How to Deal With Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs)

6 Mar 2023

If you own business premises that may contain asbestos and you're planning renovation or refurbishment, it's important to get help from specialist asbestos companies that can conduct the necessary asbestos surveys and monitoring. What this important step does is allow you to confirm whether it's present and assess potential exposure risk. 

Asbestos removal, however, is not always the best option, as occasionally, it's safer to leave it in situ and maintain it. Disturbing asbestos is the act that releases deadly airborne fibres into the air, so when that happens it must be under strictly-monitored conditions. The decision to leave in place or remove must be based on a risk assessment conducted by a specialist. 

Asbestos Removal Must Be Carried Out By a Specialist 

In the event that asbestos removal and disposal is the route taken, it represents an extremely complex procedure that must ONLY be carried out by a specialist contractor. Failure to do so greatly increases the risk of someone breathing in asbestos fibres, which can lead to mesothelioma, asbestosis and other major health problems. 

There are strict rules governing who asbestos should be wrapped, labelled and disposed of, so it's not something that unqualified people can carry out safely. As such, this means that when you suspect ACMs are present in your workplace, you should immediately step back and get in touch with expert knowledge on how to remove asbestos safely. 

The Penalties For Non-compliance Can Be Heavy 

When you don't adhere to Ireland's asbestos regulations, the Health & Safety Authority (HSA) has the power to prosecute. Then if you're convicted, you'll be asked to take the necessary corrective action, as well as imposing heavy fines. Failure to comply with these orders also represents an offence. 

Additionally, local authorities have the responsibility for the investigation of acts of water and air pollution - something that extends to improper asbestos disposal. This means that non-compliance to regulations can lead to prosecution under the Air Pollution Act 1987 and the Water Pollution Act 1977.

Protecting Ireland From Asbestos Since 2001 

Asbestos is a material that kills hundreds of people every year in Ireland, and it only takes the briefest of exposure to result in major health problems and death. That's why you should never take it lightly when you suspect the existence of the substance in your workplace. 

To find out more about how we've been protecting Irish businesses from asbestos for more than 20 years, visit us online today at www.ohss.ie where you'll find details of our full range of asbestos and occupational hygiene services. Alternatively, to get in touch, simply call 01 6905907, where a member of our expert team is waiting to help.

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