Do you have a problem or query and need some sound advice? Or perhaps you have valuable experience of a difficult situation that you can pass on to a fellow facilities manager
Q: I am the facilities manager for a large banking organisation in London. Do I need to have an asbestos survey carried out on my building? If so, who do I approach and what should I look for when choosing a surveyor?

A: The premises controller must ensure that all employees and visitors to his or her building are protected from any hazardous substances – one of which is asbestos. Unless you are sure that your building is asbestos free, you must have an asbestos survey carried out to comply with HSC regulations.

Since the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations came into effect in 1992, there has been a general requirement to identify all hazards and assess all risks in the workplace. Any asbestos materials are obviously a hazard which must be identified and the risk of asbestos fibre released from them must be assessed.

The Health and Safety Executive's proposals for new regulations on asbestos in buildings, due later this year, reinforce the existing obligation to protect the health of not only your own staff but also any visiting building maintenance/repair personnel (whether they are your employees or contractors). In the past many asbestos surveys have been unreliable. There is no national licensing or accreditation system for organisations or individuals although some are in the pipeline eg. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors' proposed surveyor and valuer accreditation scheme. In the short term, selection is best based on traditional relevant qualifications and past experience as verified through references from clients.

Ross Udall, Asbestosregister.com In June's Professional Section, Ross Udall of the Asbestosregister.com will provide a run-down of the latest guidance relating to asbestos, prior to the introduction of new legislation later this year.

Solutions please to the following query:
I am the facilities manager at a university. We have policies stating that only trained contractors come onto site on our behalf. However, we have no control over contractors who visit the site at the request of other university departments. Who is responsible for the contractors if they have an accident?

Source

The Facilities Business

Postscript

Email, fax or post your solutions to this query by 27 April