Question & AnswerQ&A (DENR ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER NO. 2000-02)
The Order is issued based on the authority of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources under Republic Act 6969 of 1990 and DENR Administrative Order 29, Series of 1992, specifically Title II on Toxic Chemical Substances and Title III on Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes.
Friable asbestos material is defined as any material containing more than 1% asbestos that, when dry, can be crumbled, pulverized, or reduced to powder by hand pressure, thus releasing airborne fibers.
The use of asbestos is strictly limited to certain high-density products like fireproof clothing, roofing felts, asbestos cement roofing, friction materials, and gaskets. The use of Amosite (Brown) and Crocidolite (Blue) asbestos fibers is strictly prohibited. No spraying of asbestos in buildings is allowed, and no new uses of asbestos are permitted especially in products such as toys, flooring felt, and pipe lagging.
The CCO covers importers, manufacturers, transporters, industrial facility owners/operators, contractors, shipbuilders, and waste management service providers including demolition contractors and shipbreakers.
Any person or entity importing or manufacturing asbestos or asbestos-containing products must register with the Environmental Management Bureau. Entities involved in treatment, storage, demolition, transport, and disposal of asbestos containing wastes and existing structures with friable asbestos must also register.
They must submit an annual report detailing importation and manufacturing volume, types of asbestos and products, employee categories exposed to asbestos, pollution control measures, waste generated classified by friable or non-friable, and information on treatment, storage and disposal.
Violations are subject to administrative and criminal sanctions as specified under Title V, Chapter XI, Sections 41 and 42 of DAO 29, Series of 1992.
The authorized owner or operator must notify the Bureau at least 30 days before starting and provide details such as the nature of the activity, amount of asbestos to be removed, schedule, disposal site, and contractor information. Friable asbestos must be removed and adequately wet before any demolition or renovation.
All friable asbestos wastes must be disposed of at special sites approved by DENR, covered daily with at least 15 cm of compacted non-asbestos material or dust suppressant, and the site must keep records of all waste shipments received including generator and transporter details.
Manufacturers must provide appropriate engineering controls, dust control measures, respiratory protective equipment, and conduct air monitoring to ensure asbestos exposure does not exceed 2 fibers per cubic centimeter in an 8-hour weighted average.