Plans have commenced for the safe removal of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) at the Lautoka Hospital.
This follows the fire in the hospital’s operation theatre room last year, which uncovered ACMs in air-conditioning ducts and pipe insulation installed during the building’s construction in the early 1970s.
The newly-discovered ACMs never posed a threat to the public, and continue to pose no immediate threat.
Lautoka Hospital, in consultation with the National Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Service, is currently in the process of selecting a qualified contractor in line with the Code of Practice for the safe removal of asbestos.
ACM removal will begin once a suitable contractor is appointed and when OHS endorses an official Asbestos Removal Control Plan.
During the removal process, the hospital will undertake appropriate measures such as erecting barricades, enclosures, and signage, as an additional precaution to safeguard workers and the general public.
OHS will also regularly conduct air sampling and monitoring to ensure that the workplace, surrounding environment, and general public are not exposed to any airborne threats.
