A management plan is key to risks associated to handling asbestos \u2013 Department of Employment and Labour<\/P>
While the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020 does not prescribe the cut-off date for the removal of any asbestos containing material in workplaces, it is the duty of every employer to have a management plan in place.<\/P>
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Addressing stakeholders on the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, Department of Employment and Labour Specialist: Occupational Health & Hygiene Elize Lourens said every organisation need to develop its own policy and target date to remove the asbestos.<\/P>
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\u201cWhere the removal of asbestos or repair of asbestos-containing material is conducted, organisations need to have own management plan and inspectors need to see the plan when conducting inspections\u201d, Lourens said.<\/P>
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She said an asbestos management plan was a critical component of a risk assessment plan.<\/P>
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According to the Asbestos Abatement Regulations 2020 \u2013 the asbestos management plan must include at least the following: a procedure that contains at least measures related to the repair, removal and management of asbestos-containing materials; and the implementation of the Regulations for Prohibition of the Use, Manufacturing, Import and Export of Asbestos and Asbestos-containing Materials.<\/P>
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The Regulations further specify that if asbestos-containing materials are identified, as required in regulation 3, the employer or self-employed person must ensure that a written asbestos management plan for the workplace is prepared by a competent person.<\/P>
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Lourens was speaking during the Asbestos Abatement Regulations workshop held at the Milnerton Public Library in Cape Town today, 04 August 2022. The workshop was part of a stakeholder engagement to provide a practical guidance to registered asbestos contractors and asbestos clients on the legislation and legal requirements.<\/P>
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Department of Employment and Labour Senior Specialist: Occupational Health and Hygiene Bulelwa Huna cautioned on the economic costs of poor OHS practices, saying this affects both employer and employee \u2013 in terms of medical and rehabilitation costs and for employees and the loss of income for employees. Huna said safety and health in the workplace is a fundamental right that cannot be taken or given away.<\/P>
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She reiterated that every employer shall provide and maintain, as far as is reasonably practicable a working environment that is safe and without risks. Huna said leadership plays a crucial role in the successful implementation of a health and safety management system.<\/P>
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Risk assessment was one of the key tools for improving OHS conditions at work \u2013 and this will contribute to the protection of employees by employers and minimise work related hazards.<\/P>
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The five step methodology in risk assessment include: identifying the hazards, identify who might be harmed, evaluate the risk, record who is responsible for implementing and record the findings.<\/P>
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For more information, contact:<\/P>
Teboho Thejane – Departmental Spokesperson<\/P>
Cell: 082 697 0694<\/P>
Email: Teboho.Thejane@labour.gov.za<\/P>
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Source: Government of South Africa<\/P>
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