The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006
Asbestos is a killer – by far the largest industrial killer in the UK, with approximately 3,000 deaths per annum now, likely to rise to almost 10,000 deaths a year by 2020. The main causes of death are asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, cancer of the peritoneum, which can take up to 40 years to appear.
Since May 2002 every Company or person who controls access to commercial premises or can give instructions for work on commercial premises is a Dutyholder, and must identify Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) in their buildings and have a written plan for its management. Failure to do so is a serious offence, and could lead to serious health problems for workers. The new Regulations do not change this duty.
Asbestos can be assessed by using one of three types of survey, MDHS100 Type 1: Visual, MDHS100 Type 2: sampled and MDHS100 Type 3: intrusive. There are three main types of asbestos, none of which can be identified by appearance, colour, smell or taste. Suspect material must be sampled and laboratory tested to identify the presence and type of asbestos.
This is only the first part of a Dutyholder’s responsibilities. You must then create a Plan to manage the asbestos containing materials in the premises.
The Solution
The Regulations allow you to employ an experienced Project Manager to deal with the complex issues arising from asbestos management. ACCL experts have many years direct experience and can provide services leading to both health and legal protection.
You may need to remove or encapsulate ACM, but more often it can be left in place if properly managed, sometimes saving huge sums in removal costs. That is where ACCL can provide invaluable help. In partnership with Environmental Evaluation Ltd, Environmental Scientists, we have developed a 24/7 web accessed data-base management system incorporating identification, risk assessment, removal or treatment, management, information provision, constant re-assessment, training and compliance. The system is currently used to manage asbestos in over 300 buildings throughout the UK, and can be adapted to all situations.
ACCL Services
ACCL are skilled and able to:-
- advise which type of survey is most appropriate and cost effective
- consider both material and priority risk assessments
- advise what action is needed to remove, encapsulate or manage
- write the management plan
- arrange for monitoring
- train your staff
- provide a data-base for information 24/7
- suggest ways of ensuring that information about ACM is always given to the people who need it
- ensure you comply with the Regulations
The risks and consequences in not carrying out your duties under CAWR 2002 properly are very serious. If you need help, ring ACCL
