Planning has commenced for the safe removal of Asbestos‑containing Materials at the Lautoka Hospital.
The Ministry of Employment in a statement has confirmed that this follows the fire in the hospital's operation theatre room in December last year, which uncovered Asbestos‑containing Materials in air‑conditioning ducts and pipe insulation installed during the building's construction in the early 1970s.
It says the newly‑discovered Asbestos‑containing Materials never posed a threat to the public, and continues to pose no immediate threat.
The Employment Ministry adds that Lautoka Hospital, in consultation with the National Occupational Health and Safety Service, is currently in the process of selecting a qualified contractor in line with the Code of Practice for the Safe Removal of Asbestos and international best practices.
It says that Asbestos‑containing Materials removal will begin once a suitable contractor is appointed and OHS endorses an official Asbestos Removal Control Plan.
