Asbestos, once hailed a ‘miracle material’, is banned today in over 50 countries around the world due to its severe health risks. However, India continues to use asbestos extensively across industries like construction, mining, automotive, and packaging – putting millions of people at risk. As of 2022, India imports a significant quantity of asbestos, totalling 425,981,000 kilograms, valued at $281,013,300K (Source: World Bank).
Asbestos fibers—12,000 times thinner than a human hair—are highly carcinogenic. Despite its remarkable properties – being fire-resistant, corrosion-proof, acid-resistant, and an excellent bonding agent – the long-term health risks are severe. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause lung scarring, leading to disability and death. Prolonged exposure have caused deadly diseases like asbestosis and mesothelioma, with over 2,000 mesothelioma deaths reported annually in India..
The global use of asbestos has also led to extensive litigation and bankruptcy cases. By 2002, an estimated 730,000 people worldwide had filed asbestos-related claims against over 8,400 corporations. A 2021 KCIC litigation review reported that 3,685 asbestos-related lawsuits were filed in 2020. The financial burden of this litigation has forced nearly 100 companies involved in asbestos manufacturing and products to file for bankruptcy.
Contact our Experts
EPSCO team is meticulously trained and globally certified, setting us apart from competitors, in delivering unmatched asbestos management services.
- AHERA: Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act of the US EPA
- OSHA: Occupational Safety and Health Administration that regulates workplace safety and health in the US
- ATI: Alfa Training International, an industry leader in environmental, health & safety training
To address the pressing issue of asbestos exposure,
EPSCO India is committed to creating asbestos-free workspaces. Here’s how:
Inspections & Surveys and Creating an Asbestos Register
Our certified professionals conduct thorough inspections of your workplace to identify potential asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) like ceiling tiles, insulation, and flooring. We utilize advanced sampling techniques and laboratory analysis to confirm the presence and type of asbestos in suspected materials. Then, we create an asbestos register, a comprehensive record of identified ACMs, their location, condition, and recommended actions.
Creating Asbestos Management Plans
Drawing on the information from the asbestos register, we develop a customized asbestos management plan (AMP) for your workplace. This plan outlines procedures for managing existing ACMs, including risk assessments, ongoing monitoring, and maintenance strategies along with clear protocols for handling emergencies and unexpected asbestos encounters.
Asbestos Abatement
EPSCO India employs highly trained and licensed abatement crews to safely remove identified ACMs from your workplace. We adhere to all relevant regulations for asbestos disposal, ensuring safe transport and proper landfill or incineration facilities.
Training
We offer training programs customized to your workforce, educating them on asbestos risks, identification methods, and safe work practices around ACMs.
Reasons Behind Lurking Asbestos In Workspaces
Asbestos can be found in insulation, siding, textured paint, and floor tiles, often used in older buildings. Construction workers, including plasterers, plumbers, electricians, and many others, are at high risk of asbestos exposure during renovations or repairs. This exposure not only endangers their health but also puts employees and building occupants at risk, as asbestos fibers can linger in the air and spread to adjacent areas, leading to serious conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma over time. Ensuring proper safety protocols can help prevent long-term health impacts.
The EPSCO Difference
Our commitment to quality and personalized service
ensures a safe and healthy workspace for your employees.
Contact EPSCO today for a safer,
asbestos-free working environment