of Scheduled Waste.
PCBs is the common name for polychlorinated biphenyls. PCBs range in appearance from colourless, oily liquids to more viscous and increasingly darker liquids, to yellow then black resins, depending on chlorine content of the PCB. These synthetic compounds are chemically stable, have good insulating properties and do not degrade appreciably over time or with exposure to high temperatures. These properties made PCBs very useful in electrical devices such as capacitors.
If these chemicals are released into the environment, they do not readily break down and can accumulate in fatty tissues of animals. The longevity of PCBs and their affinity for fatty tissue can result in PCBs moving up and concentrating through the food chain. Research has found that some animal species, such as young fish, are particularly sensitive to PCBs. PCBs in the Australian environment, and their subsequent presence in food, can also have a serious effects on the export of Australia's agricultural products.
The appendices in this booklet have been revised and reflect the current contact details for NATA registered laboratories, environmental regulators, waste transport companies and treatment facilities.
The revised appendices can be obtained by clicking on the link below.
This booklet is available as a PDF file. You will need Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer to view the PDF file.
If you cannot access the booklet, please contact us to organise a suitable alternative format.