Companies that own properties that contain asbestos have certain responsibilities under the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020. These include:

1. Identifying asbestos-containing materials (ACMs): Companies must identify all ACMs in their properties. This can be done by conducting an asbestos survey.
   
2. Preparing an asbestos management plan (AMP): Companies must prepare an AMP for each property that contains ACMs. The AMP must outline how the ACMs will be managed, including procedures for maintenance, repair, and removal. The regulations mandate having an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) for managing asbestos-containing materials in the workplace, although they do not specify a deadline for the removal of these materials.
   
3. Notification of asbestos work: Companies must notify the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL) before any asbestos work is carried out.
4. Appointing a registered asbestos contractor: Companies must appoint a registered asbestos contractor to carry out any asbestos work.
5. Ensuring that asbestos waste is disposed of safely: Companies must ensure that all asbestos waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Companies that fail to comply with the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020 may face fines of up to R1 million or imprisonment for up to two years:

In addition to the legal requirements, companies should also be aware of the potential health risks associated with asbestos exposure. Asbestos is a known carcinogen and can cause a number of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

Recommendations for Companies that Own Properties Companies that own properties should take the following steps to ensure compliance with the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020 and to protect the health of their employees, tenants, and visitors:

1. Conduct an asbestos survey: If you are unsure whether your property contains ACMs, you should conduct an asbestos survey.
2. Prepare an asbestos management plan: Once you have identified any ACMs in your property, you should prepare an AMP.
3. Maintain your asbestos management plan: Your AMP should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect any changes to your property or the way it is used.
4. Train your employees: Your employees should be trained on how to identify and safely handle ACMs.
5. Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): You should provide your employees with the appropriate PPE when they are working with ACMs.
6. Dispose of asbestos waste safely: You should ensure that all asbestos waste is disposed of in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Private homeowners with properties that contain asbestos have the following responsibilities:

1. Identification of ACMs: Private homeowners are not required to conduct a formal asbestos survey. However, they are encouraged to be aware of the potential for asbestos in their homes and to take steps to identify any ACMs.
2. Inventory of asbestos in place: If a private homeowner does identify ACMs in their home, they are required to compile an inventory of the asbestos in place. The inventory should include the location, type, and condition of the ACMs.
   
3. Maintenance and repair: Private homeowners are responsible for maintaining and repairing ACMs in their homes to minimize the risk of exposure. This includes keeping ACMs in good condition, sealing any cracks or gaps, and preventing damage to ACMs.
4. Notification of asbestos work: If a private homeowner is planning to carry out any asbestos work, they are required to notify the Department of Employment and Labour (DEL). However, this does not apply to routine maintenance or repair work.
5. Asbestos work: If a private homeowner is planning to remove asbestos from their home, they must appoint a registered asbestos contractor to carry out the work.
6. Disposal of asbestos waste: Private homeowners are responsible for ensuring that asbestos waste is disposed of safely. This means that the waste must be transported and disposed of by a registered asbestos contractor.

Private homeowners who fail to comply with the Asbestos Abatement Regulations, 2020 may face fines of up to R50,000 or imprisonment for up to one year:

Private homeowners can take the following steps to protect themselves and their families from asbestos exposure:

1. Be aware of the potential for asbestos in homes built before 1993. Asbestos was commonly used in building materials during this period.
2. Look for signs of asbestos, such as textured ceilings, asbestos cement roofing, and loose floor tiles.
3. Avoid disturbing ACMs. If you think you may have asbestos in your home, do not try to remove it yourself. Contact a registered asbestos contractor.
4. Keep ACMs in good condition. Regularly inspect ACMs for damage and make repairs as needed.
5. Ventilate your home whenever you are working near ACMs.
6. Wear protective clothing when working near ACMs, such as gloves, a mask, and goggles.