AUSTRALIAN quad bike supplier, Polaris, has notified the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) of a recall of 12 models in its ‘youth’ range of quad bikes due to the presence of asbestos in component parts.

Polaris conducted recent testing in the United States which identified asbestos in brake pads, brake shoes, gaskets, and washers in some of its quad bike models.

The ACCC understands that approximately 13,000 of the affected quad bikes have been supplied in Australia since 31 December 2003.

The importation or use of asbestos has been prohibited in Australia since 2004, but it is believed Polaris only recently became aware of the presence of asbestos in some of its quad bike range.

“Fortunately, the advice we have currently received indicates the presence of asbestos in the quad bike parts is unlikely to present a safety risk while riding the quad bike,” ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

“Nonetheless we are treating this issue extremely seriously and working closely with Polaris to gather all relevant information that enables a fast, efficient remediation of any bikes that contain these parts

“If you do own a recalled Polaris quad bike, we encourage you to contact your nearest authorised Polaris dealer to arrange the safe replacement of affected parts.

“The presence of asbestos in quad bike parts is considered more likely to present a safety risk to consumers who do home mechanical work on quad bikes they own, and to employees of businesses who repair and service quad bikes.

“The recalled quad bikes should only be repaired by qualified personnel using appropriate safety procedures. Any materials containing asbestos must be disposed of at licensed facilities.”

The Polaris models currently subject to the recall include the Scrambler 50, Scrambler 90, Predator 50, Predator 90, Outlaw 50, Outlaw 90, Outlaw 110, Sportsman 90, Sportsman 110, Ace 150, Sawtooth 200 and Phoenix 200 supplied between 2003 and 2017.

Customers with concerns should contact Polaris directly. The formal recall is available on https://www.productsafety.gov.au/recall/polaris-sales-australia-pty-ltd-polaris-youth-quad-bikes-and-parts-for-these-models (link is external).

The ACCC has triggered the Heads of Workplace Safety Authorities (HWSA) Imported Materials with Asbestos Working Group Rapid Response Protocol.

The HWSA working group of agencies includes representatives from the Asbestos Safety & Eradication Agency (ASEA), the ACCC, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection (DIBP), Australian Border Force (ABF), Safe Work Australia (SWA) and the state and territory workplace safety agencies.

Triggering the protocol ensures relevant agencies are all notified and able to work together to implement an integrated whole-of-government response.

Source: ACCC