Steve MayA H Allen Limited

Asbestos: A Breath of Fresh Air?

Introduction• A H Allen Limited• Since 1865• Based Sheffield, now Hessle in East Yorks• National and international coverage• Business – asbestos, health and safety,

occupational hygiene, noise, fire, training• Asbestos role (whole cycle)

• Surveys• Consultancy, recommendations, policies• Training• Air testing and inspections• Removal and remedial works project management• Reinstatement and building improvement

What Lies in Store for Building, Maintenance, IT,

M & E Workers etc …..

Building & Maintenance Work When planning or organising work likely to

disturb the fabric of the building or affect plant, anticipate possible ACMs

Plan the work to avoid disturbing ACMs Check the Asbestos Register If in doubt, assume it’s asbestos until it’s

checked out (survey, sampling, advice) Follow information within your asbestos policy

and procedures Control work activities – method statements etc

Legislation

Asbestos Prohibitions Regulations Asbestos Licensing Regulations Control of Asbestos at Work

Regulations (incl. duty to manage) Hazardous Waste Regulations Carriage of Dangerous Goods etc

Regs

Changes Around the Corner…

CAW, ASLIC and Prohibitions Regs into one set of Regulations

Tightening of controls, control limits

Changes to licensing requirements Counting rules Accreditation for clearances

Then to the Practicalities….. Plan in any necessary removal or

protection work, costs, and time delay Use an approved consultant and

contractor – selection and competence Ensure staff have had asbestos awareness

training• Be aware that ACMs can be found

unexpectedly or become damaged• Report suspect materials or damaged

asbestos materials immediately

Example Case Stockport MBC and G & J Seddon Prohibition Notices September 2005 Refurbishment of council properties Including replacement of barge boards,

damaged AIB soffits Work stopped until surveys carried out and

safe systems set up Effects: exposure to dust, poor PR,

contractual problems, financial losses, inconvenience etc

Asbestos Surveys• Scope and limitations:

• Type 2 survey: comprehensive sampling strategy, but no destruction. Survey limitations: non-accessible areas, health or safety risks

• Type 3 survey: more invasive, pre-demolition or refurbishment. When area is vacated.

• Survey Report and Register• Competence, experience, UKAS-

accreditation Type 3 survey demands additional skills Unusual examples e.g. asbestos in

demolition waste, blocks

Amosite in Blocks?

Asbestos Remedial Work(Removal, Encapsulation, Protection)

Appoint asbestos project manager Specification and Scope of Works Planning and organising: services,

hazards, effect on activities in the area Asbestos removal subject to CDM? Air testing and clearances Waste disposal Reinstatement

Example: Installation of New Services and Plant

Client and Designer Lessons

Type 2 survey only: not fit for purpose

Failure to flag up in the design information that asbestos risks existed

Contractors exposed to dust Delay, un-budgetted cost, civil claims

It’s not just the large jobs………

Next Steps to Consider Asbestos awareness training is both necessary

and beneficial Reliance on the contractor or maintenance

worker to pick up the presence of asbestos containing materials is missing the point

Be aware of survey and surveyor limitations Consider the activities and processes involved in

implementing your work and the effects upon ACMs

The costs involved with failure are often significant

How Do You Perceive Health and Safety Risks?

Sources of Further Information

• Conference notes• HSE leaflets, guidance and booklets• HSE web site: www.hse.gov.uk• Take advice

• Your advisers• Us!

•www.ahallen.co.uk•01482-644632

www.ahallen.co.uk

Thank You