Hi, I have just discovered we have a significant roof void above the factory that has ACMs throughout the ceiling panels. (new to company). We have a project requiring contractors to work closely to these the roof panels for approx a week but not to distrube them. I have noticed some damage to the panels and so i have informed the project manager that no works are to proceed until we have air samples and anlaysis taken of the dust/debris throughout the void. However this area is a maintenance criticial area for repairs to machinery, electrics and leaks above the production equipment. Banning access to this area is very unpopular and will have big impacts. The previous safety advisor allowed them up with disposal suits and FPP3 masks (then removed from procedure) but my concern is if there is asbestos dust in the atmopshere while walking or working in this area anything on the suit will simply be transfered to the location where you remove your suit after you are finished. Any advice guys?

Thanks Philip, yeah ACMs is Asbestos Containing Material. The survey is there, we are not working on the ACMs or cutting into it in anyway. All works are to be completed of the existing roof steel structure (attaching cable trays). The problem is there appears to be damage to some of the panels and my concern is people distrubing the dusts/or any debris that may be assoicated with this ACM while passing through or working in the area. I'm looking at EM6 & 8 for non licensed works that states the PPE and Decontamination procedures. My thinking is, if short term access/egress is required for this area then the staff must wear the PPE and follow the decomination procedures until i can get some verification from air samples. Again, we are not doing anywork to the ACMs, purely working/accessing through the are area were they are positioned and some with damage. Removal will be a huge cost considering the amount so after a revised type 2 survey i propose repairs/encapsulation to medium risk ACMs and removal of specific high risk ACMs in a phased approach.

Hi guys We have a situation where in order to install a roof safety line system we have to cut into ACM material called Galbestos, which is a profiled metal sheeting with asbestos (Chrysotile) felt on both sides coated with either bitumen or polyester resin. You first need to establish what type of ACM material is present. This is not always easy unless documentation or drawings are at hand so may have to contact an expert and get a sample analyzed. The only way to be sure of a product's fibre content is by an analysis by a UKAS approved laboratory. For typical cladding such Galbestos as long as you do not interfere with these material there shouldn’t be an issue with access and I wouldn’t off thought that masks where necessary for those working in close proximity. As a non-licensed task, you could remove /repair the damaged panels as detailed in HSE asbestos essentials.