Is it possible to use white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets in Vietnam?
Is it possible to use white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets in Vietnam? What are administrative penalties for using white asbestos with unclear origin in production of building materials in Vietnam?
I am working at a cement roofing company in an industrial park. I find out that there is a law that restricts the use of white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets. However, in the production process of the company where I work, white asbestos is used. I would like to ask is it appropriate to use white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets? What are administrative penalties for using white asbestos with unclear origin in production of building materials? Thank you for your advice.
Is it possible to use white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets in Vietnam?
According to Article 8 of Decree 09/2021/ND-CP on use of white asbestos from serpentine family for production of building materials, the regulations are as follows:
1. Only asbestos of clear origins for production of building materials is used; the use of fibers as an asbestos fiber substitute in production of roofing sheets is encouraged.
2. The concentration of white asbestos from serpentine family in a production area must not exceed 0.1 fibers/ml and 0.5 fibers/ml of air as an eight-hour time-weighted average and one-hour time-weighted average respectively.
3. There should be plans to treat scrap, dust and wastewater generated from production for reuse purpose or safely treat them in accordance with regulations.
4. Other requirements concerning hygiene, occupational safety and environmental protection shall be complied with.
5. The Prime Minister shall introduce a roadmap for limiting the investment in construction or expansion of asbestos roofing sheet manufacturing plants.
Thus, the company you work with using white asbestos in the production of cement roofing sheets is not contrary to the regulations. However, the Company must strictly comply with the regulations and comply with the above-mentioned conditions of the law in the process of operation and production to ensure the health of workers in Vietnam.
What are administrative penalties for using white asbestos with unclear origin in production of building materials in Vietnam?
Pursuant to Article 41 of Decree 16/2022/ND-CP stipulating Violation of regulation on production of construction materials utilizing white asbestos of serpentine group (hereinafter referred to as “chrysotile”) as follows:
1. A fine ranging from VND 60.000.000 to VND 80.000.000 shall be imposed on using chrysotile to produce construction materials as follows:
a) Using chrysotile with unclear origin to produce roofing materials;
b) Using too much chrysotile in production areas.
2. A fine ranging from VND 100.000.000 to VND 120.000.000 shall be imposed on investing in new construction or expanding construction material manufacturing facilities that utilize chrysotile.
3. Remedial measures:
a) Mandated disposal of commodities with unsatisfactory quality for violations under Point a Clause 1 of this Article;
b) Mandated adoption of environmental pollution remedial measures for violations under Point b Clause 1 of this Article;
c) Mandated restoration to original state or dismantlement of construction, parts of construction, and all equipment involved in the violation for violations under Clause 2 of this Article.
According to this Article, using chrysotile of unclear origin may result in a fine of between VND 60,000,000 and VND 80,000,000. Forcing the destruction of products and goods of unsatisfactory quality in Vietnam.
Best Regards!
