2 Sep 2016
The Health and Safety Authority has many guidelines to protect people from the dangers of asbestos. Some of these guidelines pertain to Risk Assessment of Asbestos Containing Materials.
All employers, including those that are self-employed, must identify any materials containing asbestos before any type of work can begin on a site. This includes maintenance, repair, demolition, and refurbishment. The person who conducts the risk assessment must have the proper training, knowledge, and experience. The risk assessment must also be done in writing before the project commences, and the employer must inform any employees who will come into contact with the materials of the survey’s findings.
All asbestos containing materials will be assessed based on four elements. The type of material, the condition of the material, the surface treatment of the material, and the type of asbestos identified will all be taken into account.
The risk assessment will also make recommendations on whether the asbestos should be removed, managed, or repaired. This decision is based on the type and condition of the material, the type of asbestos, whether there is a high or low risk of the material being disturbed, and the chances of humans being exposed to the material.
If it is determined that asbestos removal is necessary, the risk assessment will outline the steps that need to be carried out to keep exposure levels as low as possible. This includes the method of removal, methods for confining asbestos to a single area, the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment, and personnel decontamination.