Three Critical Requirements Entailed in Asbestos Abatement Regulations
Posted on: 13 February 2020
Asbestos is a hazardous material, and although some buildings in Australia have asbestos-containing materials, its use as a building material has long been banned. Notably, more residential and commercial facilities are working around the clock to remove and replace asbestos roofing and insulation materials. However, due to the danger asbestos poses to human health, the government has laid down strict regulations on proper asbestos abatement. What do these regulations entail? Read on to find out.
Notify Government Agencies — First, when planning to remove and dispose of asbestos, the service provider cannot simply arrive at the site, knock down the structure, load the material and dispose of it without notifying concerned government agencies. Since the removal and disposal of asbestos put the public's health at risk, it is critical first to notify government agencies even before the removal process begins. By informing government agencies of your plans to remove asbestos from a commercial facility or residential home, it becomes easy to carry out the abatement process without worrying about backlash from the public. Furthermore, if you do not inform concerned government agencies on your plans to remove and dispose of asbestos-containing materials, you will be fined. This will put a stain on your reputation as an asbestos abatement company.
Work Practice Requirements — Asbestos abatement company workers cannot just show up at an asbestos site and start work without proper gear and equipment. As such, asbestos regulations entail all work practice requirements that a company must observe to the letter. For instance, removing different types of asbestos requires specific procedures. From the tools to the mode of transportation used, workers must observe best practices, not only to protect themselves but the public, too. Another good example is that the asbestos abatement company must secure a perimeter so that the public stays a safe distance from the site.
Record Keeping — As mentioned before, asbestos and asbestos-containing materials are carcinogenic; hence, they are dangerous when inhaled. Just like when dealing with other hazardous materials, it is critical for asbestos abatement companies and government agencies to keep track of the process. The only way to make sure this happens is by keeping all the paperwork in order. A great example of proper record keeping is maintaining the Hazardous Material Manifest Form. This manifest indicates all the agencies that are involved in the disposal process. For example, once the company leaves a client's premises with the asbestos material, the customer must sign that the materials left in one piece. If the asbestos is taken to a recycling plant, the recycler must also sign on the manifest to indicate that they received the load for recycling. If the recycler does not accept the asbestos, they should indicate the same. At disposal, local government agencies must indicate that they permitted the abatement company to use the local landfill. This paper trail ensures that the asbestos is handled correctly and eliminates improper disposal.
To learn more about asbestos disposal, contact an asbestos removal and disposal company in your area.
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