HSG264 The Asbestos Surveyors Guide

Posted on July 15, 2010 with 2 Comments

The SHP reported that In January this year, the HSE published new guidance on asbestos surveying, which explicitly advocates the need to be able to demonstrate and ensure competency. Martin Gibson, Martin Stear and Jon Murthy explain how both surveyors and duty-holders can do so.

The HSE estimates that asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are still present in some 500,000 commercial properties in the UK. No one really knows how much asbestos still remains in UK buildings but those built before 1999, when asbestos was finally banned, are likely to still contain some, with those pre-dating 1985, when blue and brown asbestos were banned, causing the most concern.

Asbestos roadshow – Today in Portsmouth

Posted on July 12, 2010 with 1 Comment

The National Asbestos Helpline (NAH) will be parking its tour bus in Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, today 13th July 2010.

The roadshow is being held to increase awareness of the devastating effects of asbestos exposure and to educate the public to be aware of  the risks.

ASBESTOS – When am I at risk?

Posted on July 8, 2010 with 3 Comments

 You are mostly at risk when:

• You are working on an unfamiliar site
• The building you are working on was built before the year 2000
• Asbestos-containing materials were not identified before the job was started
• Asbestos-containing materials were identified but this information was not passed on by the people in charge to the people doing the work
• You don’t know how to recognise and work safely with asbestos
• You know how to work safely with asbestos but you choose to put yourself at risk by not following proper precautions, perhaps to save time or because no one else is following proper procedures

Remember, as long as the asbestos is not damaged or located somewhere where it can be easily damaged it won’t be a risk to you.

Edinburgh Arts centre in asbestos nightmare

Posted on July 2, 2010 with 1 Comment

The Edinburgh Evening News have reported that a community arts centre has been forced to seal off its basement after asbestos was found around several pipes.

Craigmillar Community Arts on Newcraighall Road has used the basement for storage for several years, with staff going in and out to retrieve equipment. And concerns have been raised that the asbestos has been exposed for several years.

HSG264 – Audio Podcast

Posted on June 30, 2010 with No Comments

The Health & Safety Executive recently issued Asbestos: The Survey Guide (HSG264).  

The new guidance is specifically aimed at surveyors who carry out asbestos surveys and those who commission the surveys. (Client / Duty Holders).  

The client/duty holder has been given more guidance in the selection of the inspection body/surveyor and their own responsibilities under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 reinforced.