Instruction film for the removal of asbestos. Intended for Bonaire, Statia and Saba.
In the past, asbestos was used in the construction industry.
We now know that asbestos is a health hazard.
Asbestos can be found, for example, in corrugated sheets used on roofs.
Inhalation of loose asbestos fibres can cause lung cancer, pleural cancer or peritoneal cancer.
The removal of asbestos doesn’t have to be a difficult job.
But it is important that it’s done safely and that you don’t become ill as a result.
That’s why rules have been drawn up.
To comply with the rules, you have to follow the 5 steps in this film.
Step 1. the plan of action
Before you start working, the employer must submit a plan of action...
to the Labour Inspectorate two weeks in advance.
The form can be found on the website of the National Office for the Caribbean Netherlands.
In order to draw up the plan of action...
you examine the situation without touching the asbestos.
On the form you indicate how much asbestos is involved...
how you are going to remove it...
how you are going to ensure a clean and safe environment...
and how you are going to pack and dispose of the asbestos.
You can include photos if necessary.
Step 2. preparation
Cordon off the surroundings and ensure that everything you need is you need laid out.
Make sure you don’t need to fetch things out of your vehicle...
while wearing your protective overalls, on which asbestos fibres may be present.
Cover the floor and other surfaces with tarpaulin and prepare...
the asbestos packaging material.
Always start your job well-protected.
Wear disposable overalls...
tape boots and gloves so that they are tightly closed...
and always wear respiratory protection.
This prevents you from inhaling fibres that float through the air.
Also take safety measures if you have to work at height.
Make sure that the working area is as empty as possible...
so that fibres can easily be cleaned up and no fibres end up in the environment.
Step 3. removal
In order to prevent the release of asbestos fibres during removal...
take measures such as humidification.
This is certainly important if there are cracks.
Try to keep the asbestos sheets intact during removal.
Disassemble asbestos by removing screws or bolts...
and then carefully remove the sheets.
Step 4. packing
Pack asbestos according to the rules of the waste disposal company.
On Bonaire that is Selibon and on Statia that is EJL Services.
Ensure that no asbestos can be released during transport.
Clean thoroughly, wipe using a wet cloth and mop.
Fold the tarpaulin carefully, other waste can also be folded...
into the tarpaulin. Put the tarpaulin in a waste bag.
Step 5. cleaning
Clean tools thoroughly and pack them for the next asbestos job.
You must not unpack them until you are wearing protective clothing...
and respiratory protection.
Only when everything is clean and packed you take off your protective clothing...
which you also put in a waste bag.
Ensure that waste, containing fibres, is packaged properly...
so that it can be disposed of together with the asbestos sheets.
Ensure that you leave the workplace clean.
Ensure that you shower or rinse yourself with water before getting into your vehicle.
Ensure that no fibres end up in your vehicle or in your home...
otherwise you put yourself and others in danger!
To summarize...
Two weeks before starting work, a plan of action must be submitted...
to the Labour Inspectorate.
Make sure everything is ready for use...
Protect your environment and wear the right protective equipment.
Work carefully and pack asbestos sheets and waste according to the rules...
of the disposal company.
Leave everything clean, also make sure that you leave the workplace clean!
Finally, you must draw up a report that your employer must keep for two years.
For more information go to….