UAE contractors risking lives six years after asbestos ban
Demolition contractors that misunderstand or ignore regulation are risking lives six years after the use of asbestos was banned in the UAE, according to the principal asbestos consultant at WSP Environment and Energy. WSP’s Charles Faulkner told The National newspaper that: “There is still a misunderstanding that asbestos is not a problem in the UAE.” […]
Abu Dhabi is taking a lead in dealing with construction waste
Demolition contractors that misunderstand or ignore regulation are risking lives six years after the use of asbestos was banned in the UAE, according to the principal asbestos consultant at WSP Environment and Energy.
WSP’s Charles Faulkner told The National newspaper that: “There is still a misunderstanding that asbestos is not a problem in the UAE.”
While use of the material is largely limited to use in pipes, large quantities still exist in older buildings which are being torn down to make way for new development. The Abu Dhabi Government has taken a lead in regulation adding made provisions for handling asbestos waste through the Centre of Waste Management – Abu Dhabi. It has also approved 36 contracting companies to work on demolition projects.
However national regulation for handling waste asbestos does not yet exist. Faulkner explained to the newspaper that methods of dealing with differ from “emirate to emirate and from project to project. It has progressed very well in Abu Dhabi.”
Charles Kinniburgh, managing director of Angus Asbestos Removal, told The National that: “Implementation of the rules is still at the infancy stage. The regulations are not policed very well. If buildings are going to be demolished, who is checking for asbestos and which company is removing it, these checks are very important. There are still companies out there who are doing things they should not do.”
