Comprehensive Guide to Asbestos Management in Saudi Arabia: Risks, Regulations, and Best Practices
Introduction
The discovery of oil in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) on March 3, 1938, at the Dammam No. 7 well, marked a significant turning point in the nation's history. This landmark event, which took place in the Eastern Province near Dhahran, catalzsed Saudi Arabia's transformation into one of the world's leading oil producers, profoundly impacting its economy and development.
Economic Boom and Construction Surge
This newfound prosperity led to a dramatic increase in the local population, now totalling approximately 37 million people. Over the past 80 years, there has been a substantial construction boom to accommodate the growing demands of both the domestic and industrial sectors. This period saw the rise of petrochemical plants, gas plants, refineries, oil rigs, and various forms of heavy industry. Additionally, accommodation for workers and the local population were constructed, all during a time when the asbestos industry was thriving.
Historical Use of Asbestos
Asbestos use in Saudi Arabia was extensive until the health risks associated with asbestos exposure became widely recognised. The peak usage occurred in the 1980s and continued until Saudi Arabia implemented a ban on asbestos in 1998. However, some sources suggest that the prohibition was not fully enforced until 2003.
Current Asbestos Risks
Today, the asbestos risk in Saudi Arabia is predominantly two-fold: asbestos present in existing buildings that are to remain in place, and asbestos materials that could be disturbed during redevelopment and demolition works.
Management of Existing Asbestos Materials
Saudi Arabia, the largest country in the Middle East by landmass, has its population mainly distributed across nine major cities (Riyadh, Jeddah, Mecca, Medina, Dammam, Khobar, Dhahran, and Tabuk). In these urban centres, residential construction ranges from modern skyscrapers to single-story homes, many of which feature asbestos cement roof sheeting. Furthermore, the oil and gas sector and other heavy industries have extensively used asbestos in gaskets, insulation, fireproofing materials, wall boards, ceiling tiles, 'galbestos' warehouse panels, and asbestos cement pipes for sewerage and water supply.
When these materials are damaged or disturbed during maintenance and construction activities, they can release significant amounts of asbestos fibre into the air, posing health risks to occupants, employees, the public, and others in the vicinity.
Recommended Actions for Asbestos Management
To effectively manage asbestos risks, it is crucial to implement mandatory asbestos surveys across all non-domestic properties within the Kingdom. These surveys will help employers identify asbestos risks within their properties. Additionally, developing comprehensive Asbestos Management Plans (AMPs) is essential. These plans should detail how asbestos materials will be managed, either through monitoring and maintenance or through asbestos abatement programs conducted by specialized contractors under the guidance of qualified asbestos consultants.
Addressing Asbestos in Demolition Projects
Saudi Arabia is renowned for its mega projects, such as Neom, the Red Sea Project, King Abdullah Economic City, and Qiddiya. These projects involve significant demolition of existing structures, which poses a risk if asbestos is not properly identified and removed before demolition. Comprehensive refurbishment and demolition asbestos surveys should be carried out by specialist asbestos consultants to identify all asbestos-containing materials. Asbestos cement pipework, which could be underground, should be identified and traced before any major earthworks and infrastructure projects.
Identified asbestos-containing materials must be removed by specialists under the supervision of an asbestos consultant, who will validate the removal process and conduct airborne fibre monitoring. Asbestos waste should be double wrapped in thick gauge polythene sheeting, sealed airtight, labelled, and disposed of in a hazardous waste landfill facility capable of handling asbestos waste.
Broader Recommendations
To strengthen asbestos management, comprehensive legislation similar to that found in other parts of the Middle East and the West should be enacted and enforced. Developing a National Asbestos Management Plan (NAMP) that includes guidelines for the safe handling, removal, and disposal of asbestos is crucial. Public awareness campaigns should be launched to educate those potentially affected by asbestos risks. Health and safety professionals, particularly in the construction, demolition, and petrochemical sectors, should prioritise raising awareness about asbestos issues. Asbestos awareness training should be mandatory for employees in high-risk sectors.
Conclusion
By adopting these measures, Saudi Arabia can significantly reduce the risks associated with asbestos exposure, protecting public health and the environment. Effective asbestos management requires a comprehensive approach, combining stringent legislation, thorough surveys, public awareness, and professional training.
If you have any Asbestos related concerns, contact us to see how Anthesis Consulting Middle East can help you:
Charles Faulkner (Head of Environment, Health and Safety, and Asbestos Team Leader)
Phone: +971 (0) 50 5541 320
Email: asbestos@anthesisgroup.com