Who must appoint inspectors?

Every employer is legally obliged to appoint a competent inspector to inspect the workplace for asbestos before 31 May 2022

Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020

Must all workplaces be inspected?

Offices, factories, warehouses, shopping centres and other buildings constructed after March 2011 need not be inspected.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a fibrous silicate mineral that was extensively used up to 2008 to manufacture a wide variety of:

  •        roof sheets and tiles;
  •        concrete walls and dividers;
  •        floor tiles, adhesives and underlay;
  •        fireproofing and insulation;
  •        brake pads, gaskets, seals etc.

Why are inspections necessary?

Asbestos is made up of thin brittle fibres that are released into the air as dust if it is disturbed, deteriorated or damaged.

Asbestos fibres and dust are carcinogenic and cause diseases including:

  •        Pleural plaques, thickening and effusion;
  •        Chronic pulmonary disease;
  •        Asbestosis;
  •        Mesothelioma;
  •         Lung and other cancers.

It can take 4-40 years for symptoms to show, at which stage it is too late. There is no cure for asbestos related diseases and the final outcome is always death.

What are the obligations of an employer?

Every employer or self-employed person’s legal obligations include:

  • appointing a competent person to inspect the workplace and draw up an inventory of asbestos in place;
  • keep a copy of the inventory and risk assessment at the workplace;
  • have the type 2 repair and type 3 removal work carried out by an authorized asbestos contractor;
  • providing information, instructions and tutoring to all workers that may be exposed to asbestos at work.

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Is it really necessary to comply?

Asbestos is a hazardous substance that causes serious diseases and many work related deaths. Asbestos is also known as the “silent killer” and the “devil’s dust”. Failure to comply is thus not an option.

The Department of Employment and Labour has appointed inspectors that will carry out inspections to ensure compliance.

The Asbestos Abatement Regulations make provision for the imposition of fines and/or imprisonment. Employers could also be held civilly liable for loss of income and damages by affected persons.

 

COMPETENT ASBESTOS INSPECTIONS AND TRAINING

AS BEST INSPECTION SERVICES INCLUDE:

  • Identification of all asbestos containing materials;
  • Drafting asbestos inventory;
  • Compiling risk and danger of exposure assessments;
  • Asbestos management plans;
  • Providing advice on the legal obligations and drafting policies and procedures for the workplace;
  • Asbestos remediation or removal work plans;
  • Overseeing asbestos work;
  • Providing information, instruction and tutoring to employees.

HEALTH IS WEALTH – CONTACT US NOW!

 Mario Wilker – Director 
Cell: +27 82 819 2752

E-mail: mario@asbestinspect.co.za