General duties

• Pages: 3-6

2. General duties

2.1. General duties of the competent authority

2.1.1. In the light of national conditions and practice, the competent authority

should, in consultation with the most representative organisations of employers and

workers, issue or approve and periodically update regulations or other suitable

provisions for the protection of workers' health against hazards due to occupational

exposure to asbestos dust.

2.1.2. The competent authority should have the expertise to supervise the

enforcement of such regulations or provisions and to supply relevant advice and

information.

2.1.3. The regulations on the prevention of airborne asbestos in the working

environment should clearly define the agencies and persons responsible for carrying

them out.

2.1.4. (1) The competent authority should establish those procedures which it

considers necessary for the notification by the employer of working operations and

workplaces where asbestos or materials containing asbestos are or will be produced,

handled, processed, stored or used and any other work situations where asbestos or

materials containing asbestos are being used or handled in such a manner as to cause

dust.

(2) This notification may include the following information:

(a) nature and place of work;

(b) type and quantity of asbestos or materials containing asbestos;

(c) total number of workers exposed;

(d) duration or anticipated duration of the work period;

(e) protective and preventive measures to be taken.

2.1.5. Where appropriate, the competent authority should determine those

dangerous working operations or techniques which should be prohibited or made subject

to specific authorisation and which will require compliance with particular measures of

prevention and protection.

2.1.6. The competent authority should establish procedures for:

(a) the setting up of airborne asbestos exposure limits in the working environment;

(b) the standardisation of methods for monitoring airborne asbestos in the working

environment;

(c) the approval of personal protective equipment.

2.1.7. The competent authority should:

(a) endeavour to promote close co-operation between employers and workers on

matters of prevention;

(b) assist in providing safety and health committees, employers and workers with

information on the hazards and on safety in the use of asbestos.

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