Asbestos is a natural mineral composed of fibrous silicates, which gives it high tensile strength and good heat and fire resistance. It is used to manufacture building materials, friction and insulation products.
Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious diseases such as lung cancer, mesothelioma (a cancer of the chest and abdominal lining) and asbestosis (fibrosis of lung tissues). These diseases are insidious in nature and take many years to manifest.
Since late 1980s, the use of asbestos materials in buildings and the import of raw asbestos have been prohibited by the Building Control Division (currently known as Building and Construction Authority) and the Ministry of the Environment (currently known as Ministry of Sustainability and the Environment) respectively.
However, many old buildings still have asbestos-containing materials such as corrugated roofs, ceiling boards and partition walls. Removal or demolition of such materials can generate asbestos fibres, which may pose a health hazard to the workers, building occupants and the public.
Non-friable asbestos materials in buildings will not pose a health hazard if the materials are in good condition and are not disturbed. They should be left alone, and removal of such materials is not necessary.
Under the Workplace Safety and Health (Asbestos) Regulations which are administered by the Ministry of Manpower, anyone who undertakes work involving asbestos must notify the Commissioner for Workplace Safety and Health at least seven days prior to the commencement of such work. Employers including contractors must conduct risk assessments and take measures to safeguard the health and safety of their workers as required under the Workplace Safety and Health (Risk Management) Regulations.
For information on methods and procedures for removal of asbestos materials, you may contact MOM, Occupational Safety and Health Division at 64385122 or visit MOM’s website through here.
For disposal of asbestos waste generated from vessels, please refer to the circular which can be found here.
The disposal of asbestos waste must be carried out only by NEA approved asbestos disposal contractors. All approved asbestos disposal contractors are to obtain written permission from the Chemical Control and Management Department in order to dispose asbestos wastes at the Semakau Landfill. The list of approved asbestos disposal contractors can be found here.
NB: Asbestos is also controlled under the Rotterdam Convention and export of asbestos requires Prior Informed Consent (PIC) from the importing country.