ASBESTOS REMOVAL

Analysis of the compounds of a dangerous asbestos roof panels - concept image with magnifying glass

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Definition of dangerous ASBESTOS - (It's a my personal definition and not infringes on another intellectual property rights) - Concept image seen through a magnifying glass

Chrysotile asbestos fibers lie in a heap on a white background. Macro photography

Although asbestos was banned in South Africa in 2008 due to serious health hazards, there are still millions of structures in the country with asbestos roofs and other asbestos components.

Asbestos Abatement Regulations promulgated in 2020 prescribe the method for working with and demolishing asbestos-containing materials.

SpillPro South Africa is one of the leading companies in the industry registered as an asbestos Contractor with the Department of Employment and Labour and its expert teams are trained and experienced in the safe removal of hazardous asbestos according to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations.

History of asbestos

Asbestos has been mined in South Africa since 1930 and was a popular material used in over 3 000 different products in the building and engineering industries over more than a century. Asbestos exposure resulted in many deaths as a result of diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma. Although the use of asbestos in new work has been banned in South Africa since 2008, there are many asbestos-containing products still in use today.

Asbestos was typically used in:
Ceiling, floor and wall cavities
Firebreaks above ceilings
Textured coatings and paints
Partition walls
Linings to lift shafts
Flash pads in fuse boxes
Panels behind electrical equipment
Access hatches to service risers
Access hatches to roof spaces
Heater cupboards around domestic boilers
Linings to staircases
Panels on fire doors
Bath panels
Floor tiles, linoleum & adhesives
String seals on radiators
Storage heaters
Fire blankets
Brake and clutch linings

Asbestos removal preparation

According to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020 demolition or removal of asbestos and Asbestos Containing Materials can only be carried out by an Approved Asbestos Contractor.

When contracted to remove asbestos, one of the key steps is the identification of asbestos, whereafter an inventory of suspected asbestos-containing materials is compiled.

This is followed by a risk assessment to be conducted before the disturbance, repair, or removal of asbestos-containing materials can occur. The purpose of the risk assessment is to gauge the location and condition of the material before the work, as well as any other potential hazards that might affect the workers.

After identification and compilation of the risk assessment, SpillPro SA will draw up a Asbestos Management Plan, developing procedures relating to the removal and management of asbestos-containing materials and Notify the Department of Employment and Labour of Asbestos Work to be conducted

Removal and disposal

Before any work involving asbestos takes place, we will clearly set out the procedures for the safe removal of asbestos dust and debris from the work area. We remove asbestos using prescribed safe work practices and procedures to prevent workers and other people from being exposed during the demolition process.

All asbestos waste is placed in containers that will prevent the likelihood of exposure during handling. The premises are checked thoroughly to ensure that all asbestos waste intended for disposal has been removed.

The asbestos is disposed of according to applicable Environmental Legislation, at a registered asbestos disposal sites that will issue a Safe disposal certificate to this effect.

SpillPro SA will issue the client with an Asbestos clearance certificate from an Approved Asbestos Inspection Authority (AAIA) that will conduct monitoring during the Construction Process and a thorough inspection of the premises after work has been completed.

SpillPro SA’s expert team is trained in:

The properties of asbestos and the effects on health
The types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos
The operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventative controls
Safe work practices
Control limits and the need for air monitoring
Personal Protective and Emergency equipment tobe used in different situations
Hygiene requirements
Decontamination procedures
Waste handling procedures
Medical examination requirement

If you suspect your premises might contain hazardous asbestos, do not hesitate to contact SpillPro SA for expert advice.