Construction World May 2018

HEALTH, SAFETY & SECURITY

Unpacking new ASBESTOS ABATEMENT REGULATIONS 2017

The Master Builders Association North recently hosted a workshop on new draft regulations relating to the handling of asbestos and asbestos containing materials. The workshop aimed to give the construction industry an opportunity not only to understand the impact of the new regulations, but also to give feedback on them.

“The risk usually materialises when

renovations, removal or demolition are done and incorrect work procedures and power tools are used on asbestos. The new regulations address these risks.”

“T he Minister released the draft regula- tions on 13 February and all interested parties have 90 days to submit comments for consideration,” says Koos Roets, an occupational hygienist at Consulting Oc- cupational Hygienist (COH) who facilitated the workshop. “The new regulations will have a direct impact on property owners, construction companies, insurance houses and registered asbestos contractors, so it will make sense for them to participate in the process of finalising them.” Roets was part of the team that drafted the regulations, and thus is able to provide deep insight into the intentions behind the new regulations. The existing regulations focus on the control measures relating to the manufac- ture, transport and installation of asbestos. But as asbestos can no longer be manu- factured, it was necessary for a new set of regulations that deal more extensively with the treatment and or removal of existing asbestos. Many buildings and other struc-

tures contain asbestos, including business properties, schools and private dwellings. “Buildings that contain asbestos do not pose a significant health risk if – and only if – the material is properly maintained. If it is allowed to weather and decay or become more friable, however, microscopic asbestos fibres are released into the air and can be inhaled – that’s how one contracts the asbestos-related illness Asbestosis or Mesothelioma,” says Roets. “The risk usual- ly materialises when renovations, removal or demolition are done and incorrect work procedures and power tools are used on asbestos. The new regulations address these risks.” Several important areas receive atten- tion in the new regulations. For example, the duties of anyone who owns a property in which asbestos is present are now properly spelled out. They include the obligation to draft an inventory and Asbestos Manage- ment Plan for their asbestos. “Basically, existing asbestos must be

kept in good condition or must be removed safely,” he says. In similar vein, the duties of regulated asbestos contractors are now thoroughly de- tailed. Asbestos contractors are registered for a year at a time by the Chief Inspector of the Department of Labour upon submission of an contractors asbestos registration file. Seven Days prior commencement of any asbestos work, the Department must be notified of the intention to do asbestos work and an Approved Plan of Work should be send to them for notice. Asbestos Contractors’ staff must have proper medical check-ups and tests. How- ever, these medical procedures should now be performed every two years, rather than annually. This is because the latent effects of exposure to asbestos which may only appear after several years. Contractors must demonstrate that they have set up proper decontamination facilities, have the necessary equipment and received appropriate training. Specifically, the regulations call for more intensive, spe- cialised training by competent trainers. All asbestos related records must also retained for 40 years by the employer. Mesothelioma, caused by exposure to asbestos, continues to be a health issue in South Africa, with 200 new cases re- ported annually and close on 3 000 already dead of it. In fact, some researchers believe it is underreported. “It is critical that everybody involved with asbestos understands the new regulations and what their impact will be, and gives any feedback they might have now.” Any interested parties who wish to submit comments to the drafting committee should make representations to Kitu Mahib- ila at kitu@mbanorth.co.za. The deadline for submissions is 14 May 2018. 

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CONSTRUCTION WORLD MAY 2018