Control Measures in Licensed Asbestos Removal: New HSE Research Shows Industry-Wide Challenges
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published important new research examining compliance with control measures during licensed asbestos removal work across the industry. The study, which observed eight removal sites between 2016-2019, provides valuable insights into current practices and highlights where improvements are needed in parts of the sector that may not benefit from regular independent oversight.
This research comes at a time when ARCA continues to strengthen its audit programme, requiring members to undergo 4 unannounced site audits annually through the Site Audit Accreditation Scheme (SAAS) - a requirement that has helped maintain consistently high standards among members for over 20 years.
Industry-Wide Progress on Exposure Control
The research shows encouraging progress in the sector as a whole, with fibre concentrations measured during wetted ACM removal notably lower than in previous HSE research from the late 1990s. This improvement likely reflects both better guidance and improved implementation by licensed contractors over the past two decades.
The study found that enclosures were generally effective at containing asbestos fibres during removal work, though researchers observed instances where surfactant leaked from enclosures at some sites. Such findings highlight the value of regular independent auditing and oversight - a cornerstone of ARCA membership for decades.
Areas Needing Industry Attention
The HSE identified several practices requiring attention across the wider industry. At seven of the eight observed sites, PVA spray wasn't used when dismantling enclosures after stage 3 of the 4-stage clearance - despite this being specified in HSE guidance as an important control measure.
Power tool usage near asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) emerged as another concern. At one site, elevated fibre levels were recorded when a powered reciprocating saw was used on metal framework that had held AIB panels, without implementing additional control measures specified in guidance.
Equipment management also showed room for improvement at some sites, with instances of improper sealing before removal from enclosures. The researchers observed one site reusing enclosure materials - a practice explicitly warned against in HSE guidance due to contamination risks.
Maintaining Standards Under Pressure
The research identified that at some sites, careful work practices deteriorated as projects progressed. This observation underscores the value of regular independent oversight - something ARCA's Chief Executive Steve Sadley emphasises: "Being unannounced, ARCA site audits give a realistic view of a contractor's usual performance on site and are an indicator of the effectiveness of management arrangements."
The Value of ARCA's Audit Scheme
The findings reinforce why ARCA has long emphasised the importance of regular independent auditing. As Steve Sadley notes, "Audits undertaken by an external resource are seen across the industry as a strong indicator of performance."
For clients, the research highlights the importance of choosing contractors who submit to regular independent auditing through established schemes like SAAS. ARCA's commitment to unannounced site audits has provided assurance of consistent standards and competency for over two decades.
Key Focus Areas for the Industry
The HSE research suggests several areas where parts of the industry should concentrate improvement efforts:
1. Consistent application of controls throughout projects
2. Proper equipment management and decontamination
3. Strict adherence to waste routes
4. Regular integrity testing
5. Proper use of PVA spray during dismantling
6. Implementation of additional controls for power tool use
Looking Forward
While the research shows encouraging progress in exposure control compared to historical levels, it also reveals opportunities for raising standards across the wider industry. The findings particularly demonstrate the value of ARCA's established audit scheme and training programs in maintaining consistent high standards.
For licensed contractors, the research provides useful benchmarks against which to assess their practices. For clients, it reinforces the importance of choosing contractors who demonstrate their commitment to maintaining standards through ARCA membership with its robust audit requirements.
The full HSE report (RR1217) is available on the HSE website and provides comprehensive detail that will be valuable reading for anyone involved in licensed asbestos removal work. Its findings will help inform both HSE's future site interventions and the continuing evolution of industry standards.