Managing the risks of an asbestos bulk storage facility at a research institute

The South African National Institute for Occupational Health (NIOH), formerly the Pneumoconiosis Research Unit, has previously milled about 544 kg of anthophyllite, crocidolite, amosite and chrysotile asbestos fibre materials. This endeavour came about in an attempt to address a recommendation, made by the International Union Against Cancer (UICC), to make asbestos standard reference samples available for research. Some of these reference samples, as well as the bulk, unprocessed materials are still within the care of the NIOH and can be obtained for the purpose of Public Health research under strict terms and conditions. Considering the hazardous nature of asbestos and regulated prohibitions imposed on this mineral, the NIOH asbestos storage facility is being subjected to various occupational and environmental control measures to ensure that any potential fibre release, and subsequent risk of exposure, are prevented.