Tiny, indestructible airborne asbestos fibres can penetrate deeply into the lungs. Once there, they cause scarring, malignant growth, and many other health issues that eventually lead to death. For this reason, asbestos procedures must be implemented to safeguard the health of everyone who might be affected by the fibres. It must be noted that all work on asbestos containing materials (ACMs) must be carried out in accordance to the procedures and practices that are in the “How to Manage and Control Asbestos in the Workplace” and “How to Safely Remove Asbestos” Codes of Practice and . Failure to do so can result in heavy law suits and other legal consequences.
Important Information
The type and condition of the asbestos on your property will determine the procedures you should implement. Any renovation, demolition, or repairs to suspect areas are also factors that should be taken into consideration before you handle asbestos.
- Everyone that can be affected by asbestos fibres should be informed about any operation you intend to undertake. This includes removal, sealing, or controlling asbestos areas
- You should wear protective equipment. You should also ensure that all contractors have the necessary personal protective equipment (PPE) before they start to work on asbestos
- If present, avoid dropping asbestos cement sheets. All care should be taken to generate as little fibre-dust as possible to avoid spreading
- No ventilation unit should be operating when you are handling asbestos
- All work surfaces must be wet. You should wet these areas gently and avoid high water pressure or scrubbing
- All asbestos waste must be kept wet. Where practicable, avoid working on dry asbestos
- All relevant signage that informs people about the location of the asbestos should be installed at their respective strategic points
- All items within the working areas should be covered with thick plastic to avoid asbestos contamination
- All disposal bags should be appropriately labelled to indicate the content. They should not be placed with normal waste
- Under no circumstance should you reuse any asbestos containing material. All storage, installation, and use of asbestos are prohibited as of 31 December, 2003.
