This manual is about prevention and control. It builds on the principles of controlled-use and embraces the philosophy of product stewardship. Simply put, companies intent in ensuring their future prosperity must be responsible and clean, not only in the plants where products are manufactured, but throughout the product life-cycle, including: installation, repair, maintenance and removal, and waste disposal.
Philosophy is one thing, practical reality is another. Controlled-use technology for the chrysotile asbestos industries, is well developed and readily available. However, in order to build trust and confidence amongst the public and workers, industry must demonstrate that the control technology is in place and that all regulatory requirements are being met. If problems arise, concerted action must be taken to rectify them quickly.
Transparency is the key. Factory doors must be opened to regulatory authorities and public interest groups. Industry must be proud of its achievements and not afraid to demonstrate them to others. The fact that chrysotile asbestos plants in France, Nigeria and Mexico have won national environmental awards strongly suggests that the chrysotile asbestos industries can achieve a level of safety unmatched by most industrial sectors. In sum, the chrysotile asbestos industries should be a positive role model and not an example of what not to do.
Canadian producers are committed to the principles of controlled-use as embodied in ILO Convention 162, Safety in the Use of Asbestos. They have publicly expressed their commitment to sell chrysotile asbestos only to those companies which have appropriate preventive and control programs in place, specifically those which comply with national regulations.
Although in some cases time will be required to bring all operations into compliance, the first and most important step is commitment - commitment from top management down. With such a commitment the information and advice provided in this manual can be translated into meaningful action in the workplace in a relatively short period of time.
The Asbestos Institute and Canadian asbestos producers will help all companies which are prepared to help themselves. More specifically, information and technical assistance will be provided to all companies which are committed to the responsible-use of chrysotile asbestos.
Fundamental to realizing this objective in a timely and cost-effective manner is a strong industry association. A strong industry association can help its members in a number of very meaningful ways:
o First, it can provide technical services in helping the industry introduce appropriate preventive and control programs;
o Second, it can undertake monitoring of the industry and prepare regular reports to be submitted to regulatory authorities;
o Third, it can interface with authorities to address industry and company specific problems that may be encountered;
o Fourth, it can develop and implement product stewardship and public awareness programs on an industry-wide basis. With a strong industry association, members can achieve much more in a more cost-effective manner than if they were to act as individual companies.
For most, this is preaching to the converted. However, there remains a segment of industry that remains aloof to the realities of the 1990s. Industry is only as strong as its weakest link. It will therefore be important for all to work together - large and small companies, producers and consumers, industry associations at both the regional and international level. Only by strictly following this formula is long-term prosperity and a common future possible.