What do I need to consider during my asbestos removal project?

Before procuring an asbestos removal contractor, there are several things to consider before works commence; Is the work licensable, non-licensable or notifiable non-licensable, what is the timeline for removal, what documentation do you need to ensure the works have been carried out correctly (including waste disposal checks).

Our article ‘What to look out for during your asbestos removal project’ is our 10 step guide detailing what the various definitions of asbestos removal works mean, what timeline to expect, and how to make your asbestos removal project a success. 

Project Management

Whilst each project has a unique specification, tasks undertaken usually include:

• Reviewing removal contractors’ method statements, risk assessments, training records, face fit test results, medicals etc. to ensure compliance with regulations and client requirements
• Inspection and monitoring of equipment and site environment i.e. housekeeping, plant and equipment (negative pressure units, decontamination units, and HVACs)
• Monitoring and advising the asbestos removal contractor on their methods and techniques to achieve compliance with the specification, appropriate guidance, and agreed standards of work
• Carry out audits of the removal contractors to check compliance with the Framework Client’s site safety procedures and guidance and best practice.

All activities and inspections are recorded in the project diary, including checks and photographs of the enclosures, waste routes and DCU, and copies of the Waste Carriers License and other documents. This information feeds into the asbestos analysts summary report for review in a full step by step record of the work on-site. 

The project diary is accessible to our clients via the NexGen portal to monitor remotely while works are going on, providing complete visibility from start to finish. The diary is updated in real-time, giving you assurance that works are being carried out as required and under the supervision of our qualified, trusted analytical staff. 

We also provide the following services through our asbestos management consultants:

• Asbestos removal specification services assess the risks and capture the preferred techniques for managing each asbestos containing material within the context of the building works. Our consultants prepare the specification with our clients, taking into account locations, methodology and the extent of the actual asbestos removal activity which has been planned.

Working collaboratively with all contractors on site, the specification will take into account all information and knowledge provided by your contractors.

• Contractor Vetting / Approval. A usually safe working environment can be directly affected by contractors that are engaged. Our contractor vetting service ensures that the suppliers you use minimise the risk associated with their work. 
• Our selection process can be tailored to meet PAS91 Construction Pre-qualification Questionnaires to ensure that not only health and safety arrangements are considered but also financial, equal opportunity, environmental and quality aspects are assessed.
• Tender management. Managing the tender process for the Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor, our asbestos management consultants  ensure complete compliance with any client procurement policies. This includes tender administration, dealing with subsequent enquiries within the tender period, managing contractor visits to the site, assessment and evaluation of all tenders received, production of a tender report including recommendations and management of the LARC appointment process. 
• Tender scopes are agreed with the client prior submitting to contractors and all contractors are usually invited to visit the site, where we discuss the scope/specification and clarify any queries. We then provide clients with a review and summary of the submissions, with recommendations for appointments. 
• When fulfilling the role of Project Supervisor Design Process (PSDP) under the Safety Health & Welfare at Work (Construction Regulations) (and the Principal Designer under the CDM 2015 regulations), we provide a completion pack which acts as the project health and safety file, including all records pertaining to the asbestos removal work. The project completion pack is delivered within 10 days of project completion.

As part of the four stage clearance process conducted by our Environmental team, utilising our UKAS accredited laboratory, the clearance testing procedure will be carried in accordance with Asbestos: The analysts guide for sampling, analysis and clearance procedures (2005) HSG248.

It is the sole responsibility of the asbestos removal contractor to ensure the cleanliness of the area in advance of the analysts performing the visual inspection (stage 2 of the 4 stage clearance procedure). After the visual inspection is completed, asbestos air monitoring and testing is required to obtain your clearance certificate, certifying that your building is safe to reoccupy.

What are my responsibilities?

Under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, it is the responsibility of the duty holder to ensure any asbestos has been identified prior to the commencement of works. Employers must not undertake work until a suitable & sufficient assessment has been undertaken (i.e. asbestos type, matrix, location and condition), with the aim to prevent or reduce potential exposures to asbestos and reduce any risks to the lowest practicable level.

We work independently from all licensed asbestos removal contractors (LARC), operating only in asbestos inspection, testing and consultancy services. We have an independent assurance team internally to impartially monitor our performance so you can be assured that you asbestos removal project is being monitored without bias.

Minimise your risks and partner with the UK's largest provider of holistic asbestos services. Click 'Make an Enquiry' now or give our team a call on 0345 5040 303