Competence is key: Ensure asbestos surveyors are qualified for the job

Posted on June 18, 2010 with 6 Comments

Abestos surveys are only effective if competent Asbestos surveyors are employed to do them… That is one of the key messages being promoted at HSE’s roadshows to help explain new guidance devised for those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos.

‘Asbestos: The survey guide’ (Ref: HSG264) which was published by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in January is aimed at those who commission asbestos surveys, the surveyors who carry them out and those who use them such as architects and demolition or removal contractors.

A number of successful road shows, attended by surveyors and health and safety professionals have already taken place with further events scheduled for Cardiff (19 May), Birmingham (16 June) and London (30 June).

Dr Martin Gibson, author of the guide and a Principal Specialist Inspector for HSE said:

The new guide stipulates that clients and duty holders only engage a Asbestos surveying organisation that is competent. This can be demonstrated either through the organisation being accredited and/or individual surveyors having their own certification.

The guide strongly recommends the use of UKAS accredited or ABICS certified surveyors for asbestos surveys

“Ensuring that contractors are competent to do asbestos surveys should be a top priority for those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos.

“Those organisations or individuals without accreditation and/or certification will find it more difficult to demonstrate that they are competent, so by employing a contractor with accreditation and/or certification, dutyholders can better meet their legal requirements.”

Martin Stear, Chair of the ABICS certification scheme added:

“ABICS certification is a new scheme which certifies individuals, and has been introduced to expand the options for demonstrating competency. Clients engaging certificated surveyors can be assured that surveys will be undertaken by competent people”.

Rob Bettinson of UKAS stated:

“UKAS accreditation for surveying companies is a well established scheme. Accredited organisations can demonstrate that not only do they have competent surveyors but they are also working within a well defined management system that provides confidence in the surveying procedures that are used. Clients can have confidence that accredited surveyors will provide a quality service.”

We are also arranging a series of informal Asbestos focused question and answers sessions at Spectra Analysis’ offices in Basildon

These sessions are planned to be about one hour long and are free to attend.

The next session will be held at 9am on the 2nd July and then we will hold the rest on the first Friday of every month in August and September. 

Light refreshments will be available, so come along and pick our teams brains in a relaxed environment. We are on hand to talk about becoming fully compliant with the new asbestos guidance HSG264 for Dutyholders. 

Places are extremely limited and will be issued on a first come, first served basis. So please don’t miss out on this great opportunity to expand your knowledge of Asbestos Surveying. Please contact Angela Chouaib on 07825 369 381 to book your space today!

For more news about Asbestos Surveys from the http://www.ukas-asbestos-surveys.co.uk/ blog. Subscribe to this here

Where can people find out more information on Asbestos?

Web: http://www.spectra-analysis.co.uk/

Blog: http://www.ukas-asbestos-surveys.co.uk/

Telephone: 01268 534 380

Call Angela Chouaib direct : 07825 369 381

Email: AngelaChouaib@spectra-analysis.co.uk

Facebook: Spectra Analysis

Twitter: AsbestosAngel