Posted By Chris B I am currently investingating the financial probity of our "Asbestos Consultant". We initially engaged them to undertake our surveys, and the result is now that they are almost insisting that they supervise all asbestos works, i.e. Write the scope of works, method statements, risk assessments, supervise the works and ensure compliance with the method statements. This is undertaken at a manufacturing site with much commonality across departments, where the method statements are generic with the exception of the scope of works. However, I came across a (small) job today, where the contractos quoted c. £1000 to do the job, and the supervision etc. was c. £850. We have trained many of our engineers on the two and five day asbestos courses (I can't remember the course numbers). Prior to their engagement, we used to assess the licensed contractor's method statements and risk assessments and employ independent UKAS labs. to undertake the clearance tests. I am unclear as to what the CAW Regs. actually require, or what is industry best practice and thorugh this forum I am trying to do some benchmarking. Clearly for large jobs, where we physically don't have the time or resources to do the supervision etc. we would engage a consultant to do this for us. However, for smaller works, given that many of our engineers have received training, can we undertake, as we used to do, the assessment of method statements, risk assessments, and on site supervision? I would be grateful if any one could advise either what they do (preferably in a manufacturing environment) or what is best practice. There are also issues around suspected double booking, e.g. supervising a job for a few hours and booking a whole day, whilst in the meantime they carry on their survey work. Do we need them for minor works, or wehere our "competent" people are beyond their limits? If I haven't provided enough information please let me know and I can add more. Thanks in anticipation of you help. Chris

Posted By Stuart Nagle Chris. I agree with the above posting, however, to undertake the necessary risk assessments and method statements you will need someone who is 'competent' to do so, having the necessary training, experience and knowledge and such other qualities as may be needed. If your own staff fit this requirement then no problem, if not you may require some assistance to ensure that the assessments are 'suitable and sufficient and the method statements comprehensive enough for the works and methos to be employed. Stuart

Posted By Chris B I am sincerely grateful for your replies. I have posted this thread under my own company name, and not the company for which I work full time. The investigation I am doing is "covert" with the full backing of our management. I have to admit my posting belies my understanding of the Regs. But I wanted to solicit opinions. Many thanks for your replies - the advice is warmly welcomed. I am also investigating collusion between the "consultant" and the licensed contractor. I'll probably be shot or kneecapped as a result! I hope to be able to e-mail you direct for more of your more opinions. but if you would like to meet with a respect to adresssing the checks and balances I'd be grateful if you'd contact me direct. Many Thanks - Chris

Posted By Jeff Manion I work as a consultant - including demolition / asbestos / planning supervisors / construction and do see many times the scenario you alude to. I would agree that you may need assistance and guidance to set the thing going and use that system or develop that system for further works / projects. There is often consulants / contractors working together, it can work and sometines it will not. Just be aware. Beware of surveys saying that all materials need removing (some surveys still say it should be removed) but if you follow good practice and use the guidance on assesment HS G 227 - comprehensive guidance to managing asbstos you will be doing well. However, taks snap shot samples of where you are and what they are doing / consultants / contractors / employees Jeff Manion

Posted By Chris B Thanks all for the advice. There seems to ber a common thread here - the scare tactics. All my people are P405 qulaified, so once I get my head around the Regs. enough to counter the arguments I'll succeed. A name and shame thread I like, but despite the fact I'll end up in court, I also value the fact that I can still walk. I have an interim meeting with management tomorrow to put evidence in front of them, and I'll let you know how I get on. But...I still need a fallback plan one we have sacked the consultants and the contractors...I know a few of you can help but anyone else? Regards

Posted By Dave Wilson Consultants my public enemy number one, shouldn't generalise but what the heck, A consultant "allegedly" deliberetly overpricing work never been heard of mate! On e of the good things about this job you can say what you like relly and people will believe which is great down side you get numpties who pertain to be H&S specialists who do bulls*#t and get found out and we all get tarred with the same brush. That said it is normally the clients responsibility to ensure that they set out exactly what they want from a consultant and ensure that they get what is paid for, as a consultant will not give you anything over and above, there is always a charge mate, its business.