What is the main goal of asbestos management plans?

The primary goal of asbestos management plans is to ensure safe handling and minimize exposure to asbestos for workers and occupants in buildings where asbestos is present. These plans are crucial because asbestos can pose significant health risks, including serious diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma, when fibers are inhaled.

Management plans typically include strategies for identifying and monitoring asbestos-containing materials, implementing proper handling techniques, providing training for personnel, and setting protocols for emergencies. By focusing on minimizing exposure, these plans help create a safer environment while still allowing the continued use of buildings that contain asbestos, instead of rushing to eliminate it completely, which can be costly and impractical.

While eliminating asbestos would be ideal, it is often not feasible in many situations; thus, a management plan focuses on safety measures. Improving building aesthetics and compliance with insurance requirements are not the primary objectives of these plans, although they can be secondary benefits resulting from effective management strategies.