Posted By Brenda H Sorreee, me again. Think i'm in overload, Reg 3(2)(c)(ii) talks about "removal of materials in which the asbestos fibres are firmly linked in a matrix." Can someone explain what this means? Thanks

Posted By Brenda H That's great thanks, but where do I find this info? Thanks

Posted By Brenda H Hi Chas, Yep got that document thanks, just haven't (with all the other millions of asbestos document) got round to going through that one. Will it answer my next question....? How do you know if a material is less than the 0.6f/cm3 or 0.1f/cm3 for low intensity and control limits. Cheers

Posted By Coshh Assessor The HSE Asbestos Essentials site has a wide range of examples that are good as a starting point for practical guidance - have a look whether the tasks you are concerned with appear as examples: http://www.hse.gov.uk/as...tos/essentials/index.htm

Posted By Chas With regard to exceeding the control limits you will only know for certain if you carry out some personal sampling during the work. The results can then be used in your risk assessment for any future work of a similar nature. If you have a look at HSG 189/1 and HSG 189/2 there are tables in there that give an indication of the exposure levels that you should expect whilst carrying out a variety of activities. The Task manual HSG 210 also gives you some idea of what can be done. However please remember that operatives carrying out such work still need the appropriate training, information and instruction. I would also recommend the P405 course if you have not already been on it.

Posted By Brenda H Ok, thanks Chas. Before I wade through those documents i'll expand a bit on where i'm coming from on this... We've got maintenance staff that do the odd job which involves drilling holes in AIB's. In order for this to be an unlicenced task and complete the job inline with the tasksheet the sporadic/low intensity and controls are not to be exceeded. Wearing a personal monitor is fine, but this will only identify excessive amounts as the task is being done, which could then compromise H&S of individuals, couldn't it? Also, 189/1 & 2 aren't really relevant to AIB's are they? Is the 402 course really necessary for maintenance staff drilling odd hole's in AIB's or enclosing ACM's to prevent future damage?

Posted By Stewart Campbell Brenda, On the HSE web site Asbestos Essentials is a series of procedures on how to safely carry out tasks such as you descibe. If you search under Asbestos on the HSE website you may find answers to your questions. Stewart

Posted By Stewart Campbell Brenda, Unlicensed work is work where exposure may be sporadic or of a low intensity. This is defined in L143 "Work with materials containing asbestos" Paragraph 7 of the introduction. Asbestos essential task sheet are for work that does not need a license so exposure will be sporadic or of a low intensity. However a risk assessment should be made of the asbestos to ensure that it is in good condition and exposure will not be at an increased level should things do not go to plan. Hope this helps Stewart

Posted By Dave Wilson Brenda, Confusing details if you are likely to release more than Control Limit of 0.6 f/ml for 10 minutes or 0.1 f/ml for 4 hours this work will be licensed asbestos work as the Regs are now risk based and not product based! Simply put On the HSE web http://www.hse.gov.uk/as...tos/essentials/index.htm There is a list of Tasks (Safe Methods) which an unlicensed contractor can undertake and as such if you follow these to the letter, properly trained with the correct equipment 'H' vacs etc then this work will be 'sporadic and low etc'. There are NO TASK cards for the repair of Limpet / Lagging as the control limit has been reduced by 50% so if you disturb these products you will be above the Control Limit and as such this is licensable work. Reg 3(2) exempts work on ACM which are in GOOD condition, so the 'MINOR WORKS' rule is still there however it has been clarified with the SALI thingy! Email me if you want any further info