According to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020, which came into effect in November 2020, all building owners must have a procedure and implementation plan in place for phasing out existing asbestos-containing materials in buildings.
The deadline for having an asbestos assessment and inventory done was 31 May 2022. However, many home owners and other building owners have yet to take the necessary steps to manage this hazardous building material.
According to a registered asbestos contractor, Indawo, all home and building owners must identify all asbestos on their properties and have an asbestos assessment and inventory done.
Indawo managing director, Geoffrey Jäck, says an asbestos assessment and inventory can still be carried out even though the deadline is passed.
History
Asbestos was typically used on roofs and to manufacture downpipes and gutters. It was also used for water tanks, insulation and heating until about 1982. Since then, asbestos has been phased out as a building material due to its ability to cause severe health problems.
Asbestos fibres are so tiny they can remain airborne for days after being initially disturbed. If you are exposed to airborne fibres, you risk breathing them in, which causes scar tissue to form in your lungs. This is known as asbestosis - for which there is no cure - and some of the symptoms of the condition include swollen fingertips, fatigue, wheezing, shortness of breath and persistent dry cough.
Asbestos application and its production ceased in the 1980s, although some buildings built as late as 1989 still contain asbestos. The product was banned in South Africa in 2008, so homes or buildings built before that may still contain asbestos.
Regulations
The Asbestos Abatement Regulations state that the building owner, self-employed person or employer must ensure that a competent person revises and reviews the asbestos inventory at intervals not exceeding 24 months.
They must also ensure that an asbestos risk assessment is immediately carried out, as far as is reasonably practicable, by a competent person and thereafter at intervals not exceeding 24 months.
An asbestos management plan is a policy, procedure and implementation plan for phasing out asbestos-containing materials. The building owner, employer or self-employed person must review and revise the asbestos management plan at intervals not exceeding eight years.
The regulations stipulate that a competent person means someone with the required knowledge, experience, training, and, where applicable, qualifications specific to asbestos related tasks or work. This person must also be familiar with the Act and applicable regulations made under the Act. Where appropriate training and qualifications are registered in terms of the National Qualifications Framework Act, 2008 (Act No. 67 of 2008), those training and qualifications must be regarded as the required training and qualifications.
Assessment
Indawo recommends checking substructures, roofs, and other building sections that may contain asbestos. This is particularly important if your building or home was built before the gradual phasing out of the product from the 1980s to 2008.
Suppose you are not confident in being able to identify asbestos. In that case, you should consult a registered asbestos contractor who will have the appropriate knowledge and skills to do an assessment and inventory to ensure you comply with the regulations.
Jäck advises that building owners should:
- Not disturb or damage asbestos that are in good condition.
- Seek advice if you have damaged asbestos on your building or showing signs of deterioration.
- Be cautious if you suspect that any substructures, heating or insulation may contain asbestos.
- Speak to a registered asbestos contractor if you are unsure whether or not the material on your building is asbestos.
Being asbestos compliant is a health and environmental issue. Make sure you take the necessary steps by using the outlined guidelines above.
Writer : Sarah-Jane Meyer