Training on Asbestos Measurements and Analysis

- KOSHA Provides Fellowship Training for Asian Safety and Health -

November 1, 2011

From October 24 to 28, five safety and health officials from the developing Asia countries took part in a fellowship training program on the measurement and analysis of asbestos. The program was organized by Occupational Safety and Health Research Institute (OSHRI) of Korea Occupational Safety and Health Agency (KOSHA; President: Baek, Hun-Ki), located in Incheon, Korea.

The participants were nominated from OSH-related government agencies from five Asian countries including Thailand and Vietnam.

At the Asbestos Analysis Lab, the trainees were given the opportunity to practice how to analyze and measure the levels of asbestos in the air or in solid samples of construction materials. Through these training, the trainees will be able to apply what they’ve learn into practice.

This training is one of the collaborative OSH programs jointly organized by KOSHA and WHO, which started in 2008. The training aims to provide assistance in building infrastructures related to the measurement and analysis of asbestos in the Asian countries.

KOSHA will cooperate with the WHO to provide as much technical assistance as possible, so that the program contributes to building relevant infrastructure for asbestos analysis, and guides the future policy-making related to asbestos management.

“The use of asbestos is showing a declining trend globally. However, developing countries in Asia are using an increasing amount of asbestos, consuming more than 50% of the global supply. This training will help developing Asian countries with poor relevant infrastructure to prevent asbestos-related diseases, while elevating the standing of both OSHRI and Korea.