As part of the Council’s policy review programme, the Health and Safety Service has published an updated Asbestos Policy on the Health and Safety Internet site. Following its approval at the January HR Committee, publishing the policy was delayed due to ongoing engagements between the Council and the Health and Safety Executive.
As part of the review process, the supporting guidance documents, forms, and templates were also updated.
Somerset Council has delegated the onsite management of Asbestos, in those buildings built before the year 2000, to the person(s) in control of a premises, this could include the area FM manager or a Headteacher, each premises must have an appointed Premises Manager. The responsible person will be defined in the local site management plan, known as the F21a Asbestos Management Plan.
The F21a Asbestos Management Plan has received a considerable update, including the provision of a risk assessment template. A Risk Assessment for each Asbestos Containing Material (ACM) is completed during the re-inspection asbestos survey by the surveyor, however, this process does not account for changes in between survey reinspection’s, such as new equipment, activities, or occupants which may increase the likelihood of asbestos disturbance. The template provided in the F21a enables premises managers to consider how such changes may lead to additional risk, applying site specific knowledge to mitigate any increased risk.
The Emergency procedures document was updated and it outlines action employees should take following the unexpected discovery of materials/debris that could contain asbestos, and arrangements to follow following accidental damage by contractors of materials that may contain asbestos.
In the HSG21 Asbestos Guidance, day to day management is explained, including the permit to work procedure and the requirement for Asbestos Awareness training. A detailed pictorial summary of how to understand the Asbestos Register, the types of Surveys and Reports has been written.
Lastly, there is a Signing Sheet to record the names and details of anyone who could potentially disturb ACMs through the course of their activity on site and confirm they have read and understand the register.
Where a policy applies to your area, managers and employees are asked to review their responsibilities stated in the policy to ensure services are operating in a compliant manner.
All of our policies and guidance documents are available on the Health and Safety internet page.
For Asbestos queries, please contact the Asbestos Team Email: asbestosteam@somerset.gov.uk Tel: 01823 355906
