Workers involved in refurbishment, maintenance, construction, demolition and other similar trades are at an increased risk of exposure to asbestos. In 2015, PDO developed an Asbestos Risk Management procedure (PR-2107). This document outlines managers and estate service personnel responsibilities and accountabilities in managing the risks associated with asbestos. It stipulates that all Line managers and estate service personnel are responsible and accountable for ensuring the following:
- Not to introduce asbestos or refractory ceramic fibres into new or existing facilities and buildings
- All suspected asbestos and asbestos-containing materials have to be tested before removal in order to identify the type of asbestos and its concentration. |
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The collected material sample has to be sent to and tested in a recognised certified lab
- Removal, adaptation, transportation and disposal of asbestos should be carried out by a licensed contractor
- Identifying locations whereAsbestos asbestos-containing materials exist and establishing a register (inventory), to include: type of asbestos, location, condition and quantities. Making use of a certified asbestos surveyor
- Compliance with national legislation, Ministry of Environment and PDO specifications
- Notification of the Occupational Health team (MCOH) prior to the start of any asbestos removal work and demolition of asbestos-containing buildingsAll asbestos workers must be subjected to a Fitness to Work Medical examination. |
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- Identification of workers involved in asbestos operations, as well as making sure that all should be trained and informed about asbestos health risks and following the protective health and safety measures during removal, adaptation, transportation and disposal of asbestos
- All asbestos workers and anyone else present in the work area where operations with asbestos are carried out must use appropriate PPE including protective clothing and proper respiratory protection
- All work areas involving asbestos operations should be restricted and marked and demarcated with warning signs- Preparation of a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from asbestos materials aremanaged, which is periodically reviewed and monitored.
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