Asbestos

Asbestos may be present in any building constructed before the year 2000. The legal ‘duty to manage’ asbestos applies not only to those involved in construction but also to commercial building owners and tenants as well as to any organisation whose employees work on or in buildings. For over 3 decades, ACS has led the way in asbestos testing, surveying, project management of removals, policy development and training to provide clients with a ‘one-stop-shop’ for asbestos risk management.

Asbestos Surveys

Organisations undertaking asbestos surveying must work to the requirements of the HSE Documents HSG264 and HSG248. The HSE also strongly recommends the use of a UKAS accredited surveying organisation. ACS holds UKAS accreditation to ISO17020 and ISO17025 and successfully participates in the AIMS quality assurance scheme (for material analysis).

ACS specialises in all types of asbestos surveying and sampling, including:

• Asbestos Management Surveys
• Asbestos Refurbishment Surveys
• Asbestos Demolition Surveys
• Asbestos Re-Inspection Surveys
• Asbestos Sampling

Asbestos Policy, Consultancy and Advice

There is often a common misconception that the legal duty is to ‘survey’ rather than to ‘manage’ asbestos in buildings. However, it is important that organisations define effective policy, procedures, roles and responsibilities to ensure asbestos is properly managed. ACS has developed Asbestos Management Systems, policies and procedures, and provided training on their implementation, in numerous Local Authorities, NHS Trusts, Educational Establishments, Housing Associations, Blue Chip Organisations and SME’s across the UK and abroad.

Asbestos Remediation Project Management

The unique ACS Project Management service includes interpretation of (or undertaking of) asbestos surveys followed by all required scoping, tendering, project management, monitoring and testing of works associated with asbestos. This provide clients with assurance that works are only carried out if necessary and that any required works are properly scoped and specified, carried out to the required quality and safety standards and the site is handed back in a condition suitable for re-occupation. This can save considerable expense by preventing unnecessary work and protects clients from potential future liability and claims.

Asbestos Materials and Air Testing

All asbestos materials and air testing work must, by law, be carried out by a UKAS accredited organisation. At ACS, all such testing is carried out under UKAS accreditation to ISO17025 and in strict accordance with HSE Document HSG248. Furthermore, all ACS Analysts successfully participate in the appropriate RICE or AIMS quality assurance schemes. A materials sampling and collection service is also available where clients do not have the required competence to collect samples of suspect material.

Asbestos Training

ACS has been approved by UKATA (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) to deliver certificated Asbestos Awareness (Category A) and Asbestos Minor Works (Category B) training. ACS also offers a wide range of bespoke asbestos training designed to suit the particular needs of your organisation and employees. 

(See our Training & Learning section or contact us for a copy of our current training brochure).

Asbestos Contaminated Land

Asbestos contaminated land is often dealt with via a simple (but expensive) ‘dig and dump’ procedure, which can see huge quantities of material being disposed of in Hazardous Waste landfill sites. However, the risks and options depend upon a range of variables and identifying the optimum remediation options can save significant costs whilst still being legally compliant. ACS has assessed, devised strategy for and project managed some of the largest asbestos contaminated land sites in Europe, saving clients many millions of pounds in the process. 

(See our Contaminated Land Section).

Asbestos Expert Witness

Prof Roger Willey is a prominent figure in the field of asbestos related illness and death legal cases, where he provides Expert Witness Opinion. To date Roger has completed in excess of 500 cases. 

(See our Expert Witness & Legal Disputes Section)