Posted By Simon Wright
I received an e-mail passing on an HSE message 'Asbestos - an important message for schools' but have a query about one point - 'high-risk ACMs' includes asbestos insulating board used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning and ducts then under 'lower risk ACMs' it includes asbestos insulation board (AIB). In other words AIB is listed as both high and low risk - which is supposed to be and why is it included in both lists. I would have put it in the high-risk list as it needs to be worked on and removed by a licenced asbestos removal contractor. Do members know if there is a reason AIB is listed twice? I've queried this with the HSE but wondered if you had any views.

Posted By MarkJAWatkins
Simon,


Who knows what goes through the mind of the HSE sometimes. The risk rating is all to do with the algorithim score.


If a material such as AIB is encapsulated by another material it gives the AIB a lower risk rating as there is less chance of accidental damage etc. Encapsulation is not the only thing that may change the risk rating of a material. Items such as type of asbestos, level of damage all have an overall effect. Many companies all incorporate a priority assessment as in CAWR2002. The priority assessment goes into occcupant activity, no of occupants, accessibility, extent/amount and will (especially in the case of a school/hospital, etc.) put the risk rating right back up again.


Remember, just because an ACM needs to be removed by a licensed contractor doesn't mean that it is always a high risk - as long as it is managed correctly it may be a medium/low risk.


I know that everybody gives this answer but your risk assessment will determine if the material is high or low risk also the way the asbestos is managed will determine the risk.


I hope this is of help, if not I am sorry. No doubt there will be a few disagreements about my comments...as always.
Regards,
Mark

Posted By Mal Shiels
From my understanding this is because the AIB they refer to as high risk is a board which because of its application and uses is more than likely to contain the natural asbestos fibres which are classed as high risk (amosite, crocidolite). The low risk AIB will be boards which are likely to be boarding which contains chrysolite (possibly cement based), which is classed as lower risk than the other mentioned above due to their application and uses.

Regards

Posted By Adrian Hirst
The double classification of AIB on the guidance is clearly a mistake although it does clarify on the higher risk what the AIB is used for.As previous posts have stated, this is a shame as HSE issues excellent guidance.

The guidance for the material assessment algorithm in MDHS 100 requires the product type of any asbestos containing material to be scored with a value of 1,2 or 3 depending upon the nature of the material. AIB has always been listed in this guidance as requiring a score of 2. i.e. Neither high nor low.

A further glimpse into the history behind this guidance can be seen in the WATCH comittee paper at:
http://www.hse.gov.uk/ab.../watch/010206/paper2.pdf

Regards

Adrian Hirst
Hirst Consulting