KNYSNA NEWS - One of the frequently asked questions in the wake of the disaster is, "What do I do with my asbestos?"
In a document relating to building controls released by Knysna and Bitou municipalities, it states that the accredited provider is EnviroServ in Port Elizabeth with the following contact numbers: Aloes Landfill 041 466 9621 and Tania at EnviroServ 041 466 2747 or 072 593 9808. A more comprehensive list can be found on the Garden Route Rebuild Initiative (GRRI) progress update issued on 1 September.
In that update of the GRRI it was confirmed that an application has been made for the sum of R50-million from the national disaster management fund for the removal of asbestos from all properties. As previously reported it is uncertain when and if these funds will be released.
To those wishing to proceed, a statement was furnished to the Knysna-Plett Herald from the communications manager of EnviroServ, Lauren Mendoza:
"Asbestos fibres are hazardous when inhaled, and can cause long-term lung damage. They can be released into the air when products containing asbestos are incorrectly handled, removed or transported for disposal. They must also be correctly disposed at a registered high-hazardous landfill and not at any municipal landfill site."
EnviroServ's regional HazTech manager for Eastern Cape, Pieter Joubert, said there were dangers involved for both homeowners and others living in the neighbourhood if correct methods were not used. "Asbestos clean-ups need specialised people, products and equipment to ensure they are 100% safe.
"It is essential that workers wear correct protective clothing; this safety gear includes dust overalls, asbestos dust mask, protective eyewear, hard hat, gloves and booties over safety boots.
"Workers also go through a decontaminate system once they have completed work, which includes exiting through a decontamination shower system, having clean clothes to wear and correctly storing contaminated work gear.
"Asbestos signboards and barricades must be set up to alert the public that there is asbestos work taking place on a site," Joubert said.
Due to the dangers involved, not just any contractor can do asbestos clean-ups – companies must be registered with the Department of Labour.
"An asbestos work notification must be submitted to the department before work can commence and the asbestos inspection authority (AIA) comes to site to monitor asbestos fibres in the air. A site clearance certificate is issued by the AIA once the project is complete," he said.
Joubert added that the company's focus is to reduce environmental risk and assist customers to comply with the waste legislation thereby ensuring peace of mind.
EnviroServ has confirmed that removal of asbestos by their HazTech asbestos specialists has commenced in Knysna.
Read related articles:
• Asbestos threat gets official attention
• Asbestos in half of destroyed Knysna properties
• Beware of asbestos in rubble
ARTICLE: JULIE JEFFERYS, KNYSNA-PLETT HERALD CORRESPONDENT
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