ASBESTOS MANAGEMENT

Asbestos is a substance that was widely used from the 1950’s right through to the 1980’s as a building material. It was used to such an extent that it can now be found in pretty much any building built before the year 2000. The inhalation of Asbestos fibres can cause life threatening diseases such as mesothelioma and lung cancer. It is currently the biggest occupational killer in the UK and currently accounts for around 4,000 deaths a year nationwide.

LEGISLATION

As an employer you have a legal obligation to protect those working for you. The ‘Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 place strict obligations on employers to manage asbestos risks in the workplace, and on other duty holders to manage asbestos risks in non-domestic premises.
For companies involved in Construction, the ‘CDM Regulations 2015’ (construction, design and management) stipulate that clients should provide suitable and sufficient information on any asbestos risks to all parties involved in construction projects.

Asbestos regulations (specifically The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012) place a legal duty to take steps to identify, manage and monitor asbestos containing materials in any non-domestic property. Part of this legal duty includes carrying out an inspection of the property.
The duty to manage asbestos is contained in regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. It requires the person who has the duty (ie the “dutyholder”) to:

  • take reasonable steps to find out if there are materials containing asbestos in non-domestic premises, and if so, its amount, where it is and what condition it is in;
  • presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not;
  • make, and keep up-to-date, a record of the location and condition of the asbestos containing materials – or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos;
  • assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified;
  • prepare a plan that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed;
  • take the necessary steps to put the plan into action;
  • periodically review and monitor the plan and the arrangements to act on it so that the plan remains relevant and up-to-date; and
  • provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb them.

WHAT WE CAN DO

5d Compliance consultants provide a completely independent, authoritative and professional service to manage our client’s asbestos management requirements and safeguard your business from all aspects of asbestos legislation.
The main purpose of the asbestos survey is to identify the location, type, condition and extent of any ACMs present. The survey should be in accordance with HSE guidance note HSG264:

  • Asbestos Management Survey – Previously known as a Type 2. Its purpose is to locate, as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACMs in the building.
  • Pre-Refurbishment Asbestos Survey – This has replaced the old Type 3 survey. Prior to refurbishment work being carried out, a refurbishment and demolition survey must be completed.
  • Pre-Demolition Asbestos Survey – This has replaced the old Type 3 survey. Prior to demolition work being carried out, a refurbishment and demolition survey must be completed.
  • Asbestos Re-inspection Services – Once ACMs have been identified, it is the dutyholder’s responsibility to inspect these items (at least annually) and create a Management Plan.

The type of asbestos survey needed will be dependent on you and your property’s specific requirements. This will be established during the survey planning phase in conjunction with one of our surveyors. Our technical department are more than happy to answer any questions regarding surveys that you may have.

KEY SERVICES

Asbestos Management Policies
Asbestos Consultancy
Compliance Review and Auditing
Action Plan and Priority Risk Assessments
HSG 264 Re-inspection Surveys
HSG 264 Management Surveys
HSG 264 Refurbishment Surveys
HSG 264 Demolition Surveys
Asbestos Bulk Sample Analysis
Asbestos Abatement Technical Specifications and evaluation
Project Management
Asbestos Air Sample Analysis and 4-Stage Clearance Testing
Expert Witness Services

COMPETENCE SURVEYS

All surveys are conducted in line with the HSE publication, HSG264 Asbestos the Survey Guide.
All 5d Compliance surveyors will have a minimum of 3 years’ experience and hold a British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) P402 certification ‘Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos(including Risk Assessment and Risk Management Strategies)’, and have the appropriate experience for each market sector and survey type.

REMEDIATION WORKS

All 5d Compliance consultants conducting technical specifications and project management for asbestos abatement works will have a minimum of 5 years’ experience in remedial consultancy and hold a minimum the following British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) certification.
P402 – Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos (including Risk Assessment and Risk Management Strategies
P403 – Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM) (including Sampling Strategies)
P404 – Air Sampling and Clearance Testing of Asbestos
P405 – Management of Asbestos in Buildings