Wednesday, 6 August 2008
ACM or asbestos containing material can be very dangerous to remove if you do not have experts in the field run a risk assessment of the ACM or asbestos containing material. We have many years experience in the removal of asbestos containing material, ACM, and we follow the government's guidelines for the removal to the letter. We run a risk assessment to0 see what risks could arise from the removal of the asbestos or material containing it.Surveying and sampling ACM, or asbestos containing material can give rise to exposure to asbestos and is covered by CAWR, which require an assessment and plan of work to be made, setting out the control measures and personal protective equipment to be used. It also requires that adequate information, training and refresher training have been given to the sampling personnel. Sampling ACMs is, however, exempt from the Asbestos Regulations as amended,7 but is covered by the CAWR ACOP on unlicensed work.8 As other hazards may be present, such as working at heights and electrical hazards, a risk assessment will need to be carried out before commencing work on site (see paragraph 25). It should include any safety aspects and record any safety protocol to be observed on site. Fire alarm procedures should be included.
Several of the management options apply to all ACM or asbestos containing material and are required by CAWR. Others are appropriate for ACMs which have a high material or risk assessment score. Guidance on risk assessment and the management of asbestos will be available from HSE. Advice from the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is also available. The purpose of the material assessment is to establish the relative ability of various types of ACM to release fibres into the air, should they be disturbed. The type of fibre is also taken into account. This assessment can be carried out as an integral part of the survey, as it requires no knowledge about the building use etc. A simple four parameter additive algorithm is used to assess the likely magnitude of release from the material, given a standard disturbance.
Labels: Asbestos Containing Material
