Asbestos was once believed to be an effective and versatile product and was used in over 3,000 applications worldwide. In Australia, one third of all houses built contained asbestos products. The most urgent risk is presented by loose fibres in non–bonded asbestos that can easily release into the air. Inhalation is the main exposure pathway, and asbestos diseases kill more people than any other single work–related cause.
Strict safety procedures such as dust prevention, air monitoring, and PPE should be utilised throughout the assessment and management of asbestos. Two major stages in managing asbestos-contaminated sites are identification and management.
Conduct a site assessment to identify the potential for asbestos to be present onsite and, if present, quantify and delineate the extent of the issue.
Develop site–specific procedures, know the codes of practice and your responsibility, and choose the outcome you would like to achieve.
Engage experienced environmental consultants for assessing and remediating asbestos in soil and occupational hygienists for assessing asbestos exposure in the workplace and providing clearance certificates. Management of asbestos should consider preferred client outcomes and the conceptual site model.
Engaging with the problem is the key to appropriate asbestos management. Acknowledging the presence of asbestos onsite and making suitable preparations will result in reduced risk and fewer time delays, therefore, increased cost savings.
The Environmental Earth Sciences International Group acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past, present and emerging and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.
