Review date Edition no ID code. Yes No Yes No. Yes No Yes No. External queries relating to the document to be referred in the first instance to the

Transcription

1 Asbestos Policy 1

2 Document title Asbestos Policy Document author and department Jonathan Latter Health & Safety Compliance Manager Approving body Host Manager and department Fiona Bell Director of Estates & Campus Services Date of approval University Health and Safety Committee May 2016 Review date Edition no ID code May EITHER OR For public access online (internet)? For staff access only (intranet)? Yes No Yes No N N For public access on request copy to be mailed Password protected Yes No Yes No N Y External queries relating to the document to be referred in the first instance to the University Secretary: telephone or university.secretary@port.ac.uk. 2

3 Contents Page 1. Introduction Legal Requirements Responsibilities Objectives Additional Guidance Summary...7 3

4 1. Introduction 1.1 Many buildings in the University of Portsmouth have asbestos containing materials (ACM) within their construction as asbestos was in common use in the construction and refurbishment of buildings until the mid-1980 s. 1.2 ACM may also be present in some older electrical or mechanical equipment. Where ACM are in good condition and remain undisturbed they do not present a risk to health. However, their condition needs to be monitored. 1.3 This policy sets out the key responsibilities and objectives to ensure that ACM hazards are effectively controlled. 1.4 This Policy shall be supported by an Asbestos Management Plan that provides further clarification on roles and responsibilities, lines of communication and also details the practical implementation of this Policy. 2. Legal Requirements 2.1 The Health and Safety at Work Etc. Act 1974 The University has a duty to ensure that the health, safety and welfare of their employees is protected. In addition, it has a duty to protect non-employees from risks from ACM. This includes students, contractors, visitors and members of the public. 2.2 Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 Employers must produce suitable and sufficient risk assessments that identify the risks and controls to protect employees at work and others who could be harmed as a result of the work. 2.3 Construction, Design and Management Regulations 2015 The key aim of the CDM Regulations is to integrate health and safety into the management of construction projects and to ensure all parties work together to improve planning and management, identify risks and eliminate or control them as early as possible. 2.4 Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 Employers have a duty to identify risk from asbestos within their premises and manage that risk to protect all persons who may disturb ACM. The regulations also cover the licensing requirements and control of work with asbestos. 2.5 Hazardous Waste (England and Wales) Regulations 2005 (as amended) These regulations class asbestos as hazardous waste and therefore must be disposed of only by authorised persons or businesses. The waste producer must keep disposal records for at least 3 years. 4

5 3. Responsibilities 3.1 Board of Governors The Board of Governors of the University of Portsmouth are ultimately responsible for the implementation of the University s Asbestos Policy. 3.2 Duty Holder The Director of Estates and Campus Services has delegated authority from the Board of Governors as the Duty Holder (DH) and is responsible for ensuring there is adequate provision to manage and control the risks from ACM. The DH s name will be displayed on the asbestos web page of the University Health & Safety Policy, Arrangements section. The DH will appoint an Asbestos Responsible Person (ARP) and Deputy ARP (DARP) to manage the asbestos content in the University. 3.3 Asbestos Responsible Person The ARP will be a suitably qualified and experienced member of staff to be responsible for the implementation and operation of the Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) and who will keep it updated as necessary. The DH will also appoint a Deputy ARP to work with the ARP and provide continuity and cover. The names of the ARP and Deputy ARP will be displayed on the asbestos web page of the University Health & Safety Policy, Arrangements section. The ARP will ensure the day to day management of ACM control and communication to all relevant parties. 3.4 Faculty / Department Managers Faculty or Department Managers must ensure that any work they request that is likely to disturb the building fabric is approved in advance by the Estates Department. If any equipment within Faculty / Department buildings contain or are suspected to contain ACM, managers must inform the ARP so a survey can be conducted and the asbestos register can be updated. If an asbestos incident occurs and / or any employee raises health concerns, refer them to the University Occupational Health Department for assessment and monitoring. 4. Objectives 4.1 Identify sources of ACM Maintain a single asbestos register that is accessible to all persons who require asbestos information. Ensure a competent and qualified analytical contractor is appointed and carries out detailed management asbestos surveys of all buildings to identify ACM within the building fabric and assess the risk from them. 5

6 Ensure equipment that may contain asbestos is identified and assessed. Faculty / Department managers need to work with the ARP to ensure these items are identified. Ensure all Faculties / Departments that require work to be done that disturbs the building fabric check with the Estates Department before proceeding. 4.2 Maintain an AMP Implement and maintain an AMP that sets out how the risks identified from asbestos will be managed including information that tells other interested parties how to access the asbestos register. As part of the AMP, keep the asbestos register updated and inform interested parties the locations and risks from known asbestos in all University buildings. The AMP will include the following details: o Identify the persons responsible for managing asbestos risk o Monitoring arrangements o Asbestos management procedures o How the location and condition of ACM is recorded and how this is communicated o Control of work with ACM and selection and competency of those carrying out the work o Training requirements for employees and contractors o Procedure for review of the AMP 4.3 Appoint competent persons Ensure all work with ACM is only undertaken by a HSE licensed contractor who is qualified and equipped to work with asbestos safely. Ensure no University employees undertake any work with ACM. Ensure all waste ACM is disposed of as hazardous waste by an authorised contractor and obtain copies of all waste documentation from them. 4.4 Communicate Communicate the policy and AMP to all staff. Provide awareness training to all staff who could come into contact with ACM. Check that contractors who could disturb ACM have received asbestos awareness training and provide them with asbestos information prior to them starting work that could lead to ACM disturbance. 5. Additional Guidance 5.1 The following Approved Code of Practice and guidance documents can be viewed to gain additional information where necessary: L143 ACoP Managing and Working With Asbestos INDG 223 Managing Asbestos in Buildings A Brief Guide 6

7 6. Summary 6.1 Asbestos containing materials are a potentially serious hazard to health. However, if their locations and risks are known and a robust system of control and communication is maintained, they do not pose a significant risk. 7