“It is hard to imagine that asbestos was once known as the miracle fibre,” said Rudelle van der Merwe of Safenet South Africa.

He was speaking at the recent Asbestos Awareness Seminar at Mossel Bay’s town hall.

The seminar focused on the dangers, demolition, removal and disposal of asbestos as businesses countrywide must provide government with a complete asbestos inventory and plan by May 9 – less than six weeks from now.

The Department of Employment and Labour implemented a new Asbestos Abatement Regulation on 10 November 2020.

“This regulation requires that business occupants and commercial property owners compile an asbestos inventory, risk assessment and management plan which should be kept at the workplace. This inventory needs to identify the areas and condition of asbestos at the workplace and must be compiled by a competent person by no later than 9 May 2022,” said Van der Merwe.

Removal of asbestos

“Removing asbestos from your property is a costly exercise and can only be done by a registered asbestos contractor, known as an RAC, under the guidance of a Department of Employment and Labour-approved Asbestos Inspection Authority,” said Bernus Oosthuizen of Besta Bouers.

Van der Merwe also explained that removing, tampering with, or “prepping” asbestos without the necessary authorisation will be a criminal offence if the correct procedures aren’t followed.

Read the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 10 November 2020