It has been a long time coming. Asbestos is outlawed and building owners, including homeowners, were advised to make plans for the removal of damaged asbestos.
According to health and safety consultants, Ingozi Management, the spotlight is firmly on plans to rid South Africa of all asbestos on buildings including homes, schools, factories, warehouses, offices, retail centres, residential complexes, and all industrial buildings.
Ingozi Management managing director, Geoffrey Jäck, says removal is strictly regulated by the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020. This is closely monitored by the Department of Employment and Labour in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (Act 85 of 1993). Depending on the quantity and its condition, home and building owners must commission the services of an approved, registered contractor (RAC).
The Regulations provides guidelines for the identification and plans for its removal including the use of registered contractors. The regulations state that owners of buildings and homes that contain this harmful product as part of their construction, such as roofing, or in substructures such as water tanks, gutters, and downpipes, had to have a competent person assess the asbestos. They would also draft an asbestos inventory, and have a management plan detailing and quantifying the removal of damaged asbestos by May 2022. Penalties may be implemented by the Department of Employment and Labour should this not be in place.
Must all asbestos be replaced now?
An inventory and risk assessment needs to be done. So once assessments and conditions are determined, then one can know if it needs to be replaced. Should your building or home contain this substance that is still in good condition, you will need to have your asbestos assessed by a competent person every 24 months. There are options available for owners of buildings with aging, yet undamaged roofing or products made with this dangerous substance.
Owners still have options
Registered contractors can assist in the process to ensure home and building owners remain on the right side of the law. If your home or building contains asbestos, it is advisable to consult with a registered contractor or a health and safety officer to discuss options available to comply with the law.
