In November 2024, the Department of Employment and Labour issued a correspondence to address regulations concerning solar panels and “over-roofing sheets.” This communication highlights critical information about the handling, maintenance, and installation of materials involving in-place asbestos.

The correspondence explicitly states that working on, maintaining, or installing items on existing asbestos is either highly restricted or outright prohibited. It provides detailed explanations for these restrictions, emphasising the necessity of complete asbestos removal.

Why is asbestos removal necessary?

Asbestos is a known carcinogen, meaning it has the potential to cause severe health issues, including cancer.

The correspondence provides a clear example: even something as minor as drilling a hole for a screw or reusing an existing hole can release harmful asbestos dust into the air. Everyday wear and tear, such as abrasions, can also result in airborne asbestos particles, posing a significant health risk when inhaled.

Health Risks of Asbestos Exposure

Breathing in asbestos fibres can lead to several serious health conditions:

1. Asbestosis

• Causes lung scarring, leading to shortness of breath and chest pain.
• This may result in clubbing of the fingertips (rounding of the tips).
• Currently, there is no cure for asbestosis.

2. Mesothelioma

• A form of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or the lower digestive tract.
• Almost always fatal.

3. Lung Cancer

• Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

4. Other Health Impacts

• Thickening of the lung lining.
• Changes to the membranes around the lungs.
• Abnormal fluid accumulation between the chest cavity and lungs.

Identifying Asbestos

Recognizing asbestos is crucial for safety:

• Damaged asbestos often appears as fluffy fibres.
• Unprocessed asbestos typically has a fibrous, fluffy texture in various colours.
• Asbestos was widely used in roofing, tiling, grout, walls, and many other applications.

How We Can Help

Our services are designed to ensure the safe handling and removal of asbestos:

• Safe removal of asbestos roofing.
• Secure disposal of asbestos materials.
• Replacement of roofing with safe alternatives.
• Testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.

Addressing these issues responsibly can minimize health risks and ensure a safer environment for everyone. Here at ALVA Group, we strive for this and to accomplish this goal of reducing risks and making workplaces safe we offer asbestos removal and replacement with safer material. In addition, ALVA Group also offers lifelines and installation and certification after the replacement of asbestos.