Five training seminars for employees of the State Environmental Service, municipalities, waste management companies and landfill operators on working with asbestos-containing waste have been completed. The training was organised by the Ministry of Environmental Protection and Regional Development (MEPRD) within the LIFE Waste to Resources IP project in cooperation with the adult non-formal education institution "DOMUS Izglītība".
Prior to the implementation of the training programme, a training programme and a manual on handling asbestos-containing waste were developed specifically for this training, providing comprehensive information that is essential for everyone in Latvia who handles asbestos-containing materials. You can find the Guide to dealing with asbestos-containing waste here.
Goal of the training was to provide participants with theoretical knowledge on the impact of asbestos on the environment and human health, to develop practical skills in identifying asbestos-containing materials and waste and in complying with occupational safety measures, as well as to provide information on international and national regulatory requirements for hazardous waste management and penalties for non-compliance.
During the period between May and June, five training seminars were held in total benefiting 125 staff members, who were certified as having completed the training programme by passing a proficiency test. The knowledge and skills will also be useful when the MEPRD will launch a pilot project to support vulnerable households. Asbestos-containing waste may be handled by companies with hazardous waste permits. Experienced and knowledgeable professionals will be able to collect and package asbestos slates in way safe for the environment and human health, transport and remove asbestos-containing waste from households.
It should be underlined that the primary target groups are the socially vulnerable (poor and low-income persons) who need support in the collection, removal and disposal of asbestos-containing roofing from their households to the landfills where this is allowed. This applies to different types of buildings: residential houses, garden houses, outbuildings, summer cottages. The support criteria will be developed by the end of 2023.
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