Current Status of Partial Asbestos‐Containing Building Material Removal Work and Recommendations for Improving Safety Management Systems

Asbestos-containing building materials (ACBMs) degrade over time, releasing harmful fibers that pose risks to nearby residents. ACBM removal is becoming prevalent owing to increasing regulatory requirements. The increasing removal of these materials necessitates safe and environmentally conscious practices for workers. Consequently, we undertook a detailed study of asbestos removal sites in Korea to evaluate compliance with relevant legal requirements. Our objective was to identify deficiencies in the removal process. D University in Gyeongju and K University in Daegu, South Korea, were selected for this study, focusing on regulatory adherence during various operational phases. The study uncovered critical issues, including a lack of sanitary facilities, incomplete work area isolation, failure to maintain negative pressure, poor waste disposal management, and inadequate asbestos concentration measurements. These findings indicate an elevated risk of asbestos exposure for both workers and the environment. The findings of the study provide valuable insights for improvements aimed at increasing the safety and effectiveness of asbestos removal practices. This Korean case study may contribute to the formulation of analogous practices and policies globally.