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clegg1966  
#1 Posted : 04 December 2015 08:56:37(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
clegg1966

Bit of advice please. I have some concerns about a contractor removing asbestos near where I live. They are taking soffits and fascia's down. each property seems to be taking about a day and there are 8. they are not using an enclosure and have no welfare facilities on site.

The questions are do they need to work in an enclosure or ca it be done in the open air. Do they need welfare facilities on-site when doing this work. my own view is that I think that they do.

Would welcome other opinions please.

RayRapp  
#2 Posted : 04 December 2015 12:05:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
RayRapp

It's a difficult question to give a unequivocal answer becuase the work needs to be risk assessed and a plan of action developed to manage the work. All the factors need to considered. However you really need to see their RAMS in order to identify what controls and provisions should be in place.

I can say with some confidence that if the work is low risk i.e. asbestos cements relatively undamaged, then I do not believe an enclosure is required. The opertaives carrying out the work should be able to wash and decontaminate themselves either with facilities provided on site or by using their own wellfare provisions.

There should aslo be a container (skip) with a locakble lid to remove hazardous waste products and contaminated PPE. If this was not in situ I would be really concerned.
Ant Elsmore  
#3 Posted : 04 December 2015 13:57:20(UTC)
Rank: Forum user
Ant Elsmore

HSG 210 Asbestos Essentials gives the Safe System of Work for Non-Licensed activities. The operatives should be "Working with Asbestos" trained (e.g. UKATA Category B).

Fascias and soffits typically come under the scope of this work- however a survey should have been carried out to confirm the type of asbestos being worked on.

Welfare facilities for sites of this duration could be from a variety of sources from dedicated Oasis style units thorough to wipes/basins in vehicles or even agreement to use the facilities within the properties- depends what the company arrangements are.
Invictus  
#4 Posted : 04 December 2015 14:00:48(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Invictus

Contact your local authority with your concerns. The environmental health department will investigate and report back
paulw71  
#5 Posted : 04 December 2015 14:09:09(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
paulw71

See below taken from HSE publication. "Asbestos, The licensed Contractors Guide"

The scenarios where an enclosure may not be required can be summarised
as follows. These will be determined in the RA for the work, taking into account
the likely risks, and the practicalities and costs involved. Enclosures may not be
required if:
n
the level of risk is low because the operations are very small scale and of short
duration. When considering the level of risk you should consider the potential
for fibre release and the spread of surface contamination;
n
the location is extremely remote, where the risk to employed people or
members of the public is negligible;
n
the work is at height and an enclosure is not practical due to the height or
complexity of the structure (eg pipework in the open air at high level), or its
exposure to severe weather conditions;
n
it is a situation where there are practical difficulties in obtaining an effective seal
on the structures, eg soffits around building roofs;

regards
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