This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
ASBESTOS & HAZARDOUS SUBSTANCES


REMAINING COMPLIANT


The Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, ARCA, advises companies how to remain compliant with health and safety regulations when undertaking asbestos management procedures.


The human cost of asbestos disease is devastating, with current figures from the Health & Safety Executive showing that approximately 4,500 people die each year in the UK from asbestos related diseases. However, it is important to note that significant exposure to asbestos is entirely avoidable.


When undertaking an asbestos management project clients always have the final say on the course of action to be taken. They are at the head of the procurement chain, and are free to set the standards on how a project is to be delivered. They are also in a position to make arrangements to check that those delivering the project are doing what they need to do to manage health and safety efficiently.


SO, WHAT DOES THE LAW SAY? The law requires clients to make suitable arrangements for managing asbestos projects, as well as maintaining and reviewing these arrangements throughout the project, so the scheme is carried out in a way that manages the health and safety risks.


Under Sections 2 and 3 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, commercial clients have a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees and any persons who


22


visit their premises or may be affected by work done on their premises.


Also the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 (CDM 2015) places explicit responsibilities on clients.


Good coordination and cooperation between all parties is a must for a project to be successful, as client decisions, actions and inaction have an enormous impact on how work can be delivered.


Clients are not expected to be ‘experts’ in either construction work or asbestos work, and do not need to directly manage or supervise the work themselves. However, they are responsible for ensuring appropriate arrangements are in place to manage and organise projects during both the ‘pre-construction’ and ‘construction’ phases of the project.


APPOINTING AN


ASBESTOS CONTRACTOR This means clients need to appoint suitably competent people, therefore they need to make reasonable enquiries to satisfy themselves that contractors are appropriately resourced and competent for the work. The client will then need to provide the contractor with sufficient information, time and resources to


do the job properly. For example, an asbestos removal contractor will need appropriate pre-construction information in order to prepare a suitable work plan, and contractors need time and access to assess the premises properly and discuss key site information with the client.


Also, an analyst must be appointed for licensed asbestos work, and it is desirable that the analyst is employed directly by the client. The analyst will be required to verify that a work area has been thoroughly cleaned and that airborne fibres in the work area are as low as reasonably practicable, prior to handover for reoccupation or demolition.


The financial and reputational costs of getting asbestos management wrong are substantial. With a well communicated structured approach to asbestos management, clients can ensure that they meet the challenge to comply with health and safety regulations.


To support all clients, the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), has published ‘Guidance on Clients Responsibilities on appointing Asbestos Contractors’ which is available as a free download on the ARCA website, please click here.


arca.org.uk www.tomorrowshs.com


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64