Asia
The ASEAN Region as a whole is not as well regulated against asbestos as some other parts of the world, certainly not when compared with Western Europe, the UK or North America, but that is changing, Thailand only very recently banned the import and use of various asbestos products and materials and The Angus Group, with their strong background and experience is in a strong position to offer complete Asbestos Abatement project packages, typically comprising of:
- Initial Survey or Inspection
- Task Risk Assessment
- Background Air Sampling and onsite PCM analysis
- Material sampling using polarized light microscopy to ascertain asbestos content
- Asbestos management planning, including compilation of asbestos registers
- Asbestos Abatement, Encapsulation and Repair
- Air clearance sampling and certification for reoccupation following completion of asbestos removal works.
In addition to an asbestos abatement package, Angus Group offer Asbestos Consultancy Services, following the US AHERA (Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act) regulations in the US, or the UK HSE, HSG264 guidelines, and any and other international and relevant local regulations and guidelines. A comprehensive Asbestos Survey typically comprises of:
- An initial Walkthrough inspection of the property or facility
- Full access to any original building/ facility drawings or blueprints
- Full access to any original building/ facility specifications
- Preparation of a material sampling plan
- Collection and analysis of samples as required to give a full representation of the asbestos materials within the premises
- Labelling as required and agreed and the preparation of an asbestos management plan including marked site plans, photos and an asbestos register.
Asbestos inspections and surveys must be carried out by experienced inspectors who are very familiar with typical asbestos applications, uses and the problems, risks and hazards likely to be encountered when either removing, repairing it or even sampling it.
It is increasing likely that globalization will almost force national and local governments and perhaps more particularly, regional branches of international companies to adopt a much more responsible approach to the existing and growing asbestos threat to health. As examples, we have already seen companies such as Chevron, Petronas, and Exxon-Mobil establishing asbestos monitoring programs in some of their satellite operations, in countries which do not have in place standards or regulations governing the control of asbestos.
Angus South-East Asia, with their goal of expanding throughout the ASEAN Region will be at the forefront of this growing industry and hope to be instrumental in pushing for increased awareness, regulation and improved controls on asbestos-containing materials.
