ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT IN PLACE (Introduction)

Asbestos Guidelines

 INTRODUCTION

Colombia has enacted a full ban on all forms of asbestos that comes into effect on 1 January 2021. Although the use of any amphibole asbestos has been prohibited since 1986, the new ban will include chrysotile asbestos.

The purpose of these guidelines to provide interim information and guidance for workplaces and the general public on the safe management and removal of asbestos materials during the implementation of the full ban on asbestos in Colombia.

These guidelines include chapters on asbestos in homes and asbestos in workplaces so that different target audiences – householders and businesses – can be educated about the risks of asbestos exposure in these different settings. The guidelines should be read in conjunction with Columbian legal requirements on the management and removal of asbestos.

WHAT IS THE ASBESTOS BAN?

From 1 January 2021, the mining, production, distribution, sale, use, importation and exportation of all asbestos will be banned in Colombia.

A transition period is operational from 11 July 2019 until 1 January 2021, enabling manufacturers to substitute non-carcinogenic material for asbestos in their products.

The Ministry of Health and Social Protection, Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development and the Ministry of Labor, will develop dissemination and promotion campaigns for the proper management of installed asbestos and its treatment as hazardous waste in accordance with Decree 4741 of 2005.  This includes formulation of public policy to replace installed asbestos within five (5) years from the enactment of this law.

The Government will also identify and retrain people currently working in asbestos extraction, processing, storage, distribution and marketing. Importantly, the health of these workers will be monitored over a period of 20 years.