Asbestos at Work Regulations, 2003

L.N. 123 of 2003

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY

AUTHORITY ACT

(CAP. 424)

Protection of Workers from the Risks related to Exposure to

Asbestos at Work Regulations, 2003

IN EXERCISE of the powers conferred by article 12 of the

Occupational Health and Safety Authority Act, 2000, the Deputy Prime

Minister and Minister for Social Policy, in consultation with the

Occupational Health and Safety Authority, has made the following

regulations>-

(1) The title of these regulations is the Protection of Workers

from the Risks related to Exposure to Asbestos at Work Regulations,

2003. (2) The scope of these regulations is to protect workers

against risks to their health, including the prevention of such risks, arising

or likely to arise from exposure to asbestos at work. These regulations

lay down limit values and other specific requirements.

(3) (a) These regulations shall apply to activities in which

workers are or may be exposed in the course of their work to dust arising

from asbestos or materials containing asbestos.

(b) These regulations shall not apply to sea or air tansport.

In these regulations, unless the context otherwise requires>

Reference method referred to in regulation 7 (1) for the measurement of

asbestos in air at the place of work

1. Samples shall be taken within the individual worker’s breathing zone> i.e.

within a hemisphere of 300 mm radius extending in front of the face and measured

from the mid-point of a line joining the ears.

2. Membrane filters (mixed esters of cellulose or cellulose nitrate) of pore size

0.8 to 1.2 micrometres with printed squares and a diameter of 25 mm shall be used.

3. An open-faced filter holder fitted with a cylindrical cowl extending between

33 and 44 mm in front of the filter exposing a circular area of at least 20 mm in diameter

shall be used. In use, the cowl shall point downwards.

4. A portable battery-operated pump carried on the worker’s belt or in a pocket

shall be used. The flow shall be smooth and the rate initially set at 1.0 litres per minute

± 5 %. The flow rate shall be maintained within ± 10 % of the initial rate during the

sampling period.

5. The sampling time shall be measured to within a tolerance of 2 %.

6. The optimal fibre-loading on filters shall be within the range 100 to 400

fibres#mm2.

7. In order of preference, the whole filter, or a section of the filter, shall be

placed on a microscope slide, made transparent using the acetone-triacetin method,

and covered with a glass coverslip.

8. A binocular microscope shall be used for counting and shall have the following

features>

–

Koehler illumination,

– its substage assembly shall incorporate an Abbe or achromatic phase-

contrast condenser in a centring focusing mount. The phase-contrast centring

adjustment shall be independent of the condenser centring mechanism,

– a 40 times bar-focal positive phase-contrast achromatic objective with a

numerical aperture of 0.65 to 0.70 and phase ring absorption within the range 65

to 85 %,

– 12.5 times compensating eyepieces< at least one eyepiece must permit

the insertion of a graticule and be of the focusing type,

– a Walton-Beckett circular eyepiece graticule with an apparent diameter

in the object plane of 100 micrometres ± 2 micrometres, when using the specified

objective and eyepiece, checked against a stage micrometer.

9. The microscope shall be set up according to the manufacturer’s instructions,

and the detection limit checked using a ‘phase-contrast test slide’. Up to code 5 on the

AIA test slides or up to block 5 on the HSE#NPL mark 2 test slide must be visible when

used in the way specified by the manufacturer. This procedure shall be carried out at

the beginning of the day of use.

10. Samples shall be counted in accordance with the following rules>

– a countable fibre is any fibre referred to in the second subparagraph of

point 1 of regulation 7 which does not touch a particle with a maximum diameter

greater than three micrometers,

– any countable fibre with both ends within the graticule area shall be

counted as one fibre< any fibre with only one end within the area shall count as

half,

– graticule areas for counting shall be chosen at random within the exposed

area of the filter,

– an agglomerate of fibres which at one or more points on its length appears

solid and undivided but at other points is divided into separate strands (a split

fibre) is counted as a single fibre if it conforms with the description in the second

subparagraph of point 1 of regulation 7 and indent 1 of this paragraph, the diameter

measured being that of the undivided part, not that of the split part,

– in any other agglomerate of fibres in which individual fibres touch or

cross each other (a bundle), the fibres shall be counted individually if they can be

distinguished sufficiently to determine that they conform with the description in

the second subparagraph of point 1 of regulation 7 and indent 1 of this paragraph.

If no individual fibres meeting the definition can be distinguished, the bundle is

considered to be a countable fibre if, taken as a whole, it conforms with the

description in the second subparagraph of point 1 of regulation 7 and indent 1 of

this paragraph,

– if more than one-eighth of a graticule area is covered by an agglomerate

of fibres and#or particles, the graticule area must be rejected and another counted,

– 100 fibres shall be counted, which will enable a minimum of 20 graticule

areas to be examined, or 100 graticule ares shall be examined.

11. The mean number of fibres per graticule is calculated by dividing the number

of fibres counted by the number of graticule areas examined. The effect on the count of

marks on the filter and contamination shall be kept below three fibres#100 graticule

areas and shall be assessed using blank filters.

Concentration in air = (number per graticule area multiplied by the exposed area

of filter) divided by (graticule area mutiplied by volume of air collected).

“Act” means the Occupational Health and Safety Authority

Act<

“asbestos” means the following fibrous silicates>

– Actinolite, CAS (Chemical Abstract Service) No

77536-66-4,

–

Asbestos grunerite (amosite) CAS No 12172-73-5,

–

Anthophyllite, CAS No 77536-67-5,

–

Chrysotile, CAS No 12001-29-5,

–

Crocidolite, CAS No 12001-28-4,

–

Tremolite, CAS No 77536-68-6.

“Authority” means the Occupational Health and Safety

Authority established by virtue of article 8 of the Act<

“doctor” means a medical practitioner, specialised in

respiratory medicine, who is appointed by an employer to examine

workers exposed to asbestos.

Practical recommendations for the clinical assessment of workers, as referred

to in regulation 14 (1)

1. Current knowledge indicates that exposure to free asbestos fibres can give

rise to the following diseases>

–

asbestosis,

–

mesothelioma,

–

bronchial carcinoma,

–

gastro-intestinal carcinoma.

2. The doctor responsible for the medical surveillance of workers exposed to

asbestos and, or the Authority must be familiar with the exposure conditions or

circumstances of each worker.

3. Clinical surveillance of workers should be carried out in accordance with the

principles and practices of occupational medicine< it should include at least the following

measures>

–

keeping records of a worker’s medical and occupational history,

–

a personal interview,

–

a clinical examination of the chest,

–

a respiratory function examination.

Further examinations, including a standard format radiograph of the chest and

laboratory tests such as a sputum cytology test, are desirable. These examinations

should be decided upon for each worker when he is the subject of medical surveillance,

in the light of the most recent knowledge available to occupational medicine.

Mitbug[ fl-Istamperija tal-Gvern – Printed at the Government Printing Press

(1) In the case of any activity likely to involve a risk of Assessment of risk.

exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos,

the risk must be assessed in such a way as to determine the nature and

degree of the workers’ exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials

containing asbestos.

(2) If the assessment referred to in paragraph 1 shows that

the concentration of asbestos fibres in the air at the place of work in the

absence of any personal protective equipment is, at a level as measured

or calculated>

(a)

for chrysotile>

- lower than 0.20 fibres per cm 3 in relation to an eight-

hour reference period, and, or

- lower than a cumulative dose of 12 fibre-days per cm 3

over a three-month period<

(b) for all other forms of asbestos either alone or in mixtures,

including mixtures containing chrysotile>

- lower than 0.10 fibres per cm 3 in relation to an eight-

hour reference period, and, or

- lower than a cumulative dose of 6 fibre-days per cm 3

over a three-month period, regulations 4, 7, 12, 13 (2), 14

and 15 shall not apply.

(3) The assessment provided for in Regulation 3 (1) shall

be the subject of consultation with the workers and, or their

representatives within the undertaking or establishment and shall be

revised where there is reason to believe that it is incorrect or there is a

material change in the work.

Notification system.

Subject to Regulation 3 (2), the following measures shall be

taken>

(1) The activities referred to in Regulation 1 (3) (a) must be

covered by a notification system administered by the Authority, and no

work involving asbestos or of material containing asbestos may

commence before the Authority is thus notified.

(2) This notification must include at least a brief description

of the types and quantities of asbestos, the activities and processes

involved, the products manufactured, if any, and a plan of work as is

required under regulation 11.

(3) Without prejudice to any other applicable law or

regulation, workers and, or their representatives in undertakings or

establishments shall have access to the documents which are the subject

of notification concerning their own undertaking or establishment.

(4) Each time an important change occurs in the activity

involving asbestos or materials containing asbestos, a new notification

must be submitted.

The application of asbestos by means of the spraying process

and working procedures that involve using low-density (less than

1g#cm3) insulating or soundproofing materials which contain asbestos

are prohibited.

For all activities referred to in regulation 1 (3) (a), the exposure

of workers to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos

at the place of work must be reduced to as low a level as is reasonably

practicable and in any case below the limit valuse laid down in regulation

8, in particular through the following measures if appropriate>

(a) The quantity of asbestos used in each case must be

limited to the minimum quantity which is reasonably practicable.

(b) The number of workers exposed or likely to be exposed

to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos must

be limited to the lowest possible number.

(c) Work processes must, in principle, be so designed as to

avoid the release of asbestos dust into the air.

(d) If this is not reasonably practicable, the dust should be

eliminated as near as possible to the point where it is released.

(e) All buildings and, or plant and equipment involved in

the processing or treatment of asbestos must be capable of being

regularly and effectively cleaned and maintained.

(f) Asbestos and any material containing asbestos must be

stored and transported in suitable, sealed double packing approved

by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority for such purpose.

(g) Waste must be collected and removed from the place of

work as soon as possible in suitable sealed packing with labels

indicating that it contains asbestos. Such waste shall then be dealt

with in accordance with applicable laws and regulations that

regulate the disposal of toxic or hazardous material.

Subject to regulation 3 (2), the following measures shall be Measurement and

sampling.

taken>

(1) (a) In order to ensure compliance with the limit values

laid down in Regulation 8, the measurement of asbestos in the air at the

place of work shall be carried out in accordance with the reference

method described in Schedule I or any other method giving equivalent

results. Such measurement must be planned and carried out regularly,

with sampling being representative of the personal exposure of the

worker to dust arising from asbestos or materials containing asbestos.

(b) For the purposes of measuring asbestos in the air, as

referred to in the preceding paragraph, only fibres with a length of more

than five micrometres and a length, divided by breadth ratio greater

than 3> 1 shall be taken into consideration.

(2) Sampling shall be carried out after consulting the

workers and, or their representatives in undertakings or establishments.

(3) Sampling shall be carried out by suitably qualified

personnel. The samples taken shall be subsequently analysed in

laboratories equipped to analyse them and qualified to apply the

necessary identification techniques.

(4) The amount of asbestos in the air shall be measured as a

general rule at least every three months and, in any case, whenever a

technical change is introduced. The frequency of measurements may,

however, be reduced to once a year where there is no substantial change

in conditions at the place of work, and the results of the two preceding

measurements have not exceeded half the limit values fixed in regulation

8>

Provided that where groups of workers are performing identical

or similar tasks at the same place and are thus being exposed to the

same health risk, sampling may be carried out on a group basis.

(5) The duration of sampling must be such that

representative exposure can be established for an eight-hour reference

period over one shift by means of measurements or time-weighted

calculations. The duration of the various sampling processes shall be

determined also on the basis of point 6 of Schedule I.

The following limit values shall be applied>

(a) concentration of chrysotile fibres in the air at the place

of work>

0.60 fibres per cm 3 measured or calculated in relation to

an eight-hour reference period<

(b) concentration in the air at the place of work of all other

forms of asbestos fibres, either alone or in mixtures, including

mixtures containing chrysotile>

0.30 fibres per cm 3 measured or calculated in relation to

an eight-hour reference period.

(1) Where the limit values laid down in regulation 8 are

exceeded, the reasons for the limits being exceeded must be identified

and appropriate measures to remedy the situation must be taken as soon

as possible.

Work may not be continued in the affected area until adequate

measures have been taken for the protection of the workers concerned.

(2) In order to check the effectiveness of the measures

mentioned in the first paragraph of sub-regulation (1) of this regulation,

a further determination of the asbestos-in-air concentrations shall be

carried out immediately.

(3) Where exposure cannot reasonably be reduced by other

means and where the wearing of individual respiratory protective

equipment proves necessary, this may not be permanent and shall be

kept to the strict minimum necessary for each worker.

(1) In the case of certain activities in respect of which it is Other

where limit values

foreseeable that the limit values laid down in regulation 8 will be may be exceeded.

exceeded and in respect of which technical preventive measures for

limiting asbestos-in-air concentrations are not reasonably practicable,

the employer shall determine the measures intended to ensure protection

of the workers while they are engaged in such activities, in particular

the following>

(a) workers shall be issued with suitable respiratory

equipment and other personal protective equipment, which must

be worn< and

(b) warning signs shall be put up indicating that it is

foreseeable that the limit values laid down in regulation 8 will be

exceeded.

(2) The workers and#or their representatives in the

undertaking or establishment shall be consulted on these measures before

the activities concerned are carried out.

(1) A plan of work shall be drawn up before demolition Plan for demolition

work.

work or work on removing asbestos and, or asbestos-containing products

from buildings, structures, plant or installations or from ships is started.

(2) The plan referred to in sub-regulation (1) must prescribe

the measures necessary to ensure the safety and health of workers at the

place of work.

The plan must in particular specify that>

(a) as far as is reasonably practicable, asbestos and, or

asbestos-containing products are removed before demolition work

starts<

(b) the personal protective equipment referred to in

regulation 10 (1) (a) is provided, where necessary.

(3) The plan shall include information on the following>

(a)

the nature and probable duration of the work,

(b) the place where the work is to be carried out,

(c) the methods applied where the work involves asbestos

or of materials containing asbestos,

(d) the characteristics of the equipment used for>

- protection and decontamination of those carrying out

the work,

- protection of other persons present on or near the

worksite.

(4) The plan referred to in sub-regulation (1) must be notified

to the Authority before the start of the projected work, and the Authority

may require additional preventive or protective measures to be taken so

as to better safeguard the health and safety of workers or third parties.

(1) In the case of all activities referred to in regulation 1

(3) (a), and subject to regulation 3 (2), appropriate measures shall be

taken to ensure that>

(a)

the places in which the above activities take place shall>

(i)

be clearly demarcated and indicated by warning

signs<

(ii) not be accessible to workers other than those who

by reason of their work or duties are required to enter them<

(iii) constitute areas where there should be no smoking<

(b) areas are set aside where workers can eat and drink

without risking contamination by asbestos dust<

(i) workers are provided with appropriate working or

protective clothing<

(ii) this working or protective clothing remains within

the undertaking. It may, however, be laundered in

establishments outside the undertaking which are equipped

for this sort of work if the undertaking does not carry out the

cleaning itself< in that event the clothing shall be transported

in closed containers<

(iii) separate storage places are provided for working

or protective clothing and for street clothes<

(iv) workers are provided with appropriate and

adequate washing and toilet facilities, including showers in

the case of dusty operations<

(v) protective equipment shall be placed in a well-

defined place and shall be checked and cleaned after each

use< appropriate measures shall be taken to repair or replace

defective equipment before further use.

(2) Workers may not be charged with the cost of measures

taken pursuant to this regulation.

(1) In the case of all activities referred to in regulation 1 Information

workers.

(3) (a), appropriate measures shall be taken to ensure that workers and

their representatives in the undertaking or establishment receive adequate

information concerning>

– the potential risks to health from exposure to dust arising

from asbestos or materials containing asbestos,

– the existence of statutory limit values and the need for

the atmosphere to be monitored,

– hygiene requirements, including the need to refrain from

smoking,

– the precautions to be taken as regards the wearing and

use of protective equipment and clothing,

– special precautions designed to minimize exposure to

asbestos.

(2) In addition to the measures referred to in sub-regulation

(1), and subject to regulation 3 (2), appropriate measures shall be taken

to ensure that>

(a) workers and, or their representatives in the undertaking

or establishment have access to the results of asbestos-in-air

concentration measurements and can be given explanations of the

significance of those results<

(b) if the results exceed the limit values laid down in

regulation 8 the workers concerned and their representatives in

the undertaking or establishment are informed as quickly as possible

of the fact and the reason for it and the workers and#or their

representatives in the undertaking or establishment are consulted

on the measures to be taken or, in an emergency, are informed of

the measures which have been taken.

Subject to regulation 3 (2) the following measures shall be

taken>

(1) An assessment of each worker’s state of health, including

a specific examination of the chest, must be carried out prior to the

beginning of exposure to dust arising from asbestos or materials

containing asbestos at the place of work, and for this purpose, a

doctor carrying out such an examination may be guided by the

practical recommendations of Schedule II.

(2) A new assessment must be carried out at least once every

three years for as long as exposure continues, and a record of the

health of each individual thus examined must be established by

the doctor>

Provided that the doctor shall pass to the employer the results of

these assessments and any recommendations made, under strict

confidential cover, and the employer shall give to the worker copies of

such assessments and recommendations to the worker concerned.

(3) Following the clinical surveillance referred to in this

regulation, the doctor responsible for the medical surveillance of the

workers should advise on, or determine any individual protective or

preventive measures to be taken< these may include, where appropriate,

the withdrawal of the worker concerned from all exposure to asbestos.

The doctor may refer any particular case to the Authority for specific

instructions.

(4) Information and advice must be given to workers

regarding any assessment of their health which they may undergo

following the end of exposure.

(5) The worker concerned or the employer may request a

review of the assessments referred to in sub-regulations (1) and (2).

(1) The employer must enter the names of the workers

responsible for carrying out the activities referred to in regulation 1 (3)

(a) in a register, indicating the nature and duration of the activity and

the exposure to which they have been subjected. The doctor and, or the

Authority shall have access to this register. Each worker shall have

access to the results in the register which relate to him personally. The

workers and, or their representatives shall have access to anonymous,

collective information in the register.

(2) The register referred to in sub-regulation (1) of this

regulation and the medical records referred to in regulation 14 (1) shall

be kept for at least 30 years following the end of exposure.

The Authority shall keep a register of confirmed cases of Register of

recognised caes of

asbestosis and mesothelioma, and for this purpose, any Government asbestosis and, or

Department, agency or entity that is notified by any means whatsoever mesothelioma.

of the occurrence of a case of asbestosis and, or mesothelioma, shall

inform the Authority of such notification, and shall also give the

Authority all other relevant details known to the Department, Agency

or entity.

These Regulations shall be without prejudice to any other Saving.

regulation, or any conditions made or imposed by any other competent

authority in Malta concerning the importation, use, transport, disposal,

storage or export of asbestos or of any material containing asbestos.

In any proceedings for an offence under these regulations Onus of proof.

consisting of a failure to comply with a duty or requirement to do

something, or to do something so far as is reasonably practicable, it

shall be for the accused to prove (as the case may be) that it was not

practicable or not reasonably practicable to do more than was in fact

done to satisfy the duty or requirement, or that there was no better

practicable means than was in fact used to satisfy the duty or requirement.

Any person who knowingly or recklessly interferes with the Offences.

process of providing a safe and healthy place of work, shall be guilty of

an offence.