Asbestos, once a widely used building material, is now recognized as a significant health hazard. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over 125 million people globally are exposed to asbestos at work, resulting in more than 107,000 deaths annually from related diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. In India, asbestos is still prevalent in older buildings and construction materials, making asbestos surveys a vital step in ensuring safety and compliance.
Despite the known risks, asbestos is still prevalent worldwide. In India, over 425,000 tons of asbestos were imported in 2022, mainly for construction purposes. This widespread usage heightens the need for regular asbestos inspections and testing to protect workers and communities.
Asbestos surveys are critical for identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) and ensuring their safe handling, removal, or management. These surveys help prevent the release of harmful asbestos fibers, which can pose severe health risks when disturbed. Whether for regular maintenance or large-scale remediation, proactive asbestos surveys are essential for safeguarding health, protecting the environment, and ensuring legal compliance.
What Are Asbestos Surveys?
These are detailed inspections conducted to locate and assess the presence of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) in buildings or sites. These surveys help determine the type, location, and condition of ACMs, offering actionable insights for safe management or removal of asbestos.
When ACMs are disturbed during renovations or demolitions, they release dangerous fibers into the air. These fibers, when inhaled, settle in the lungs and can lead to fatal diseases. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), around 4,000 to 5,000 workers die every year from asbestos-related diseases in construction and demolition industries alone. Conducting an asbestos survey for safety ensures that these risks are identified and managed effectively, protecting both workers and building occupants.
Why Are Asbestos Surveys Essential?
The dangers of asbestos exposure cannot be overstated. Recent global and local cases highlight its ongoing risks. Failing to conduct these surveys can have disastrous consequences. Globally, improper handling of ACMs has led to legal battles and financial losses. For example, in 2023, a school in Australia halted operations after asbestos was discovered in the soil, emphasizing the need for asbestos surveys for safety.
Here are the key reasons why these surveys are vital:
1. Protect Lives and Health
Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to diseases like mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Asbestos-related cancers have a latency period of 20 to 50 years, meaning exposure today can lead to fatal consequences decades later. Asbestos inspections identify these hazards early, preventing exposure and saving lives.
2. Ensure Compliance with Regulations
Many countries have strict laws mandating asbestos testing before any construction or demolition. In India, the pollution emanating from industries/activities engaged in use of asbestos, is regulated through revised emission standards for ‘Asbestos Based Products Manufacturing Industries’ notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change under Environmental (Protection) First Amendment Rules, 2006. h
3. Facilitate Safe Renovations and Demolitions
Before any structural work, an asbestos survey ensures that ACMs are safely removed, preventing accidental disturbances that could release hazardous fibers.
4. Prevent Financial and Legal Risks:
Globally, improper handling of ACMs has led to financial losses. In the United States, asbestos-related lawsuits have cost companies over $70 billion in damages. Proactively scheduling surveys prevents these costly legal battles.
Types of Asbestos Surveys
Depending on the building’s condition and intended activities, there are two main types of asbestos surveys:
1. Management Asbestos Survey
This survey focuses on identifying ACMs that may be disturbed during normal building use, maintenance, or minor repairs. It ensures the safe day-to-day operation of the facility.
2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey
This survey is more comprehensive and intrusive, required before major construction or demolition. It ensures all ACMs are identified and removed to protect workers and the surrounding environment.
The Process of an Asbestos Survey
Conducting an asbestos survey involves several steps to ensure thoroughness and accuracy:
- Initial Assessment:
Professionals evaluate the site’s age, design, and past use to determine the likelihood of ACMs. - Asbestos Inspection:
A detailed examination is conducted to locate visible ACMs. Surveyors inspect areas like insulation, flooring, and ceiling tiles. - Sample Collection and Asbestos Testing:
Samples from suspected materials are sent to accredited labs for testing. This confirms the presence and type of asbestos. - Detailed Reporting:
The findings are compiled into a report that specifies the location, type, and condition of ACMs, along with safety recommendations.
Case Study: EPSCO India’s Success in Asbestos Remediation
EPSCO India is a leader in asbestos safety management, as demonstrated by its recent project in Maharashtra. The team successfully removed 20,000 metric tons of asbestos-contaminated soil from a brownfield IT redevelopment site within just 40 days.
Key Challenges Addressed in the Project:
1. Asbestos in Soil:
The presence of asbestos in the soil posed significant health risks to workers and the surrounding community. EPSCO’s approach prioritized the safety of all stakeholders involved.
2. Hidden Hazards:
Initial assessments revealed additional hazards, such as water contamination and an underground oil tank, which were not accounted for in the preliminary investigation.
3. Environmental Impact:
Protecting the neighborhood from airborne asbestos fibers and other contaminants during the remediation process was critical to ensuring minimal environmental disruption.
4. Worker Safety:
Asbestos being a hazardous material, protecting workers from its exposure required meticulous planning, personal protective equipment (PPE), and strict adherence to safety protocols.
5. Safe Transportation:
Securely transporting the contaminated soil to a licensed landfill involved a dedicated plan to ensure no contamination occurred during transit and complete traceability for legal compliance.
EPSCO India’s Comprehensive Approach
EPSCO India adopted a structured, multi-step approach to address the complexities of the project while maintaining safety, efficiency, and compliance:
1. Detailed Investigation:
EPSCO conducted additional soil sampling to determine the full extent of contamination. The underground oil tank was identified and removed safely, ensuring no further environmental risks.
2. Neighborhood Protection:
A detailed impact assessment and monitoring plan were implemented to protect the surrounding neighborhood. This included:
- Air quality monitoring.
- Dust suppression techniques.
- Taking wind direction into account during excavation to minimize airborne risks.
3. Worker Safety Protocols:
EPSCO prioritized worker safety through:
- Distribution of proper PPE.
- Implementation of decontamination procedures.
- Continuous air monitoring at the worksite to ensure safe conditions.
4. Safe Disposal:
Contaminated soil was transported to a government-approved landfill following stringent safety measures, including:
- Vehicle inspections and cleaning.
- Maintaining complete legal documentation for traceability and compliance.
Project Outcomes and Success
EPSCO India’s meticulous planning and execution ensured the project’s success on multiple fronts:
- 20,000 Metric Tons Safely Removed:
All asbestos-contaminated soil was safely removed from the site within the set timeline of 40 days.
- Zero Worker Incidents:
Strict safety protocols and continuous air quality monitoring resulted in zero accidents or asbestos overexposure among workers.
- Minimal Environmental Impact:
Dust suppression and air quality monitoring ensured the surrounding neighborhood was protected from contamination.
- 30 Years of Legal Protection:
Comprehensive documentation, including air sampling results, vehicle inspection reports, and worker safety protocols, ensured regulatory compliance and provided the client with legal protection for up to 30 years.
Conclusion
Asbestos surveys are not just a regulatory formality—they are a life-saving measure. Whether conducting a management asbestos survey for everyday operations or a refurbishment and demolition survey for major construction projects, these inspections are key to ensuring safety, health, and compliance.
The WHO and ILO estimate that eliminating asbestos exposure globally could save over 100,000 lives annually, emphasizing the need for stringent measures like management asbestos surveys and proactive remediation.
EPSCO India’s success in the Earth Project highlights its expertise in handling complex asbestos remediation projects. By addressing challenges like hidden hazards, environmental risks, and worker safety with a systematic and compliant approach, EPSCO has demonstrated its commitment to safety, efficiency, and sustainability in every project.
For industries facing similar challenges, EPSCO India’s systematic and safety-focused approach highlights the importance of engaging experienced professionals for asbestos management. By investing in proactive asbestos surveys and remediation, businesses can protect lives, ensure regulatory compliance, and create safer environments for all.
