Transcript Asbestos: A Breath of Fresh Air? Steve May A H Allen Limited

Asbestos: A Breath of Fresh Air?
Steve May
A H Allen Limited
Introduction
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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)
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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
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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.
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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
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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