Posted By PDA
Just wondering if anyone has this qualification? If so, how strenuous a task was it to achieve?

I am also looking at the S301..

Anyone with information or opinion on the subject would be appreciated.

(To be honest, my research into the modules is minimal so far. Just hoping for a personal opinion on the subject to get me started)

Posted By Ron Hunter
I'm pretty sure you'll also have to submit a type 2 survey Report to MDHS100 standards to be awarded the certificate.

Posted By NickW
its not so easy to pass the P402 nowadays. With a fair bit of reading around you have a good chance of getting through the multi-choice written assessment, however you are unlikely to be able to blag your way through the practical assessment side. The practical will involve a mixture of questions and mock-exercises such as use of PPE and taking samples. Unless you have experience of sampling or using PPE, you are likely to be all fingers and thumbs so would advice practicing before hand. Following the completion of the practical and written, you are required to submitt two asbestos survey reports for assessment. Word of caution - BOHS are familiar with the survey formats used by the main players in the asbestos surveying industry, if you ever consider using someone elses report for 'inspiration' purposes.

Posted By PDA
Thank you all for your responses.

I think a little more work will have to go into my research now. The 402 sounds/seems like a good route to go down.

Posted By PDA
CW, How recent did you sit the 402? Just wondering as i note somebody earlier in the thread saying it was not such a doddle in recent years.

Posted By Chris121
i did the 402 course about a year ago.
i work as a consultant so had some prior knowledge of asbestos but found the course very comprhensive - lots of revision needed as its crammed in over 3 days with 2 exams, and then 2 completed reports must be submitted to BOHS within 3 months to obtain the proficiency certificate.

Posted By Richard Bradbury
I completed the p402 a few years ago. I was at the time an asbestos removal supervisor. I am now a project manager within the removal industry. I found the course straightforward as I was aware of most of it prior to attending through every day work. The course was 15 strong or so and I was shocked to be the only one from the industry on it. Possibly explains the amount of poor surveys knocking about. All the information is covered in the course though so don't be too worried by it. As any course I advise some prior reading - The Control of Asbestos regs 2006 Approved codes of practice and guidance(available via HSE £13.50)
I haven't attended a NEBOSH course as yet although I am due on General one later this year so I can't really comment on that one. I have attended IOSH Managing Safely which was similar I suppose in effort required if that's what your looking at. I would get some time under your belt within a working asbestos related company before attempting the S301 in order to have a chance of passing. You would realistically have to gain a few 'lesser' qualifications prior to attending and gain experience using those quals to be considering that course.
If you are looking at a career path in the industry game and wish to gain the qualifications and experience there are analytical/project management companies that will train you from scratch up through the various qualifications.

Hope this helps in some way

Posted By NickW
Chris L, I like your xmas cracker badge analogy. Many has been the time where I have seen someone with a business card embossed with 'Asbestos Management Consultant' based on the strength of a P402. But try telling the clients this! The amount of tenders I have gone for where the criteria is 'surveyors must have BOSH P402' as virtually the sole technical criterion is staggering and it makes my blood boil!

Only know after the horse has bolted and all the dodgy surveys have been carried out are clients starting to specify the need for an adequate quality system as evidenced by UKAS accreditation to ISO 107020 for organisations or personal accreditatation via ISO 17024.

Posted By NickW
Chris I dont blame you. However most clients IME just want 'a survey' and are not prepared to put any time and effort themselves into making sure it is suitable and sufficient.

There are two sides to this argument. Firstly, I agree with you that just because its got the UKAS badge doesnt mean its a good survey, far from it. However its at least a starting point and will mean that the surveyor in question has been audited and is repeatedly audited for the type of site they are signed off to do. The only positive side is that the industry is now more mature and surveyors we have at our firm have accrued 6 years plus experience (we only let the newer ones loose on housing stock).

However a critical issue here (as addressed by the draft new MDHS 100) is the importance of the client getting involved, assisting with the desk-top study, providing keys and generally providing information to assist the surveyor. Its the sample principle as is applied in the new CDM regs ie the client has the greatest influence over the standard of work in practice and results acheived.

Posted By NickW
Sorry should read 'supervised BY..' not 'supervising'. That would be an interesting meeting to go to with the client when the first few surveys started coming through. Oh for an edit function for fingers and thumbs people like me!

Posted By Chinwe Okeke
The company I work for is looking for asbestos removal company to contract for the removal of asbestos in the company. Can anyone recommend a reputable company(ies). I can be contacted on aparanta_c@yahoo.co.uk. Thank you.