No you don't - you could fit an alternative non-asbestos material at the requisite locations.

If the property owner says they are asbestos tiles you must assume that they are (1960s or 70s vintage building, or refurbed about then, quite possibly ex Council stock?). It sounds sensible to rely on the information as it stands.
Moving the tiles carefully is probably less likely to release asbestos fibres than drilling them, which is almost bound to do so. Take a look at HSE's Asbestos Essentials at http://www.hse.gov.uk/as...tos/essentials/index.htm . Whatever you do, you need a well briefed team who understand why they need to work in a certain manner.

thanks all for the prompt responses.

so I would need a 1 day course in non licensed work with asbestos for my guys, even if they are just sliding the tiles out to get to the rafters ?

anything else to consider ? if i am honest I am not sure which section of the asbestos essentials applies to me

would i need to purchase a vacuum, face masks or any other precautions ?

woud i need to get a survey or could i just presume there is asbestos there

sorry for bombarding with all of these questions

hi walker. I am not sure we would even need to vacuums, masks etc was asking for opinions on what would be recommended precautionary measures for my guys and company ?

any help from people with experience in this would be great, even if it is just bullet points of what I would need to do

Hi SLR24

I have been looking through the thread on this one on and off when I have had a chance during the day but have not had time to reply. I can see that you are looking for a solution rather than additional questions. My advice would be as follows:

With regards to the asbestos regulations and the information you have been provided you are in a position, unless destructive testing takes place, that you will have to presume this is indeed an asbestos containing material.

The first port of call should not be to drill through. You will however be required to training your guys/girls on asbestos awareness course in order to comply with the following:

Regulation 10.—(1) Every employer must ensure that any employee employed by that employer is given adequate information, instruction and training where that employee—

(a)is or is liable to be exposed to asbestos, or if that employee supervises such employees, so that those employees are aware of—
(i)the properties of asbestos and its effects on health, including its interaction with smoking,
(ii)the types of products or materials likely to contain asbestos,
(iii)the operations which could result in asbestos exposure and the importance of preventive controls to minimise exposure,
(iv)safe work practices, control measures, and protective equipment,
(v)the purpose, choice, limitations, proper use and maintenance of respiratory protective equipment,
(vi)emergency procedures,
(vii)hygiene requirements,
(viii)decontamination procedures,
(ix)waste handling procedures,
(x)medical examination requirements, and
(xi)the control limit and the need for air monitoring,in order to safeguard themselves and other employees

You may have the ability to carry out the training in house or, you may need to source a local consultancy or training provider. The course should take no longer than half a day however some training courses do take 1 day. this will come down to individual preference.

With regards to the actual task, i would look into removing the tiles in one piece (this will mean detailing a comprehensive method statement as to how you will remove the tile safely without damage). You can then replace the areas requiring a tile with a non asbestos tile that you can drill through. The method statement will have to have an emergency procedure for the accidental release, the disposal of the tiles etc.

Sounds complicated but it really is not. The training will cost roughly £30.00 per persons and should be UKATA approved. The disposal of the asbestos item you will have to get a quote. The tile can be double bagged ready for collection.

Frankc

Why are you disturbing ACM if the time is removed wholly? I am confused at your definition of 'disturbing'? Not to mention the works will be complete outside, low risk.

'Disturbing ACM's', probably the wrong choice of wording, mate.
I was under the impression people who may come into contact with acm's unknowingly like maintenance workers need AAT.
I was also under the impression that people who WORKED with acm's required more, like Level 'B' training, due to the unintentional but possible chance of disturbing the fibres. I would have thought further requirements would be things like correct PPE, possibly masks, definitely safe disposal etc.
I've just checked the HSE website and they state

"Important - Awareness training is not enough if you plan to carry out any work with asbestos containing materials."

Like Ray says, tricky stuff this asbestos.

But i'm erring on the side of caution. ;-)

I find that quite surprising, to be honest as the UKATA 'A' course has just been updated by them with the following information.

UKATA Category 'A' is aimed at making the candidates aware of the dangers associated with exposure to airborne asbestos fibres through unknowingly coming into contact with asbestos materials.
It does NOT train you to work with asbestos containing
materials (ACM’s)

They also use these words on the same slide.

UKATA Category 'B' trains those who knowingly will be working with asbestos containing materials where that work is not classified as “licensable work with asbestos” as defined by CAR 2012. Typically referred to as non-licensable or notifiable non-licensable (NNLW) work as detailed in HSE Guidance Asbestos Essentials a0.
e.g. cement, gaskets

Although you may not be working directly with Asbestos, you are removing ACM's so my reading would be Category 'B' is required.

What do you make of the HSE guidance which states:-

"Important - Awareness training is not enough if you plan to carry out any work with asbestos containing materials."

I believe they would say Category 'B' training is erring on the side of caution, in my opinion.

By the way, if you can find any regs or HSE guidance that justifies your opinion, i will gladly accept that as i currently tell people they should not work with ANY ACM's unless they have had the one day 'B' training.


Good luck with your decision.