Asbestos is the single biggest occupational health issue in South African construction. The Asbestos Regulations (OHSA) impose strict duties throughout refurbishment — and Department of Employment and Labour prosecutions for breaches are common.
The duty to manage
Anyone in control of non-domestic premises has a duty to:
- Find out if asbestos is present (Management Survey)
- Record its location and condition
- Assess risk
- Manage to prevent disturbance
- Provide information to anyone liable to work on it
Refurbishment & Demolition Survey
Required before any refurbishment, alteration, or demolition. Intrusive and disruptive but legally required.
Licensable vs non-licensable
Licensable
- Most ACM (asbestos containing materials) removal
- Pipe lagging, sprayed coatings, AIB
- Requires Department of Employment and Labour (DCOIDA)-licensed contractor
- 14-day prior notification to Department of Employment and Labour (DCOIDA)
Non-licensable / NNLW (notifiable non-licensable work)
- Cement products, vinyl tiles, textured coatings
- Lower risk but still requires:
- Written plan of work
- Notification to Department of Employment and Labour (DCOIDA)
- Medical surveillance for workers
Non-notifiable
- Minor work on cement, intact textured coatings
- Still needs risk assessment and trained operatives
Workers and training
Anyone whose work might disturb asbestos requires:
- Asbestos Awareness training (minimum)
- Category-specific training for higher-risk work
- Annual refresher
Site procedures
- Designated enclosure (sealed)
- Negative pressure ventilation
- Decontamination units
- Air monitoring
- Specialist disposal
Disposal
Asbestos waste must go to licensed landfill via authorised waste carrier. Manifests retained.
Costs
- R&D survey: R14,000–R60,000+
- Licensed asbestos removal: typically R1,000–R4,000 per m²
- Small NNLW removal: R8,000–R30,000 per item
MCFAR coordinates asbestos management as part of refurbishment design.
Need expert engineering on your project?
MCFAR GROUP has been delivering structural engineering, building, and plumbing services since 1998. Talk to our team about your build, retrofit, or renovation.
Request a QuoteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I do non-licensable work myself?
Only with training, plan of work, and appropriate PPE. Most domestic clients should hire licensed contractor regardless.
What if I disturb asbestos by accident?
Stop work immediately. Seal the area. Get an asbestos assessment before continuing. Don't try to remediate yourself.