ASBESTOS SERVICES

AEC are an asbestos management, laboratory testing and training consultancy, we have no financial connections with asbestos removal contractors and offer an independent view of asbestos in your buildings. We can work with you on single building asbestos surveys or multiple properties.

If you would like further independent advice on any asbestos related issue you may have, please contact AEC on Tel: 0161 872 7111.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 were enacted on 13th November 2006.  The HSE, in reaction to the European Asbestos Worker Protection Directive reviewed all asbestos legislation, and these new Regulations bring together the three previous sets of Regulations covering the prohibition of asbestos, the control of asbestos at work (CAWR 2002) and asbestos licensing (ASLIC).

Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations still includes the ‘duty to manage asbestos’ in non-domestic premises.   This requires those in control of premises to implement an asbestos management plan in order to prevent disturbance of asbestos materials.   Regulation 4 requires the dutyholder to take reasonable steps to locate asbestos, usually a survey, then carry out a risk assessment and any remedial measures, before implementing the management plan. 

The Regulations prohibit the importation, supply and use of all forms of asbestos. They continue the ban introduced for blue and brown asbestos 1985 and for white asbestos in 1999. They also continue the ban the second-hand use of asbestos products such as asbestos cement sheets and asbestos boards and tiles; including panels which have been covered with paint or textured plaster containing asbestos.

The Regulations also require mandatory training for anyone liable to be exposed to asbestos fibres at work (regulation 10). This includes maintenance workers and others who may come into contact with or who may disturb asbestos (eg cable installers) as well as those involved in asbestos removal work.

Under the Asbestos Regulations, anyone carrying out work on asbestos insulation, asbestos coating or asbestos insulating board (AIB) needs a licence issued by HSE unless they meet one of the exemptions documented in CAR.

The Asbestos Regulations require any analysis of the concentration of asbestos in the air to be measured in accordance with the 1997 WHO recommended method.

From 6 April 2007, a clearance certificate for re-occupation may only be issued by a body accredited to do so. At the moment, such accreditation can only be provided by the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and AEC hold UKAS accreditation for this service.

To receive further news on legislative issues, please provide your email details to aec@aec.uk.net

Having a good knowledge about asbestos within your buildings is the first most important step in your management plan.