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Jet Demolition on asbestos abatement in heavy industrial projects
09 April 2026
Demolition specialist Jet Demolition, based in Johannesburg (SA), has highlighted the importance of integrating asbestos abatement into large-scale industrial projects, noting that early identification and removal by specialists are key to ensuring full safety and efficiency.
Jet Demolition has experience in asbestos abatement across multiple industries (Image credit: Jet Demolition)
Asbestos remains one of the most common challenges in heavy industrial demolition projects in South Africa. Its use was officially banned in 2008, but asbestos remains present in many older plants and mining infrastructures across the country.
The safe identification, handling and disposal of asbestos-contaminated material requires not only specialist licensing, but also a disciplined approach to engineering, safety and environmental management, says Jet Demolition.
The company has built extensive experience in the field of handling hazardous materials, incorporating the process into its services.
“Our approach is to assess each site individually and implement the most appropriate methodology,” explains Kate Bester, who is Jet Demolition’s contracts and project manager.
“Whether it involves roofing, buried piping, insulation or contaminated soils, we ensure the removal is undertaken in strict compliance with regulations.”
Contracts and project manager Kate Bester (Image credit: Jet Demolition)
Some of the biggest and oldest industrial and mining facilities were built at a time when asbestos use was widespread, making abatement both technically demanding and time sensitive. It is often hidden in these ageing infrastructure, such as in gaskets and seals or as insulation.
Depending on the application, Jet Demolition employs a combination of wet and dry removal techniques, as well as encapsulation where direct removal is not immediately practical.
Decontamination units are deployed on site to protect both workers and the surrounding environment, while occupational hygienists monitor exposure levels throughout the process.
“The risks associated with asbestos cannot be underestimated. That is why we invest in training, equipment and monitoring at every stage of a project, and adopt methods that do not increase the risk of airborne fibres,” concludes Bester.
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