Posted By Sonu Ours organisation is a prime contractor for a telecommunication provider.We during the course of work are responsible for removing the asbestos pits and pipes from underground and replace with plastic pits and pipes.Our sub contractors handle the asbestos bag and seal the bags and place it in a skip(provided by a waste removal licensed company)The waste removal company is licensed to carry Fibro/Asbestos and DANGEROUS goods.Provide their own skips..etc..and we pay the waste removal company for their services and they issue us a receipt/docket for the same. The question here is....Who is responsible to confirm that the asbestos has been disposed off properly as per the local regulations and requirements ? Who is responsible to determine that the levels of exposure of personnel during the operational are low as far as reasonably practicable ? Sampling and estimating of environmental levels around the removal sites to ensure that the procedures are being adopted are seen to be environmentally friendly, in the event of spillages etc whilst transporting to the disposal site and where and how the disposal has been carried out ? etc etc....Are we as principal contractors anyway directly or indirectly responsible for the unsafe acts,unsafe conditions,ill health,after effects due to the waste carrying,transporting contractor who is not under our control as we pay them for the services and once they leave our premises. May I request the readers of this Forum to advice on the above topic please ? Thanks for all help.

Posted By Dave Wilson Duty of Care Regs - Waste producer (the Client) is ultimately resposible and should undertake a Waste Audit for this waste stream and the following points need to be considered. Only Licensed Asbestos removal companies are allowed to remove asbestos (Generally) and you should ask to see copy of licence, Issued by HSE. ASB5 notification to HSE 14 days in advance of work starting. All staff must be trained annually and have a proper Fit Test for RPE otherwise cannot enter enclosure. Only Waste Disposal sites which hold a waste manegement licence which allows them to take Asi waste can accept, issued by the Waste regulator , normally at District council. Only contractors who hold a Waste Transfer Licence are allowed to transport this waste and it is double bagged and in an enclosed container / van/ lorry using a special waste transfer note, must give at least 3 days notification. Only an idependant UKAS Accredited laboratory can undertake asi air monitoring and clearance testing. If you are acting as Principal Contractor, Client / Planning Supoervisor should ensure this is done before awarding work to subbies. also F10 to HSE if falls under CDM.