Overview

During the rehabilitation of the structures for the Directorate of Open Distance and e-Learning (DODeL) at Malawi College of Distance Education (MCDE) regional office at Area 3, Lilongwe, there is a possibility that the ceiling that will be removed contains asbestos as such the Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) Plan has been developed. This asbestos management plan sets out the arrangements to manage the risks from the demolition of the existing structure at MCDE premises and the safe removal of ACM at the site to minimise the potential harm. No work can start on the demolition of the building without an appropriate assessment for the presence of asbestos.

Roles and Responsibilities

• The contractor will be responsible for the development of ACM Management Plan as part of their Contracts-ESMP;
• DODeL IIT and PIU will be responsible for development of the ACM Management Plan;
• DODeL IIT and PIU will be responsible for supervision and monitoring of the implementation of the ACM Management Plan;
• DODeL IIT and PIU will ensure that there are trainings in the management of the ACM Plan; and
• DODeL IIT have the ultimate authority to ensure that ACMs are managed effectively.

Asbestos management control arrangements

• DODeL IIT and PIU shall develop a detailed ACM Management Plan and will be included in the Contractors-ESMP;
• DODeL IIT and PIU will develop a removal plan before removal of ACM that will be approved by the Malawi Environment Protection Authority (MEPA) in line with the Environment Management (Chemicals and Toxic Substances Management) Regulations);
• Conduct risk assessment for the removal of ACM- provide a risk assessment and plan of work on ACM. DODeL IIT and PIU will review the removal plans of work and risk assessments.
• Removal of any ACM will require a permit-to-work by MEPA. Any work on the ACMs must be done by a competent and approved ACM Specialist. The contractor shall undertake training of all personnel involved in the removal of ACM;
• ACMs should be labelled clearly with the asbestos warning sign or some other warning system (for example colour coding) can be used; and
• ACM may be covered in plastic sheeting before being buried at a safe site identified in consultation with MEPA, DODeL IIT and the Lilongwe City Council.

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