Honeymoon is over
June 1st 2005 More than 230 people lost their lives in accidents at work in 2003/4, with the largest group of fatalities taking place in construction. Less well known is that fifteen times that number die each year as a result of past exposure to a common building material used right up until the 1990’s. The lethal characteristics of asbestos were concealed for decades by the long gestation of the diseases it inflicts, and today the annual toll of 3500 deaths in the UK is still climbing. Those involved in new build projects are no longer exposed to the risk. Those working on the demolition, development or maintenance of existing structures, especially those pre-dating 1985 run the risk of coming into contact with the material and of possible contamination. Even tradesmen drilling walls or working on the fabric of a building can be at risk, and the control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and Regulation 4 in particular were designed to contain the hazard.
Regulation 4, which defines the Duty to Manage Asbestos in Non-Domestic Premises, was introduced in 2002 and requires duty holders to survey and record the presence and location of asbestos in all commercial buildings. Following an 18 month lead-in period prior to enforcement, the HSE has issued 50 improvement notices, 16 prohibition notices and instigated 12 prosecutions since April last year. Recipients of notices have ranged from borough councils to a menswear manufacturer and anyone in health and safety with duty holder responsibilities is now starkly aware that the honeymoon is over.
At a stroke, Regulation 4 turned health and safety managers, facilities managers and even general managers into duty holders as defined by the new legislation. People, often with no experience of construction practices or materials, are now legally responsible for the management of asbestos and the processing and dissemination of information to anyone at risk of exposure. With many considering that asbestos was “someone-else’s problem”, it had become a major concern overnight, and organisations and individuals scrabbled to obtain the training and expertise required to remain compliant.
The Natas:group had been providing training and accreditation to asbestos workers and HSE licensed contractors for more than a decade before Regulation 4 was even considered, and watched with concern as training facilities sprung up all over the UK to meet the new demand. Natas runs hundreds of courses across the UK and Ireland each year from full asbestos contractors licensing and revalidation to training in Duty to Manage Asbestos, Asbestos Surveying & Identification and Asbestos Management in Buildings.
“The HSE is in this early phase of enforcement of Reg4 and many duty holders are still coming to terms with their obligations”, said Natas managing director, Max Lopacki. ‘Some have taken initial steps towards compliance by having surveys and risk assessments done, but many have not completed the task of formulating or implementing an asbestos management plan. While the enforcement agencies may take this into consideration, we still see some duty-holders who believe that a survey and risk assessment is all they need to do for compliance,’ he added.
The group is HSE listed for asbestos training, and works in partnership with the HSE on the “Duty to manage” campaign, and delivers IOSH and BOHS modular courses as well as its own natas accredited courses.
Its newest role is as a key instigator of the Asbestos Safety Association (ASA) which was launched in May as a resource for duty holders under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002 and those who work with or come into contact with asbestos. A comprehensive range of services are available as well as basic advice and auditing for compliance. Membership is also open to people like electricians or gas fitters who are likely to come into contact with asbestos through their work, and also to those responsible for advising others, such as union representatives.
The ASA is different from other asbestos related associations in that it is not aimed at removal contractors. Its objective is to open up an industry forum for all those involved with asbestos management, while providing duty holders with the skills and expertise required to enable them to meet the Regulations. The ASA will also provide independent auditing for duty holders and other specific groups such as training providers.
“Duty holders need all the help they can get.
Regulation 4 imposes considerable demands on those responsible for their corporate buildings, and while the asbestos industry can do much to help, the association will be a new and objective resource,” added Mr Lopacki.
natas:group was formed ten years as the training accreditation organisation for asbestos contracting industry. Today leading provider asbestos training services, as well supplier of asbestos management software, consultancy and project management.
It is HSE listed asbestos training, and works in partnership with HSE on the “Duty manage” campaign.
It is a licensed centre and delivers both IOSH and modular courses.
The organisation provides dutyholder training for health and safety professionals, as as asbestos management software and consultancy services to ensure compliance with Regulation 4.
natas:group West Court, 1301 Stratford Road, Birmingham B28 9HH 0870 751 1880 More articles from Natas Group: | 
