Asbestos investigation Dutch Embassies

Investigations have been started into the presence of possibly dangerous materials containing asbestos in embassies, chancelleries and staff residencies abroad, commissioned by the ‘Foreign Buildings Service’ of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.In the first stage, investigations have begun in four West African countries. After extensive screening of all research companies in the Netherlands, the Ministry selected Search Engineering and Consultancy to carry out the pilot project in these countries.

Obviously, experience with carrying out investigations abroad was an important criterion for selection.In previous issues of ‘Search in-for-mails’ we briefly paid attention to a number of these experience projects, including investigations in Kosovo (commissioned by the Ministry of Defence: counter-expertise of controversial laboratory), Bosnia, Africa, Malta, Curaçao, Aruba and the Dutch Antilles.

Investigations

Apart from experience with working abroad, existing expertise was also assessed thoroughly, including the inspectors’ skills on an individual level.In view of the fact that Dutch embassy staff works all over the world and needs to have a safe working environment, it was decided to check buildings world-wide for possible danger caused by materials containing asbestos.If necessary, decontamination actions will be carried out on the basis of the investigation results, partly by local firms, partly by bringing in Dutch asbestos decontamination companies. Based on the evaluation of the investigations in Africa, among others, an all-encompassing plan will be drawn up and investigations will actually be extended to virtually the entire world.