Asbestos Management

The New Regulations The new Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 came into force on the 21st November 2002. Regulation 4 “the duty to manage asbestos” came into force on the 21st May 2004. The new regulation 4 places an explicit duty on property owners / managers (Duty Holders) to identify and assess the condition of all asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) within their properties. Regulation 4 requires the Duty Holder to:

• Take reasonable steps to determine the location of all ACM's.
• Presume all materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence to the contrary.
• Make and keep an up to date record of the location and condition of all ACM’s.
• Access the risk of potential exposure to fibres from ACM’s.
• Prepare a plan setting out how the risks will be managed.
• Take the necessary steps to put the plan into action.
• Review and monitor the plan periodically.
• Provide information on the location and condition of all ACM’s to anyone liable to work on or disturb them.

Survey Types and Definitions

• Type 1: Location and assessment survey (Presumptive survey).
• Type 2: Standard sampling, identification and assessment survey (Sampling survey).
• Type 3: Full access sampling and identification survey (Pre-demolition / Major refurbishment survey).

Assistance and Practical Help
Hertel services can assist the duty holder in the following areas:

• Identification and Quantification
• Desk Top Studies.
• Asbestos Survey Works, type 1, 2 & 3, which are compliant with the MDHS 100.
• Create and update asbestos survey registers using electronic database systems.
• Provide asbestos awareness training.
• Carry out statutory annual asbestos audits and provide the premises with an up dated register.
• Writing, reviewing & implementing of asbestos policies and asbestos management plans.
• Assess contractors for competency and resourcing.
• Assist or manage the procurement of asbestos abatement programmes.
• Project manage asbestos abatement programs.