Notice Regarding Asbestos Countermeasures at Kochi University
Release Date:
In response to asbestos-related issues, our university has been conducting surveys on the use of asbestos and carrying out removal efforts.
However, following amendments to the “Enforcement Order of the Industrial Safety and Health Act” and the “Regulations on the Prevention of Asbestos-Related Diseases,” among others—which lowered the threshold for asbestos content in regulated building materials from 1% to 0.1% by weight—and given that it has recently come to light that new types of asbestos are being used in building materials and other products, resulting in the expansion of the scope of regulated asbestos types from three to six—the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology has issuedthe Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology issued the “Notice Regarding the Thorough Implementation of Analytical Surveys on the Presence or Absence of Asbestos, etc., Pursuant to the Provisions of Article 3, Paragraph 2 of the Asbestos-Related Diseases Prevention Regulations” (No. 19-MEXT-419, dated February 15, Heisei 20). As a result of these efforts to ensure thorough asbestos analysis and investigation, we conducted a re-survey of actual usage patterns.
As a result of the investigation, we identified the following locations where building materials containing asbestos are in use. Consequently, we promptly conducted a survey to measure airborne asbestos levels.
Based on these results, these levels are generally found in urban areas and are not believed to have any immediate health effects.
Going forward, to ensure the safety of our educational and research environments, we will conduct situation-specific monitoring to assess the levels of airborne asbestos and, as a fundamental measure, plan to remove it during large-scale renovations.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Kochi University Asbestos Information Desk
Kochi University, Finance Department, Facilities Planning Section
Outside Line: 088-844-8135
Extension: 8135
E-mail: zk04@kochi-u.ac.jp