Case Studies - Health & Safety

Achieving Asbestos Regulatory Compliance

The Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 become law in May 2004, creating a new legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises.

With this in mind, Pro Enviro was called-in to assist a UK multi-site corporation to ensure they complied with the new law. As a dutyholder, the company had an explicit duty to manage risks from any asbestos found within their premises. A competent person was needed to carry out the requirements of the new duty in order to prevent the exposure of asbestos to employees.

The Project

A qualified and experienced consultant from Pro Enviro Limited carried out a full investigative survey of the various buildings with a view to recognising and identifying any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). Our consultant also carried out condition-reporting so they could make an assessment of any essential remedial action.

Initially, historical information was gained by accessing site plans, talking to relevant building contractors and architects and interviewing personnel to establish a better idea of the likely locations of ACMs.

The survey and recording were undertaken in-line with the requirements of the regulation:

All reasonable steps were taken to determine the location and condition of ACMs.
The condition and location of all ACMs was recorded (photographically and on location plans).
The likelihood of exposure to fibres from these materials was assessed.
A plan was prepared detailing the method to be employed for the risk management.

From the survey findings, we prepared a concise and accurate report to provide a permanent record for the company. The report defined a course of action so that persons carrying out work on the premises would be informed of the presence of asbestos. A number of recommendations were also made, identifying the need for warning signs and asbestos management in specific areas.

Sufficient samples were recovered from a number of areas to gain information on the distribution of ACMs. These samples were analysed by light microscopy (using an approved method), to establish their exact nature and composition.

Pro Enviro Limited then provided a custom made training course consisting of 6 to 8 hours of learning relating to the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations. The course was presented both on paper and via a dedicated web portal. This bespoke course contained photographs of areas where ACMs were found during the surveys. This on-line training information provided two main benefits to the company,

a method of ensuring that contractors and internal personnel carrying out work on the premises understood the principles of the Asbestos regulations, and

ensured that internal personnel and external contractors were made aware of the way in which the company had recorded the location of materials and the procedures that they were required to follow on site.

The Benefits

Managing asbestos is important; it remains the biggest UK workplace killer.

The benefits of undertaking the project in this way have included:

Legal Duty

The company can be sure that they are compliant with the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations.

Identification and Management of Risks

The initial survey report highlighted the apparent risks from asbestos and provided advice on how to manage these risks appropriately and safely.

Reducing Workplace Risks

The risk of asbestos exposure to employees has been reduced and contractors working on site will now be aware of the risk from ACMs and their location.

Cost Effectiveness

By opting to train site personnel and external contractors on-line , the company was able to ensure they met the requirements of the regulations in the most comprehensive and cost effective way.