Asbestos at work

[andytheplumb]

Hi, can anyone help me? Im a plumber and ive been working on a job in Birmingham where Asbestos was found. A company was brought in to remove the Asbestos safely before we could start our work. Since this was completed we have been working in this enviroment for around six weeks. The place has now been closed again with regards to Asbestos. I have asked why this is and they say they have done it because the certificates from the cleaning company have not been received. Is it legal to start work before you have these certificates. Secondly I dont trust the company have done the job correctly anyway as when i was working in the clean area there was dust everywhere and ive been told it shud have been completely vacumed out. The company are still there now doing work somewhere else in the building and another entrance to where the work i did before is still open leaving the possibility of dust coming in where i am now what should i do?????

[Buenchico]

This is a complex area. For example there are different regulations which apply to the removal of asbestos cement (which does not require a licensed contractor to carry out the work) and other forms of asbestos (where the contractor normally has to be licensed).

The only independent experts who can help you will be the staff of the Health & Safety Executive. They operate a confidential helpline on 0845 345 0055. Give them a call to see what they say.

Chris

[Quiznite]

This all sounds wrong but as a contractor working on site you have a right to see the " Asbestos register " . That will list any areas that contain asbestos. As a plumber you are unlikey to come into direct contact with asbestos unless you drill through insulating board, but then you should have been on an asbestos awaerness course.
When the removal compamy carry out a clearance they must have an indepent analyst do a clearance test and they will leave a " 4 stage clearance certificate " on site . You could ask to see this .

Also both the removal company and the analytical company should be listed on the ARCA web site found here . http://www.arcaweb.org.uk/ARCA_members1024.asp