Training

Asbestos Risk Assessment & Inventory

Asbestos is the generic name for 6 different naturally-occurring fibrous minerals. A “fibre” is defined as a particle that is more than 5 micrometres (μm) in length and having a length to width ratio of at least 3:1.

Based on their physical and chemical properties, there are two major groups of asbestos: serpentine and amphibole.

Serpentine: Serpentine fibres are long, flexible and curved. These fibres can be woven together. The main type of serpentine asbestos is chrysotile (white asbestos), which is the main type of asbestos used in manufacturing.

Amphiobole: Amphibole fibres are straight and stiff. These fibres are generally brittle and rod- or needle-shaped, which limits their commercial usefulness. There are 5 sub-types of amphiobole asbestos, including:

    • Crocidolite (blue asbestos)
    • Amosite (brown asbestos)
    • Actinolite
    • Anthophyllite
    • Tremolite

Because it has heat-resistant and insulating properties, asbestos was used in a wide range of manufactured products. Before 1990, asbestos was mainly used for insulating buildings and homes against cold weather and noise, and for fireproofing. Asbestos was used by industry, construction, and commercial sectors in products such as:

    • Building materials (roofing sheeting, roof sealants, ceiling and floor tiles,fascias, barge boards, eaves, paper products and felts, house siding, and asbestos-containing cement and plaster products).
    • Friction materials (automobile clutch pads, brake linings, pads and shoes, and transmission parts).
    • Fire and heat protection wear.
    • Industrial furnaces and heating systems.
    • Tremolite
    • Asbestos textiles (fabrics).
    • Heat, electrical, and sound insulation or wrappings.
    • Insulation for hot and cold areas.
    • Packing materials, gaskets, linings, and coatings.
    • Reinforcement of plastic products, thermoset and thermoplastic resins.
    • Filler in resins, plastics and caulking and in asphalt road surfacing.

We do asbestos assessments according to the Asbestos Regulations, 2001. (Occupational Health & Safety Act, Act 85 of 1993). From the asbestos assessment, an inventory will be drafted. Asbestos assessments are carried out to determine the following:

    • The location and condition of all asbestos containing materials.
    • The likelihood and potential to release asbestos fibres into the atmosphere.
    • The potential of personal asbestos fibre exposure.
    • To ensure compliance with the Asbestos Regulations, 2001 and the Environmental Asbestos Regulations, 2007