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Asbestos: A Breath of Fresh Air?. Steve May A H Allen Limited. 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
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Asbestos: A Breath of Fresh Air? Steve MayA H Allen Limited
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
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
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
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
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
Thank You www.ahallen.co.uk