We hope you'll find the answer to your questions here.
Do I need to remove all asbestos found on site?
No.
The law does not compel you to remove asbestos. You are required to ensure that any asbestos on a site or in a building is safe and that it will not cause harm to anyone who may come into contact with it. You are required to know where it is and to make everyone who may come into contact with it aware of its presence.
We take the view that if possible or practical it is safer and more cost-effective to leave asbestos where it is rather than taking up space in landfill sites. Correctly managed and maintained there is no reason why asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) should not remain on site for many years to come.
Why do I need a survey?
A survey is the first part of an asbestos management programme. The law states that you must know the location of all the potential or identified ACMs on your premises. Once the hazards have been identified you can implement a plan to either remove or manage the hazardous materials.
What kind of survey do I need?
The type and level of detail of the survey is determined by your situation and the use of each area of a plant, site or building. Following the survey it is possible to assess the need for sampling, repair or removal works. The decisions are based on the extent of the hazard together with an assessment of the risks inherent in the location.
Most importantly all the evidence and the final decisions as to the level of sampling and other remedial works must be recorded should they be required to be justified.
How much involvement do I need to have?
As the person who has financial or legal responsibility for the asbestos work which is performed on a site you will want to be involved. However, your time is precious and we seek to minimise the need for you to be involved. Almost none of our reporting is in paper format. All reports are presented using Modus' own software to allow you to assess the location, quantity and condition of the hazards which we have identified with no need to trawl through reams of paper to find the answer to your questions.
How do I know the work has been done properly?
At the end of each stage of the survey you will be presented with the data collected. This includes all information relating to suspected ACMs, all samples to be taken and finally the results of the sample analysis.
In addition to this you also need to be certain that the work is being undertaken safely and with consideration for all relevant safety legislation. Again the Modus work control system means that you have instant access to hazard assessments, method statements, task risk assessments and other relevant documentation.
Will Modus manage all the work?
Only if required. We are able to offer a complete management service for all activities including planning, surveying, sampling, analysis, re-inspection and auditing together with all management software, systems and procedures. However, if you have preferred contractors or suppliers we are equally happy to offer our services for any element of the work.
How do I know I’m getting what I pay for?
Documentation and transparency is the key. There are many horror stories of companies paying for many tons of harmless plaster to be stripped because it was claimed to contain asbestos. The truth is that once the area is encapsulated few people want to or are able to enter the area to check on the quality of the work or if you are getting what you pay for.
Our documentation system makes it clear where the hazards have been identified together with any independent analysis of any suspect material. This way you know the exact volume, location and condition of all hazards on a site.
In addition to the paperwork required by legislation it is also important that the evidence on which decisions were made are recorded. This is necessary if for any reason you are called on to justify any decision.
You will have access to all documentation and the results of any independent analysis which are logged using our own management software. Hard copy of survey sheets and analysis is retained for audit purposes only.
What do I do once the survey is finished?
Once the survey is completed it is important that the results are put to good use. The survey will make recommendations together with justifications for either the removal or maintenance of ACMs on a site. The information will be made available in a format which makes the planning of repair and removal works to be carried out in the most cost efficient manner. Modus is able to take on the work of asbestos management on your site by coordinating and managing removals and repairs and by scheduling and completing the required re-inspection works.
Modus is able to work with you to ensure that your budgets are spent in the most effective manner possible.
If you don't find any asbestos can I assume that building is asbestos free?
No.
Whilst any survey will try to find as many of the hazards as possible it is not possible to state that the building is asbestos free. It may be possible to provide very strong evidence for the building to be presumed asbestos free. Such evidence is usually based on the date of construction, the availability of detailed architects’ drawings or evidence of correct quality control during the construction phase. However, in the vast majority of cases there may be unknown voids or areas that become exposed only when plant and machinery is removed. For this reason no building should ever be assumed to be asbestos free and maintenance in these buildings should be carried out on the assumption that ACMs may be present.
Are you independent?
Modus supplies only survey and management services. Whilst we are happy to manage remedial works such as stripping, encapsulation and re-insulation we do not have a vested interest in doing this work. This means that you can be assured that our recommendations are the most cost effective for you and are not based on our own self interest.