Is your school compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?
A large number of schools and other public buildings contain asbestos – often in the fabric of the building. Its presence alone should not cause concern, provided it is managed properly. Many schools, built before 2000, will contain asbestos, of the 29,000 schools in Britain, more than 75% contain asbestos. School buildings may contain asbestos if any part of them was built before 2000.
Nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are not obliged to tell you if their premises contain asbestos. Do you know about the buildings your children, friends and families attend contains asbestos?
Asbestos what is the risk?
Asbestos that is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged or disturbed is not a significant risk to health. The Department for Education referred nearly 700 schools in England to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as they did not provide evidence that they were managing asbestos in line with regulatory requirements.
The most likely way asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) will create a risk in schools is when they are disturbed or damaged through maintenance, repair or construction activities. Disturbance could also occur by an accidental football or a thrown bag if asbestos is not managed satisfactorily within high footfall areas.
What to look out for?
Asbestos-containing materials within schools (ACM’s) include:
Asbestos lagging, thermal insulation on pipes and boilers
Sprayed asbestos used for thermal insulation to ceilings and void spaces
Asbestos-insulating board (AIB) used for fire protection, thermal insulation, wall and ceiling tiles and partitioning in classrooms
Floor coverings such as lino’s and floor tiles
Cement materials used for sheeting, roofing and guttering
Textured coating and finishes to walls and ceilings
Woven materials to electrics
Who is at risk?
School caretakers are a particular group at risk due to the nature of their work, eg drilling and fixing. Other contractors may be at risk while undertaking maintenance or installation work, while at the school. If asbestos is disturbed during such work, there is a risk that fibres will be released and create risk to others in the school. This fibre release increases the risk of exposure to asbetsos of anyone using the school buildings such as staff and pupils.
This means that teachers and pupils are unlikely to be at risk in the course of their normal activities in a school where the asbestos has been identified and a safe management strategy is in place.
Who is responsible for asbestos management in schools?
Anyone who has responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises, including schools, is a ‘dutyholder’ as defined in Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
For community schools, community special schools, voluntary-controlled schools, maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units, this could be the local authority. For academies, free schools, voluntary-aided and foundation schools, it will be the school governors. For independent schools, it may be the proprietor, governors or trustees.
The dutyholder’s responsibilities?
The duty holder must assess and manage the risks from asbestos to employees and others that may be likely to disturb asbetsos. They must also ensure that anyone who is likely to work on, or disturb, asbestos is provided with information about its location and condition. This is enabled by;
The ‘management survey’ this will identify if any asbestos-containing materials are present within the school.
Assess the risks associated with ACM’s in your school. Assess the material type, condition, location and likelihood of fibre release.
Devise an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP’s). The asbestos management plan identifies the risks posed by the asbestos present in the property and sets out procedures to control them. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 states that “all duty holders with known or presumed asbestos within their premises must have an effective written asbestos management plan in place.
Make sure staff, visitors and contractors know the risks and precautions they need to take.
Keep the management of asbestos in your school under review. This will include a review of the management plan, re-inspection surveys, training for staff, remediation of high risk items.
What can you do and how can Summit Environmental help?
Summit Environmental can provide:
Independent assessments
Asbestos management and refurbishment surveys
Asbestos re-inspection surveys
Asbestos exposure investigations
Asbestos management plans
Asbestos remediation management
Consultancy and advice
If you have concerns regarding asbestos in schools or other premises where asbestos may be present, Contact us at [email protected] for more advice or information.
https://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/classroom-2093744_1920.jpg13721920markhttp://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.pngmark2020-06-22 17:48:142021-05-08 15:04:31Asbestos management and compliance in schools.
Summit Environmental recently applied for CHAS accreditation, today we received our certificate!!
For those not in construction, what exactly is CHAS accreditation?
CHAS Accreditation
CHAS stands for the:
Contractors
Health and Safety
Assessment
Scheme
What does CHAS do?
The purpose of CHAS is to help both buyers and suppliers in the assessment of health and safety competence.
How do you get CHAS?
CHAS undertook a rigorous vetting process in which our health and safety procedures and our track record for safe practice were examined.
Our Commitment?
Our CHAS accreditation confirms our commitment to Heath and safety by completing annual assessments showing we are maintaining the high levels of health and safety management required and affirms our dedication towards maintaining good health and safety standards.
For more information on our accreditation, asbestos or hazardous material testing, consultancy or risk management contact us at
On April 19th one of our Directors Mark Elwell is running the Brighton Marathon in aid of Kangaroo’s.
“Kangaroos is a great local charity, with funding for all charities being reduced, corporate and business support plays a huge role in helping charities like kangaroos make a real difference”
Kangaroos is a registered charity based in Mid Sussex providing a range of fun, inclusive social and leisure activities in our local community all year round for children and young adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. They enable children to have a social life with their peers and give them opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities, supported by their experienced staff and volunteers.
For more information on events or if you fancy taking part in your own challenge for Kangaroos, then please get in touch with Kanagroos.
Summit Environmental has chosen Flow Surveying Software, developed by Flow Software Solutions, as our surveying software.
After evaluating other software products on the market, we were impressed by the speed and ease of use of the Flow Surveying App. Our investment in this software will help Summit Environmental’s goal to reach a million pounds in turnover while offering the best service and quality to our customers.
The surveying app uses cutting edge technology for the fast collection of on-site asbestos survey data. The software works on Android and IOS devices, and allows us to work in areas with a poor internet connection, and create UKAS compliant reports for clients.
Summit Environmental’s managing director, Mark previously worked with Flow Software Solutions co-founder David King at Lucion Environmental Services in Newcastle Upon Tyne. ‘David understands that Mark is keen to deliver the best quality of service to his clients and embrace modern technology’.
“We are delighted to build on our previous relationship with Mark and provide his company Summit Environmental with a cutting edge asbestos surveying solution. Our goal is to help Mark achieve his ambition of growing Summit and delivering excellent service” – Paul King – Flow Software Solutions
The Flow Software Solutions team has recreated our existing asbestos survey templates in their system. This will let us create asbestos management reports instantly, without any fuss. By implementing this new software, we can make time savings, increase profits, and offer the best service for our clients. The result will be a faster turnaround time for reports, high-quality documents, and even more focus on delivering excellent results.
Other reports will soon follow, for asbestos demolition, refurbishment, and re-inspection surveys. At Summit we provide surveying services for a wide range of hazardous deleterious materials, so there is plenty of room to grow our technology capabilities with Flow.
At Summit Environmental, we are always looking for new ways to improve our process and customer experience. We are looking forward to continuing this business relationship with Flow Software Solutions, as we grow the company and take on new clients.
Summit Environmental is proud to be one of the sponsors at Kangaroo’s forthcoming silver charity ball on Saturday 23rd November at the wonderful Buxted Park Hotel.
Mid Sussex charity, Kangaroos provides clubs and trips out for children and young adults with a range of learning disabilities and valuable respite for over 230 families.
There are a few seats still available so if you would be interested in supporting this event then click on the link below for more details and to purchase tickets.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kangaroos-silver-ball-tickets-69432359055
For information about the charity, visit their website www.kangaroos.org.uk
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 covers work with asbestos, and licensing of asbestos-removal activities. Regulation 4 contains an explicit duty on the owners and occupiers of non-domestic premises, who have maintenance and repair responsibilities, to assess and manage the risks from the presence of asbestos.
The ‘duty to manage asbestos’ requirements of regulation 4 of CAR 2012 do not normally apply to domestic premises. However, the requirements do apply to common parts of premises, including housing developments and blocks of flats. Examples of common parts would include foyers, corridors, and lifts and lift shafts, staircases, boiler houses, vertical risers, gardens, yards and outhouses.
What is the Duty?
The duty requires you to manage the risk from asbestos by:
Finding out if there is asbestos in the premises (or assessing if ACMs are liable to be present and making a presumption that materials contain asbestos, unless you have strong evidence that they do not), its location and what condition it is in;
Making and keeping an up-to-date record of the location and condition of the ACMs or presumed ACMs in your premises;
Assessing the risk from the material;
Preparing a plan that sets out in detail how you are going to manage the risk from this material;
Taking the steps needed to put your plan into action;
Reviewing and monitoring your plan and the arrangements made to put it in place; and
Setting up a system for providing information on the location and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb it.
How do dutyholder’s comply?
There are four essential steps:
Find out whether the premises contain asbestos, and, if so, where it is and what condition it is in. If in doubt, materials must be presumed to contain asbestos
Assess the risk from asbestos present in the premises
Make a plan to manage that risk and act on it
Provide this information to other employers (eg building contractors) who are likely to disturb any asbestos present, so that they can put in place appropriate control while the work is being done.
Summit Environmental….your partner in asbestos compliance!
We can guide you through your asbestos management process and help you comply with your legal obligations.
Asbestos surveys – identify asbestos in your premises by way of completing surveys; management, refurbishment or demolition.
Asbestos management plans – develop and implement and effective plan to ensure you are managing your asbestos effectively.
Asbestos re-inspections – following identification of asbestos materials, we complete annual re-inspections and monitor and report on the asbestos previously identified.
Training – asbestos awareness, management training and CPD sessions
Asbestos remediation scoping, tendering and remediation management – Once identified, we will advise you on the best way to deal with asbestos in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective way.
https://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-newstudychal.jpg480800markhttp://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.pngmark2019-10-09 20:56:462021-05-08 21:07:57Compliance with The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR, 2012)
Most old paintwork is likely to have some lead content and the older the paintwork the higher that lead content is likely to be. Lead-based paint in the United Kingdom was banned from sale in 1992; therefore lead may be present in historic building stock prior to 1992 under modern coverings and coatings.
Lead paints were used in a variety of product types for a range of uses such as on doors, door frames, stairs, banisters, window frames and sills, flooring, pipe-work, radiators, soffit’s, fascia’s and garage doors. These were used both internally and externally to wood, metal and other surfaces.
Lead surveys and assessments are a legal requirement for all commercial building and refurbishment projects wherever paintwork is liable to be disturbed, regardless of the type of building or structure.
Exposure to lead
Lead paint becomes an exposure risk when it is damaged or disturbed such as during refurbishment and demolition projects. The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) places a duty on employers to prevent, or where this is not reasonably practicable, to control employee exposure to lead. Exposures to lead can occur by inhaling, ingesting or absorbing lead paint chips, lead dust or fumes.
Lead poisoning damages the nervous system (especially in young children) and can cause serious blood and brain disorders. Lead poisoning symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, irritability, memory problems, inability to have children, and tingling in the hands and feet. In severe cases anaemia, seizures, coma, or death may occur.
Lead Testing, Sampling and Assessments
Lead in paint or other materials? Summit Environmental can survey or undertake sample testing and complete lead assessments for the presence of lead in paints and other materials.
Once identified Summit Environmental is able to design and employ safe systems of work, inclusive of full risk assessments to reduce or prevent lead exposure.
What is ‘asbestos abatement’ and ‘asbestos remediation’?
Some Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) are more vulnerable to damage and therefore more likely to release fibres than others. ACM’s which are in good condition, sealed and/or repaired are unlikely to be disturbed and can be left in situ. When ACM’s are disturbed, they are likely to release airborne fibres which can then pose a risk to health.
The term ‘asbestos abatement’ is used to refer to procedures that are used to control fibre release from asbestos containing materials in a building, or to remove the materials entirely. Remediation can include removal, encapsulation by way of over boarding or encasement and finally repair.
‘Asbestos abatement’ and ‘asbestos remediation’ is a specialist service and should only be undertaken by competent contractors.
How do you know the company you are appointing is competent?
Damaged asbestos or a legacy issue?
Many removal jobs in the past were not carried out to a high specification and quantities of asbestos debris may remain in an area supposedly now free of asbestos. A number of buildings are also still requiring surveys, once identified asbestos management and often remediation is required.
Summit Environmental and Asbestos Remediation Management
Managing an asbestos repair or removal contract can be a time-consuming and complex business. We work for our clients and ensure we provide appropriate guidance to our client. Our advice and consultancy services can be based around;
• Enabling and Planning – Writing asbestos removal specifications and tender documentation, completing tenders and appointment of approved Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s). This can also include audits and vetting of method statements and plans of work.
• During – Full site management and supervision of contractors, with provision of UKAS accredited asbestos fibre air monitoring.
• On completion – We can update asbestos registers following works and complete site audits and investigations.
Contact us at Summit Environmental if you have asbestos that needs management, remediation management during removal or any of our bespoke services above.
https://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/ff3b7199-ffa8-4ea4-b5f7-73daf0e3fe65.jpg3071600markhttp://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.pngmark2019-08-02 12:06:442021-05-08 21:11:03What is 'asbestos abatement' and 'asbestos remediation'?
What are Deleterious Materials?
Deleterious materials are materials or building techniques that are dangerous to health, environmentally unfriendly, tend to fail in practice or can be susceptible to change over the lifetime of the material.
Every year, thousands of workers are made unwell by hazardous substances; this includes workers contracting lung diseases such as asthma and lung cancer or skin diseases such as dermatitis.
Types of Deleterious Materials found in historic buildings include;
• Asbestos – Asbestos is the most written about deleterious material; Please see our other blogs for information on asbestos hazards and management.
• Vermiculite – Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. However, some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled.
• Silica Dust – Silica dust is the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos, Natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay and in used in products such as bricks and concrete. These are widely distributed across the construction industry. Silica dust is released into the air follow drilling, grinding and cutting.
• Greenhouse Gases (CFC’s, HCFC’s and HCFC’s) – Primarily used in refrigeration and produced by industrial processes. Greenhouse Gases are also used in spray/blown foams used for insulation such as pipe insulation’s and linings to air conditioning units. Also widely used as propellants in aerosols and solvents.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) – Volatile Organic Compounds are widely used as ingredients in household products such as paints, varnishes and waxes, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic and de-greasing products. VOC’s add to issues such as tropospheric ozone and smog in the environment.
• Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF’s) and Man Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF’s) – MMMF Man Made Mineral Fibres main uses are as thermal insulation, mineral wools are widely used within the building trade. Refractory Ceramic Fibres main application is as lining material for kilns and furnaces.
• Lead – Visual inspection of most solid lead installations is possible, for example lead pipes and lead flashing. Materials such as paints need samples to be taken and sent to the lab for analysis.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s) – PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment; capacitors, transformers, fluorescent lights and switchgear because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators.
• Mercury – If mercury vapour is inhaled, it is easily absorbed by the body, where it first gets into the lungs and from there into the blood and the brain.
• Hair plaster – Historic plaster reinforced with animal hair was sometimes contaminated with the bacterium Bacillus anthracis which is the causative agent of the disease Anthrax.
• Polyurethane Foam – main use is as rigid foam boards used for insulation and linings within construction. These can be used as insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Prefabricated PIR sandwich panels are manufactured with corrosion-protected, corrugated steel facings bonded to a core of PIR foam and used extensively as roofing insulation and vertical walls
• Urea Formaldehyde used in adhesives, finishes, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and moulded objects such as electrical plugs and sockets. Urea Formaldehyde has physical properties of high hardness and high toughness. Widely used as Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) dates to the 1930s and widely made into a synthetic insulation for wall cavities.
How to deal with Deleterious Materials?
Proactive management of health and safety in the workplace helps organisations prevent injuries and ill-health at work.
Early identification and sampling is required to minimise the likelihood of potential exposure to a deleterious or hazardous material
Risk assessments, control measures and safe systems of work and required by law to reduce risks to health and safety and the environment
Contact Summit Environmental for further support and to ensure you are complying with regulations
https://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/IMG_20190404_114622546-2.jpg24483264markhttp://summitenvironmental.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/Logo.pngmark2019-07-10 15:04:052021-05-08 21:13:11What are Deleterious Materials?
Asbestos management and compliance in schools.
/0 Comments/in Asbestos, Asbestos Compliance /by markIs your school compliant with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012?
A large number of schools and other public buildings contain asbestos – often in the fabric of the building. Its presence alone should not cause concern, provided it is managed properly. Many schools, built before 2000, will contain asbestos, of the 29,000 schools in Britain, more than 75% contain asbestos. School buildings may contain asbestos if any part of them was built before 2000.
Nurseries, schools, colleges and universities are not obliged to tell you if their premises contain asbestos. Do you know about the buildings your children, friends and families attend contains asbestos?
Asbestos what is the risk?
Asbestos that is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged or disturbed is not a significant risk to health. The Department for Education referred nearly 700 schools in England to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) as they did not provide evidence that they were managing asbestos in line with regulatory requirements.
The most likely way asbestos containing materials (ACM’s) will create a risk in schools is when they are disturbed or damaged through maintenance, repair or construction activities. Disturbance could also occur by an accidental football or a thrown bag if asbestos is not managed satisfactorily within high footfall areas.
What to look out for?
Asbestos-containing materials within schools (ACM’s) include:
Who is at risk?
School caretakers are a particular group at risk due to the nature of their work, eg drilling and fixing. Other contractors may be at risk while undertaking maintenance or installation work, while at the school. If asbestos is disturbed during such work, there is a risk that fibres will be released and create risk to others in the school. This fibre release increases the risk of exposure to asbetsos of anyone using the school buildings such as staff and pupils.
This means that teachers and pupils are unlikely to be at risk in the course of their normal activities in a school where the asbestos has been identified and a safe management strategy is in place.
Who is responsible for asbestos management in schools?
Anyone who has responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises, including schools, is a ‘dutyholder’ as defined in Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
For community schools, community special schools, voluntary-controlled schools, maintained nursery schools and pupil referral units, this could be the local authority. For academies, free schools, voluntary-aided and foundation schools, it will be the school governors. For independent schools, it may be the proprietor, governors or trustees.
The dutyholder’s responsibilities?
The duty holder must assess and manage the risks from asbestos to employees and others that may be likely to disturb asbetsos. They must also ensure that anyone who is likely to work on, or disturb, asbestos is provided with information about its location and condition. This is enabled by;
What can you do and how can Summit Environmental help?
Summit Environmental can provide:
If you have concerns regarding asbestos in schools or other premises where asbestos may be present, Contact us at [email protected] for more advice or information.
Recent articles include
https://www.theguardian.com/education/2019/jul/04/700-english-schools-reported-over-asbestos-safety-concerns
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2019/07/03/asbestos-found-nearly-half-local-authority-run-primary-schools/
https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/politics/asbestos-danger-5000-primary-schools-17325850
Summit Environmental become CHAS Accredited
/0 Comments/in Asbestos /by markSummit Environmental recently applied for CHAS accreditation, today we received our certificate!!
For those not in construction, what exactly is CHAS accreditation?
CHAS Accreditation
CHAS stands for the:
What does CHAS do?
The purpose of CHAS is to help both buyers and suppliers in the assessment of health and safety competence.
How do you get CHAS?
CHAS undertook a rigorous vetting process in which our health and safety procedures and our track record for safe practice were examined.
Our Commitment?
Our CHAS accreditation confirms our commitment to Heath and safety by completing annual assessments showing we are maintaining the high levels of health and safety management required and affirms our dedication towards maintaining good health and safety standards.
For more information on our accreditation, asbestos or hazardous material testing, consultancy or risk management contact us at
http://www.summitenvironmental.co.uk
[email protected]
Brighton Marathon 2020
/0 Comments/in Kangaroo /by markOn April 19th one of our Directors Mark Elwell is running the Brighton Marathon in aid of Kangaroo’s.
“Kangaroos is a great local charity, with funding for all charities being reduced, corporate and business support plays a huge role in helping charities like kangaroos make a real difference”
The link to our just giving page is;
https://justgiving.com/fundraising/mark-elwell-1980
Kangaroos is a registered charity based in Mid Sussex providing a range of fun, inclusive social and leisure activities in our local community all year round for children and young adults with learning disabilities and additional needs. They enable children to have a social life with their peers and give them opportunities to enjoy a wide range of activities, supported by their experienced staff and volunteers.
For more information on events or if you fancy taking part in your own challenge for Kangaroos, then please get in touch with Kanagroos.
Upgrading our Surveying with Flow Asbestos Surveying Software
/0 Comments/in Summit Environmental sponsors local charities /by markSummit Environmental has chosen Flow Surveying Software, developed by Flow Software Solutions, as our surveying software.
After evaluating other software products on the market, we were impressed by the speed and ease of use of the Flow Surveying App. Our investment in this software will help Summit Environmental’s goal to reach a million pounds in turnover while offering the best service and quality to our customers.
The surveying app uses cutting edge technology for the fast collection of on-site asbestos survey data. The software works on Android and IOS devices, and allows us to work in areas with a poor internet connection, and create UKAS compliant reports for clients.
Summit Environmental’s managing director, Mark previously worked with Flow Software Solutions co-founder David King at Lucion Environmental Services in Newcastle Upon Tyne. ‘David understands that Mark is keen to deliver the best quality of service to his clients and embrace modern technology’.
“We are delighted to build on our previous relationship with Mark and provide his company Summit Environmental with a cutting edge asbestos surveying solution. Our goal is to help Mark achieve his ambition of growing Summit and delivering excellent service” – Paul King – Flow Software Solutions
The Flow Software Solutions team has recreated our existing asbestos survey templates in their system. This will let us create asbestos management reports instantly, without any fuss. By implementing this new software, we can make time savings, increase profits, and offer the best service for our clients. The result will be a faster turnaround time for reports, high-quality documents, and even more focus on delivering excellent results.
Other reports will soon follow, for asbestos demolition, refurbishment, and re-inspection surveys. At Summit we provide surveying services for a wide range of hazardous deleterious materials, so there is plenty of room to grow our technology capabilities with Flow.
At Summit Environmental, we are always looking for new ways to improve our process and customer experience. We are looking forward to continuing this business relationship with Flow Software Solutions, as we grow the company and take on new clients.
Website: https://flowmobile.app
Summit Environmental proudly sponsors Kangaroos Silver Ball
/0 Comments/in Kangaroo, Kangaroo /by markSummit Environmental is proud to be one of the sponsors at Kangaroo’s forthcoming silver charity ball on Saturday 23rd November at the wonderful Buxted Park Hotel.
Mid Sussex charity, Kangaroos provides clubs and trips out for children and young adults with a range of learning disabilities and valuable respite for over 230 families.
There are a few seats still available so if you would be interested in supporting this event then click on the link below for more details and to purchase tickets.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/kangaroos-silver-ball-tickets-69432359055
For information about the charity, visit their website www.kangaroos.org.uk
Compliance with The Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR, 2012)
/0 Comments/in Asbestos, Asbestos Compliance /by markThe Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR, 2012)
The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 covers work with asbestos, and licensing of asbestos-removal activities. Regulation 4 contains an explicit duty on the owners and occupiers of non-domestic premises, who have maintenance and repair responsibilities, to assess and manage the risks from the presence of asbestos.
The ‘duty to manage asbestos’ requirements of regulation 4 of CAR 2012 do not normally apply to domestic premises. However, the requirements do apply to common parts of premises, including housing developments and blocks of flats. Examples of common parts would include foyers, corridors, and lifts and lift shafts, staircases, boiler houses, vertical risers, gardens, yards and outhouses.
What is the Duty?
The duty requires you to manage the risk from asbestos by:
Finding out if there is asbestos in the premises (or assessing if ACMs are liable to be present and making a presumption that materials contain asbestos, unless you have strong evidence that they do not), its location and what condition it is in;
Making and keeping an up-to-date record of the location and condition of the ACMs or presumed ACMs in your premises;
Assessing the risk from the material;
Preparing a plan that sets out in detail how you are going to manage the risk from this material;
Taking the steps needed to put your plan into action;
Reviewing and monitoring your plan and the arrangements made to put it in place; and
Setting up a system for providing information on the location and condition of the material to anyone who is liable to work on or disturb it.
How do dutyholder’s comply?
There are four essential steps:
Find out whether the premises contain asbestos, and, if so, where it is and what condition it is in. If in doubt, materials must be presumed to contain asbestos
Assess the risk from asbestos present in the premises
Make a plan to manage that risk and act on it
Provide this information to other employers (eg building contractors) who are likely to disturb any asbestos present, so that they can put in place appropriate control while the work is being done.
Summit Environmental….your partner in asbestos compliance!
We can guide you through your asbestos management process and help you comply with your legal obligations.
Asbestos surveys – identify asbestos in your premises by way of completing surveys; management, refurbishment or demolition.
Asbestos management plans – develop and implement and effective plan to ensure you are managing your asbestos effectively.
Asbestos re-inspections – following identification of asbestos materials, we complete annual re-inspections and monitor and report on the asbestos previously identified.
Training – asbestos awareness, management training and CPD sessions
Asbestos remediation scoping, tendering and remediation management – Once identified, we will advise you on the best way to deal with asbestos in the most efficient, safe and cost-effective way.
Lead Containing Materials
/0 Comments/in Deleterious Materials, Hazardous Materials /by markLead Containing Materials
Most old paintwork is likely to have some lead content and the older the paintwork the higher that lead content is likely to be. Lead-based paint in the United Kingdom was banned from sale in 1992; therefore lead may be present in historic building stock prior to 1992 under modern coverings and coatings.
Lead paints were used in a variety of product types for a range of uses such as on doors, door frames, stairs, banisters, window frames and sills, flooring, pipe-work, radiators, soffit’s, fascia’s and garage doors. These were used both internally and externally to wood, metal and other surfaces.
Lead surveys and assessments are a legal requirement for all commercial building and refurbishment projects wherever paintwork is liable to be disturbed, regardless of the type of building or structure.
Exposure to lead
Lead paint becomes an exposure risk when it is damaged or disturbed such as during refurbishment and demolition projects. The Control of Lead at Work Regulations 2002 (CLAW) places a duty on employers to prevent, or where this is not reasonably practicable, to control employee exposure to lead. Exposures to lead can occur by inhaling, ingesting or absorbing lead paint chips, lead dust or fumes.
Lead poisoning damages the nervous system (especially in young children) and can cause serious blood and brain disorders. Lead poisoning symptoms may include abdominal pain, constipation, headaches, irritability, memory problems, inability to have children, and tingling in the hands and feet. In severe cases anaemia, seizures, coma, or death may occur.
Lead Testing, Sampling and Assessments
Lead in paint or other materials? Summit Environmental can survey or undertake sample testing and complete lead assessments for the presence of lead in paints and other materials.
Once identified Summit Environmental is able to design and employ safe systems of work, inclusive of full risk assessments to reduce or prevent lead exposure.
For further information on cases where the HSE has prosecuted companies for exposing people to lead;
For further information in the CLAW 2002 Regulations see;
What is ‘asbestos abatement’ and ‘asbestos remediation’?
/0 Comments/in Asbestos /by markWhat is ‘asbestos abatement’ and ‘asbestos remediation’?
Some Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) are more vulnerable to damage and therefore more likely to release fibres than others. ACM’s which are in good condition, sealed and/or repaired are unlikely to be disturbed and can be left in situ. When ACM’s are disturbed, they are likely to release airborne fibres which can then pose a risk to health.
The term ‘asbestos abatement’ is used to refer to procedures that are used to control fibre release from asbestos containing materials in a building, or to remove the materials entirely. Remediation can include removal, encapsulation by way of over boarding or encasement and finally repair.
‘Asbestos abatement’ and ‘asbestos remediation’ is a specialist service and should only be undertaken by competent contractors.
How do you know the company you are appointing is competent?
Damaged asbestos or a legacy issue?
Many removal jobs in the past were not carried out to a high specification and quantities of asbestos debris may remain in an area supposedly now free of asbestos. A number of buildings are also still requiring surveys, once identified asbestos management and often remediation is required.
Summit Environmental and Asbestos Remediation Management
Managing an asbestos repair or removal contract can be a time-consuming and complex business. We work for our clients and ensure we provide appropriate guidance to our client. Our advice and consultancy services can be based around;
• Enabling and Planning – Writing asbestos removal specifications and tender documentation, completing tenders and appointment of approved Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors (LARC’s). This can also include audits and vetting of method statements and plans of work.
• During – Full site management and supervision of contractors, with provision of UKAS accredited asbestos fibre air monitoring.
• On completion – We can update asbestos registers following works and complete site audits and investigations.
Contact us at Summit Environmental if you have asbestos that needs management, remediation management during removal or any of our bespoke services above.
What are Deleterious Materials?
/0 Comments/in Deleterious Materials /by markWhat are Deleterious Materials?
Deleterious materials are materials or building techniques that are dangerous to health, environmentally unfriendly, tend to fail in practice or can be susceptible to change over the lifetime of the material.
Every year, thousands of workers are made unwell by hazardous substances; this includes workers contracting lung diseases such as asthma and lung cancer or skin diseases such as dermatitis.
Types of Deleterious Materials found in historic buildings include;
• Asbestos – Asbestos is the most written about deleterious material; Please see our other blogs for information on asbestos hazards and management.
• Vermiculite – Vermiculite itself has not been shown to be a health problem. However, some vermiculite insulation contained asbestos fibres, which can cause problems if inhaled.
• Silica Dust – Silica dust is the biggest risk to construction workers after asbestos, Natural substance found in most rocks, sand and clay and in used in products such as bricks and concrete. These are widely distributed across the construction industry. Silica dust is released into the air follow drilling, grinding and cutting.
• Greenhouse Gases (CFC’s, HCFC’s and HCFC’s) – Primarily used in refrigeration and produced by industrial processes. Greenhouse Gases are also used in spray/blown foams used for insulation such as pipe insulation’s and linings to air conditioning units. Also widely used as propellants in aerosols and solvents.
• Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) – Volatile Organic Compounds are widely used as ingredients in household products such as paints, varnishes and waxes, as do many cleaning, disinfecting, cosmetic and de-greasing products. VOC’s add to issues such as tropospheric ozone and smog in the environment.
• Refractory Ceramic fibres (RCF’s) and Man Made Mineral Fibres (MMMF’s) – MMMF Man Made Mineral Fibres main uses are as thermal insulation, mineral wools are widely used within the building trade. Refractory Ceramic Fibres main application is as lining material for kilns and furnaces.
• Lead – Visual inspection of most solid lead installations is possible, for example lead pipes and lead flashing. Materials such as paints need samples to be taken and sent to the lab for analysis.
• Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB’s) – PCBs were used widely in electrical equipment; capacitors, transformers, fluorescent lights and switchgear because they don’t burn easily and are good insulators.
• Mercury – If mercury vapour is inhaled, it is easily absorbed by the body, where it first gets into the lungs and from there into the blood and the brain.
• Hair plaster – Historic plaster reinforced with animal hair was sometimes contaminated with the bacterium Bacillus anthracis which is the causative agent of the disease Anthrax.
• Polyurethane Foam – main use is as rigid foam boards used for insulation and linings within construction. These can be used as insulation for heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems. Prefabricated PIR sandwich panels are manufactured with corrosion-protected, corrugated steel facings bonded to a core of PIR foam and used extensively as roofing insulation and vertical walls
• Urea Formaldehyde used in adhesives, finishes, particle board, medium-density fibreboard (MDF), and moulded objects such as electrical plugs and sockets. Urea Formaldehyde has physical properties of high hardness and high toughness. Widely used as Urea-Formaldehyde Foam Insulation (UFFI) dates to the 1930s and widely made into a synthetic insulation for wall cavities.
How to deal with Deleterious Materials?
Proactive management of health and safety in the workplace helps organisations prevent injuries and ill-health at work.
Early identification and sampling is required to minimise the likelihood of potential exposure to a deleterious or hazardous material
Risk assessments, control measures and safe systems of work and required by law to reduce risks to health and safety and the environment
Contact Summit Environmental for further support and to ensure you are complying with regulations