According to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020, employers and property owners had until the end of May 2022 to compile asbestos inventories if it is suspected that a building/s contains asbestos.
Property owners or employers are obliged to obtain the services of registered and competent companies or persons in this field to compile accurate inventories which will ensure that all materials identified as, or assumed to be asbestos-containing material, are entered into the inventory of “asbestos in place”.
As from June 2022 it is prohibited for registered asbestos contractors to commence with asbestos removal or repairs unless an up-to-date inventory of “asbestos in place” is provided and has been submitted to a registered Approved Inspection Authority (AIA). An AIA has to be appointed in writing. It must also be mentioned that no employer, self- employed person or asbestos client may carry out any asbestos work unless the Chief Director: Provincial Operations has been notified in writing of the location, venue and contact details of where asbestos work will be done, at least seven days prior to commencement of such work.
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With regard to disagreement or doubt whether any substance contains asbestos, a sample of that substance must be taken and identification of the substance must be determined by an approved inspection authority (AIA).
According to regulation 4, the inventory of “asbestos in place” must contain as far as reasonably practicable, the following information about each of the asbestos-containing materials-
- The date on which the material was identified;
- a description of the material, quantity and extent of deterioration;
- the location as detailed on a floor plan;
- confirmation of labelling and signage as required by regulation 20;
- the risk categorisation derived from the asbestos risk assessment; and
- a description of potential exposure scenarios.
If asbestos -containing materials are identified, the employer or self- employed person must ensure that a written asbestos management plan is prepared by a competent person.
The asbestos management plan must include:
Exactly where the removal of asbestos is planned, and information in the asbestos inventory must be adequately detailed with respect to the work to be carried out.
As mentioned the employer or property owner must ensure that a copy of the asbestos inventory is given to the registered asbestos removal contractor as well as the approved inspection authority (AIA) before asbestos removal work commences;
Asbestos Removal and Roofing in Cape Town can assist property owners and employers with the identification of asbestos containing materials, compiling inventories as well as the removal and safe disposal of all types of asbestos.
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