South Africa officially joins the more than 40 countries worldwide that have banned asbestos. See related story. Environmental Minister Marthinus van Schalkwyk announced a complete ban on the use, processing or manufacture of asbestos-containing products. The new law will not require that asbestos-containing products already in place be removed immediately, however. Over time as they become a risk for asbestos release or reach the end of their usable life, existing asbestos-containing products will be replaced with asbestos-free alternatives. The South African Labour Department’s Asbestos Regulations 2001 will control asbestos exposure to these already installed products. These regulations require that employers report the location of asbestos-containing materials, conduct regular risk assessments, and educate and protect their workers from asbestos exposure. All stock of asbestos-containing materials is to be disposed of within 120 days. Only when it is proven that no suitable alternative exists may an extension be granted to phase out use of the asbestos product.
For the full story, go to South Africa’s Herald.
