Posted By Karel Simpson Hi, I have been scratching my head recently on the subject of artex containing asbestos. How much is generally contained? Is this safe or unsafe when being drilled into or cut? Basically one of our workers was going to knock a hole through a ceiling that was not part of the job for a plumber. However the worker was informed not to touch the ceiling as the possibility of asbestos was present as located during a type 2 survey. This happened yesterday as I was out of the office all day. Would it have been safe wearing PPE such as respiratory equipment etc as I believe the level in artex ceiling is low. Is their guidance available or has anybody dealt with this query ion the past or has a company procedure that I can review to help me. Thank you for taking the time in reading this. Regards KS

Posted By Karel Simpson Thank you for that information it has proved to be very helpful. Regards KS

Posted By Dave Wilson Here we go then! This is and asbestos product and although it may contain a low % ALL asbestos products are dangerous some more than others. The work you are talking about is at present can legally only be done by a Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractor!!! HOWEVER for 13th on Nov this will become an non licensable product and can be worked on by anybody!!! If you follow the guidance on the new Regs then You have to do it safely and produce a MS (18 point I may add) & RA which has been completed by a competent person who has the knowledge and experience with working with asbestos, you have to look at the product and decide whether the fibre release is above 0.6f/m over 10 min and if it is likely to exceed this then a Licensed contractor must be used, if after the RA it is deemed that it will be below this level then it will be 'short duration work of sporadic and low intensity' and you can then crack on. (PS this has to be done for ALL WORK ON ANY ASBESTOS PRODUCT EVEN CEMENT!) Build an enclosure 2 stage airlock Type H Vacuums FFP3 mask (1/2) Type 5 overalls UN Waste bags Proper training experience in the work Provide a self certification to say the area is free from asbestos - How? and more importantly have a clause in your Employers Liability Insurance allowing your staff to work on asbestos products. If you do this then you will be OK

Posted By Dave Wilson Sorry mate was referring to the MS & RA bit is required for all asi work, the airlock & enclosure etc is specifically for TC.

Posted By Kate Graham Presumably TC = textured coating i.e. Artex etc (Artex is just a trade name for the best known brand) Kate

Posted By Robert K Lewis Karel The syllabus for the training is that set out in the new acop - I'm surprised Dave did not mention that bit. Like the new regs the acop is effective from Nov 13th 2006. The training needs to be certificated and I think most of the awareness courses I have seen recently do not meet the new requirements. Make sure you cross check to ensure that all the matters are covered. The new requirements state that all operatives, including maintenance and refurbishment, who could forseeably work on or with ACMs will need to be trained. Bob