Managing asbestos in Ireland

Abstract

Asbestos-containing materials were widely used in the past especially in the construction industry, where they were incorporated into numerous buildings, being used in roofing materials, insulation and fire protection. The discovery o f the negative health impacts caused by the inhalation o f asbestos fibres led to the banning o f the processing, manufacturing and new use o f asbestoscontaining products. However a significant amount o f these products are still in situ in buildings built or refurbished between the 1950’s and 1980’s. This study looks at how asbestos is managed in Ireland. Taking into consideration the impacts o f asbestos on health and safety and on the environment. Through the course o f this study it was identified that there is a need for new regulations to be implemented in Ireland, requiring the development o f an Asbestos Registry in all non-domestic premises. The Asbestos Register will require the identification o f all asbestos present in the building, thus reducing the possibility o f accidental exposures to asbestos fibres during maintenance, servicing, refurbishment, or demolition work. There is also a requirement for people to be better educated about asbestos especially those in the construction sector, whose occupations and day-to-day activities could bring them into contact with asbestos-containing materials. Due to the significant quantities o f asbestos still remaining throughout Ireland, more landfill sites are required for the disposal o f this material, thus reducing Ireland’s dependency on other countries to dispose o f its waste. By establishing partnerships and clear pathways o f communication amongst the competent authorities that are responsible for monitoring various aspects o f asbestos, it will ensure a more efficient management o f asbestos during its life cycle from identification on site to disposal.