TIME IS UP TO BE ASBESTOS COMPLIANT, SAYS INDAWO

TIME IS UP TO BE ASBESTOS COMPLIANT, SAYS INDAWO

ASBESTOS TIME IS UP

According to Registered Asbestos Contractor, Indawo, the deadline for asbestos assessments and inventories is now, May 2022. This means that all building and homeowners must identify all asbestos and have an asbestos assessment and inventory done.

Asbestos Risk Assessment
Ensure that an asbestos risk assessment is carried out, as far as is reasonably practicable, immediately by a competent person and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 24 months

Asbestos Management Plan – a policy, procedure, and implementation plan for phasing out asbestos-containing materials. The employer or self-employed person must review and revise the asbestos management plan at intervals not exceeding 8 years.

Indawo MD, Geoffrey Jäck, says an asbestos assessment and inventory can still be done. The regulations state that building owners must employ a “competent person” to do this, but that person would need to, at least, know what asbestos looks like to identify and record it. Asbestos production and its application ceased in the 1980s, with some buildings built even as late as 1989 still containing asbestos. It was banned in South Africa in 2008, so homes or buildings built before that would, likely, contain asbestos.

According to the Regulations, “a competent person means a person who has the required knowledge, training and experience and, where applicable, qualifications specific to asbestos work or related tasks. Provided that, where appropriate qualifications and training are registered in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008), those qualifications and training must be regarded as the required qualifications and training; and is familiar with the Act and applicable regulations made under the Act.”

If you are not confident in being able to identify asbestos, consult a Registered Asbestos Contractor who will have the right skills and knowledge to do an assessment and inventory to ensure you comply with the Regulations.

Asbestos was typically used on roofs and for the manufacture of gutters and downpipes. It was also used for water tanks, heating and insulation up until about 1982. Due to the gradual phasing out of asbestos during the 1980s, Indawo recommends checking roofs and substructures as well other elements that may contain asbestos if your building or home was built before this period.

Jäck says that building owners should:

• not disturb or damage asbestos that is in a good condition
• seek advice if you have damaged asbestos on your building or showing signs of deterioration
• be cautious if you suspect any substructures, heating or insulation contain asbestos
• speak to a registered asbestos contractor if you are unsure if the material on your building is asbestos.

For more information, contact Indawo on 021 941 5000 or email info@indawo.biz