Ensuring the health and safety of employees is of utmost importance in any workplace, be it an office, a construction site, or a factory floor. However, it takes more than good intentions to achieve this. It requires proper training and understanding of safety management principles. This is where the Institution of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) Managing Safely course comes in as an invaluable resource.­

The IOSH Managing Safely course is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage health and safety effectively within their workplace. Developed by experts in the field, the course covers a wide range of essential topics, including risk assessment, hazard identification, legal compliance, and incident investigation. By completing this course, participants gain a comprehensive understanding of safety management principles, empowering them to implement effective safety measures and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.

An important benefit of the IOSH Managing Safely course is its practical approach to safety management. Rather than focusing solely on theory, the course emphasizes real-world applications, providing participants with practical tools and techniques that they can immediately implement in their workplace. From conducting risk assessments to developing safety policies and procedures, participants learn how to proactively identify and mitigate hazards, creating a safer and healthier working environment for all employees.

Furthermore, the IOSH Managing Safely course is suitable for individuals at all levels within an organization, including managers, supervisors, and frontline employees. This course provides valuable insights into their roles and responsibilities concerning health and safety. By fostering a culture of safety awareness and accountability, organizations can ensure that everyone plays a part in maintaining a safe working environment, leading to fewer accidents, reduced absenteeism, and improved productivity.

The IOSH Managing Safely course is not just about compliance with legal requirements; it's also about fostering a positive safety culture within an organization. By promoting open communication, encouraging employee involvement, and recognizing the importance of continuous improvement, organizations can create a workplace where safety is prioritized by everyone. This not only enhances employee morale and satisfaction but also helps to protect the organization's reputation and bottom line.

Another advantage of the IOSH Managing Safely course is its flexibility and accessibility. Participants can choose from various formats, including classroom-based training, and blended learning options, depending on their schedule and learning preferences. Additionally, the course can be tailored to specific industry sectors, ensuring that participants receive relevant and practical training that addresses the unique risks and challenges they may face in their line of work.

In conclusion, the IOSH Managing Safely course is a valuable investment for any organization committed to ensuring the health and safety of its workforce. This course provides participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to manage safety effectively, creating a culture of safety excellence where accidents are prevented, and employees can thrive. Whether you're looking to enhance your own skills or empower your team to take ownership of safety, the IOSH Managing Safely course is an essential step towards achieving your goals.

Does IOSH Training Expire?

No, the IOSH Managing Safely certificate does not have an expiry date. However, it is recommended by IOSH that you take the refresher course every three years to keep your knowledge up to date.

Why Choose IOSH Managing Safely?

By choosing to undertake the IOSH Managing Safely training course, it’s demonstrating to other organisations and your industry that you value responsible management and take health and safety seriously. This can improve your organisation reputation and build new relationships.

Undertaking the course should in the long run, minimise disruption, increase greater productivity and improve your organisation overall.

What Is Involved in IOSH Training?

Facts and case studies help drive the points home throughout the course. Crystal-clear examples and recognisable scenarios back each module, and summaries reinforce the key learning points of:

• Assessing risks
• Controlling risks
• Understanding your responsibilities
• Identifying hazards
• Investigating accidents and incidents
• Measuring performance
• Protecting our environment

The Managing Safely course is assessed in two parts: an IOSH assessment, consisting of a 45-minute closed book assessment consisting of 25 questions. As part of this course, you will also complete a risk assessment project within your work environment. A pass mark of at least 60% is required in both the assessment and project to enable an Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (IOSH) certificate to be issued.

IOSH Training Cost?

IOSH Managing Safely Training at DMD costs from £555pp (exc. VAT)

Interested in booking onto one of our IOSH Managing Safely training courses? Get in touch via our contact us page or call us on 01603 487777.

Do employers have to provide first aid training?

It is not a legal requirement that all employers have a fully trained first aider, but someone must be appointed to take charge of first aid in the workplace. As, every employer in the UK, regardless of the size of the company, is legally obliged to plan for the provision of first aid at work. Employers must make sure that someone is always available to give or arrange first aid.

Can I give first aid without training?

Without specialist first aid training, it is not advised to perform first aid on anyone where there is the potential that you could make the injury or condition worse. For example, moving someone into the recovery position could make a neck or spinal injury worse. Choosing to do so is at an individuals discretion. 

Do first aiders get paid more?

In practice, most employers do not pay any extra, although some do give a nominal amount e.g., £100pa, to acknowledge their employee’s commitment. However, the volunteer must be paid at their normal rate whilst attending first aid training and any refresher courses.

Can you fail a first aid course in the UK?

Yes, you can fail a first aid course. At the end of the first aid course, you must complete a multiple-choice question paper. If you fail this, you will have one opportunity to retake. If failed a second time, you will be required to sit the course again.

Is it illegal to give someone paracetamol?

It isn’t illegal to give someone paracetamol in a workplace setting, but there are conditions to be followed. For example, it must be provided with the immediate and outer packaging intact as it came from the supplier. However, medicines do not form part of first aid and therefore should not be kept in the first aid kit.

Can my employer keep my first aid certificate?

Certificates for courses such as First Aid belong to you, even if your employer paid for them. If your employer won’t give them to you, you can contact the training provider to ask for a copy for a small fee.

Is it a legal requirement to have a first aid kit in a company vehicle?

It is a legal requirement to provide first aid kits in company vehicles, The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require employers to provide adequate and appropriate first aid equipment, facilities, and personnel to ensure employees can be given immediate help if they are injured or taken ill at work.

Can an employee refuse to do first aid training?

An employee may try to refuse First Aid Training, but implied into many employment contracts is a term that an employee should follow lawful and reasonable instructions from their employer, including any training requirements.

There are many situations in which you may require an asbestos survey; some reasons will mean you need a Management Asbestos Survey, while others can mean a Refurbishment/Demolition Survey. 

For many individuals and organisations, the first time they realise they must provide asbestos information is for one of 9 reasons, which we’ll look at in more detail below.

1. Management Asbestos Surveys 

Non-domestic properties built before 2000 have a legal duty to conduct an asbestos survey. This duty is imposed by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. A management survey should discover any potential materials that contain ACMs. The management survey is the starting point for ongoing asbestos management within a property. 

 2. Refurbishment and Demolition Survey

Suppose you want to complete a refurbishment, demolition or upgrade to a property. In that case, a refurbishment/demolition asbestos survey is a legal requirement to be met where the works will be taking place. This type of survey aims to ensure that no workers will be harmed by work on ACM on the premises or equipment and that the right contractor will do such work in the right way. 

3. Asbestos Management Plan

If there is asbestos in your commercial building, you need a plan detailing how to manage the material to keep occupants, tradespeople, and visitors safe from exposure. A management plan describes how you will protect these persons from asbestos daily and is a legal requirement. 

4. Asbestos Management Plan Annual Update

Suppose you have an asbestos management plan in place which indicates the premises has asbestos-containing materials present. In that case, you will need an annual survey to keep the plan current and monitor the asbestos to show evidence of any disturbance or degradation. Annual re-inspection can be optional if you prove the risk is particularly low and demonstrate adequate controls.

5. Buying a property 

If you are buying a property (commercial or domestic, which was built pre-2000), you should ideally have an asbestos survey as it can identify any ACMs which may cause you issues later down the line. Often this is realised after a traditional building survey or at the request of the lender, who is effectively also taking some of the risks. 

6. Selling a property 

Concerning the point above, sellers will encounter the need to provide a survey when a buyer, buyer’s agent or lender makes the request. However, it is worth noting that it is not illegal to sell a house in the UK with asbestos, but if you are aware of it, you should disclose it to potential buyers. 

7. Entering a lease

If, when entering a lease, you are responsible for the maintenance of the property, then the responsibility for the asbestos, in most cases, lies with you. You should seek up-to-date information from your prospective landlord to ensure any asbestos present is in a safe condition and manageable. 

8. Landlord common areas

Suppose you are a landlord, and you look after commercial or residential properties. In that case, the legislation requires that you know about all the asbestos in those ‘common areas’ of the property you control. These areas can be overlooked, including corridors, stairwells, roof spaces, plant rooms, and car parking areas.

9. Local authority requirements 

You may have planning permission for a new development, extension, or modification to a property. As part of the process, you may be required to supply an appropriate asbestos survey to the local authority.  

 If you need advice on which type of asbestos survey you need or would like to book an asbestos survey, contact our specialist team on 01603 487777 or fill in the enquiry form on our contact us page.

Important things to consider:

1. If your home was built before 2000, asbestos is likely to have been used
2. Asbestos is usually not a problem unless it is disturbed or damaged, and should always be treated with care
3. Do not disturb anything likely to have asbestos in it (i.e., do not drill, saw and sand, etc.)

Where might asbestos be in your home?

As asbestos was used in a wide range of common building materials, it can be found in many places across your home. The HSE’s website informs you of where you can find asbestos, as well as the common materials that may contain asbestos.

What to do if you think you have asbestos in your home

If you are not 100% sure whether it is asbestos, we recommend getting expert advice from a professional. Our expert asbestos team can then provide you with an asbestos survey to determine whether asbestos-containing materials are present

Often asbestos fibres are hard to identify, so the only way to confirm whether asbestos is present is by testing the material in a specialist laboratory. So, try not to remove or disturb anything if you think it could contain asbestos. Get in touch and organise a survey to find out for sure.

What happens once the asbestos survey is completed?

Once the asbestos sample results are back from the laboratory these will be inputted into your management survey or refurbishment and demolition survey and informs you whether any asbestos is present and what type.

After this point, the asbestos might be best left and managed or it could be that the asbestos can be removed safely. Our team will be able to help you with this.

A Face Fit Test  refers to the process of checking respiratory protective equipment (RPE) to check if it offers adequate levels of protection to the wearer. The HSE states that for RPE to be suitable, it must be matched to the job, the environment, the anticipated airborne contaminant exposure level, and the wearer.

Face fit testing is designed to provide workers with the best protection against the effect of hazardous materials. It can ensure the best possible seal to an individual’s face and consequently reduce the chances of any dangerous particles entering the mask and being inhaled.

Respiratory protective equipment is essential to reduce the risk of work-related illness and death. For example, asbestos is a leading cause of lung cancers like mesothelioma. However, you can’t be sure of your mask’s effectiveness without it being tested by a competent, experienced testing operative.

Anybody who wears a tight- or close-fitting mask to work is legally required to undergo a face fit test. They should have a certificate to prove any tight-fitting mask offers them adequate levels of protection. This includes half masks (disposable and reusable), powered respirators and full-face masks.

Regulations such as COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) and CAR (Control of Asbestos Regulations) all state that face fit testing should be a part of the initial mask selection process.

If you are in need of a Face Fit Testing, get in touch today.

It is important to understand how many first aiders you need based on how many staff you have and your risk level.

The below table illustrates how many Appointed Persons, Emergency First Aiders and First Aiders you need. However, when considering your training requirements, you need to consider training more people than required, to ensure cover is provided when employees are on annual leave/away from the facility.

There are three types of first aiders:

• Appointed Person, this individual isn’t really a first aider, but has first aid responsibilities and basic first aid knowledge.
• The Emergency First Aider has the practical and theoretical first aid training to handle emergencies.
• First Aiders has the highest level of first aid at work training and can handle a range of first aid emergencies and other specific injuries and illnesses.

Work Environments

As the table also shows, you need to consider if your workplace is high-risk or low-risk.

If you are working in a high-risk environment, there is a greater chance of an accident occurring, so it makes sense that you should have more first aiders.

In comparison, for those working in a low risk setting where accidents are highly unlikely, first aid requirements are not as intensive.

Low Risk Environments

A low-risk environment is a setting like an office, or a call centre. Somewhere people are not doing a lot of physical tasks and using only low risk equipment, like computers, desks and chairs.

However, injuries and accidents can still occur, as someone can trip and injure themselves and health emergencies such as strokes and heart attacks can happen. So, just because a place is low risk, doesn’t mean they do not need first aiders.

There are no exact rules or requirements on the number of first aiders or appointed persons to be provided in an office environment. However, there is a legal requirement to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and people, so your employees can get immediate help should an accident or medical situation occur.

Therefore, you need to assess what your first aid needs are. Office work is a relatively low hazard environment, and the risk of accident and injury is much lower when compared to a high-risk environment such as construction or manufacturing work. You need to take the nature of the work into account as well as the number of employees when assessing your first aid requirements.

The HSE guidance gives a suggested number of first aiders required in a low-risk environment such as an office:

High Risk Environments

On the other hand, high risk environments are places such as a construction site, a manufacturing facility or a warehouse, where the type of work and the equipment being used means there is a higher risk that an accident could occur.

When considering a construction site, where people use power tools, machines and hazardous substances, working at height and even in the ground there is instantaneously a higher level of hazards and the risks of accidents and injuries are much higher.

Similar to low risk environments, there are no official rules or requirements on the number of first aiders or appointed persons that need to be provided on a construction site, however like all workplaces, there is still the legal requirement to provide adequate first aid equipment, facilities and people, so your team can get immediate help should an injury occur on site.

The HSE suggests the below number of first aiders for a high-risk environment such as a construction site:

DMD offers Emergency First Aid at Work and Level 3 First Aid at Work and is accredited by the First Aid Industry Body. If you or your staff require First Aid Training, get in touch today at 01603 487777 or let us know your requirements via our Contact Us page.

An asbestos management plan is a document detailing who is responsible for managing asbestos in a commercial or public building.

The plan must be accessible to anyone who may need to see it, i.e., staff, visitors, and tradesmen and it needs to be easy to read, understand, and be kept up to date with any changes.

The asbestos management plan must be compiled and written before any repair or maintenance work is carried out on the premises, and when works are undertaken that could potentially affect the condition of the asbestos, the management plan must be updated accordingly.

Asbestos materials must be monitored regularly (every 6 – 12 months) and the asbestos register and management plan must be updated to reflect any deterioration in their condition.

Do I need an asbestos management plan?

When you are legally responsible for the repair and maintenance of commercial or industrial premises, you are classed as the Duty Holder. This means you have a legal duty to manage any asbestos that may be located within the building(s) and will require an asbestos management plan to be put in place if the building is found to contain asbestos.

Larger buildings will require an asbestos management survey

For larger buildings with more than 25 employees, the HSE recommends that you have an asbestos management survey performed by a professional Asbestos Surveyor.

An asbestos management survey will include a detailed report of the location, type, and condition of any asbestos materials, helping you to go on and compile a management plan of your own, or many asbestos surveying companies will do this for you.

Once you have completed an asbestos register and/or an asbestos management survey, then the next step is to write your asbestos management plan which will form part of the asbestos register.

Whether you need an asbestos management survey, or a refurbishment and demolition survey, contact us at 01603 487777 or by contacting us on our website.

First aid is often associated with paramedics and emergency services, but there can be many times in life and especially in a high-risk work environment where being first aid trained is critical. Here at DMD, we train your staff members to be able to assist in situations where first aid is required.

Safety is of paramount importance within the construction industry as accidents can occur both when safety protocols are adhered to and of course when they have not been.

Without first aid, minor accidents can become major ones which is why The Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 sets out the legislation that requires primary duties of employers and employees to ensure safety in the workplace. Meaning employers are required to provide first-aid boxes and appoint first aiders.

What are the first aid requirements for construction sites?

The Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 require all construction sites to have:

• A first aid box with enough equipment to cope with the number of works on site
• An appointed person to take charge of first aid arrangements
• Information telling workers the name of the appointed person or first aider and where to find them.

What is an appointed person?

The appointed person includes looking after first-aid equipment and facilities and calls the emergency services when required. They can also provide emergency cover where a first aider is unexpectedly absent (annual leave does not count). Appointed persons do not need first-aid training.

What is a first aider?

A first aider is someone who has undertaken training and has a qualification that HSE approves. This means that they must hold a valid certificate of competence in either First Aid at Work (FAW), or Emergency First Aid at Work (EFAW)

How many first aiders do you need on-site?

The HSE says if you have fewer than 5 site workers, you need at least one appointed person. If you have between 5 and 10 site workers, you need at least one first-aider trained in EFAW or FAW, depending on the type of injuries that may occur.

More than 50 site workers require at least one first-aider trained in FAW for every 50 people employed (or part of 50).

For more information from the HSE of First Aid at work visit their website.

First aid can save lives as it prevents injuries from worsening, minimises the stress and anxiety of the situation, can potentially reduce pain and discomfort, allows time for emergency services to arrive if required, and provides reassurance and comfort.

DMD offers Emergency First Aid at Work and Level 3 First Aid at Work and is accredited by the First Aid Industry Body. If you or your staff require First Aid Training get in touch today at 01603 487777 or let us know your requirements via our Contact Us page.

Removing bird droppings from buildings and pedestrian areas is important as bird guano can pose a serious risk to someone’s health. DMD Environmental provides a highly efficient and effective pigeon guano cleaning and removal service, eliminating hazards to humans, pets, and the building.

But why are pigeon guano and bird droppings so problematic?

Well, bird droppings are not just a sightly inconvenience, but can also cause health, environmental, legal, and economic risks.

• Pigeon guano contains bacteria, viruses, and parasites making them a hazard to health
• Guano can become a trip and slip hazard that could result in injuries and legal challenges
• Guano is acidic and can permanently stain buildings
• Bad smells can travel through ventilation systems
• Guano and other bird-related waste such as nesting materials can block gutters, and drain downpipes leading to internal flooding

How Bird Droppings Can Make You Ill

There are six health risks caused by pest birds that building owners and facility managers need to be aware of:

1. Salmonella – Pigeons and starlings can carry this bacterium which can be fatal for people weakened by illness

1. Escherichia coli (E. coli) – A bacterium commonly carried by pigeons and other birds and spread through droppings. It can cause intestinal illnesses that can be very serious, and on rare occasions, fatal.
2. Campylobacter jejuni – A bacterium in bird faeces and one of the most common causes of gastroenteritis, an illness that causes around 100 deaths in the UK every year.
3. Listeria – A bacterium that can cause potentially fatal listeriosis. Unborn children can suffer a related condition called meningoencephalitis which has a 50% death rate.
4. Cryptococcosis – A fungal infection picked up from dried bird droppings through inhalation of dust. It causes lung infections and can attack the central nervous system.
5. Histoplasmosis – A disease associated with pigeons, starlings, and seagulls. Weakened people, such as elderly people and cancer patients, can experience a flu-like illness and lung infections.

If you are looking for a reliable, fast, and effective bird/pigeon guano cleaning and removal, call DMD Environmental at 01603 487777 or get in touch via our contact us page.

The Department for Education states that all staff and children should have access to a safe and effective working and learning environment. However, in a recent study, their data suggests more than eight in 10 schools have asbestos on their sites and almost a fifth of schools were not managing in line with government guidance.

With these alarming statistics in mind, the HSE has been inspecting primary and secondary schools since September 2022 to uncover how leaders are meeting their “Duty to Manage” and dealing with the risks.

The inspectors are expecting to speak to someone “with knowledge of how asbestos is managed by the school” and may also need to see documents such as asbestos registers and management plans.

To prepare, the HSE said schools “may wish to review their current arrangements and check that they are meeting their duties”. The rules require schools to take “reasonable steps” to find out if there is asbestos on their premises, as well as the amount, where it is and the condition it is in.

Frequently Asked Questions about Managing Asbestos in Schools:

Q. Who is responsible for managing asbestos in schools

A. Anyone who has responsibility for the maintenance and/or repair of non-domestic premises, including schools, is a 'duty holder' as defined in Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012. For most schools, the duty holder will be the employer.

Who the employer is varies with the type of school. For community schools, community special schools, voluntary-controlled schools, maintained nursery schools, and pupil referral units, the employer is the local authority. For academies, free schools, voluntary-aided, and foundation schools, it will be the school governors. For independent schools, it may be the proprietor, governors, or trustees.

In situations where budgets for building management are delegated to schools by the local authority, the duty to manage asbestos will be shared between schools and the local authority. The authority's written scheme for the financing of maintained schools will set out the categories of work that will either be financed from the delegated school budget share (revenue repairs and maintenance) or remain the responsibility of the local authority (capital expenditure). Both parties will therefore have 'duty holder' responsibilities for the repair and maintenance of the premises.

 Q. What does a duty holder have to do in practice in a school?

A. The duty holder’s responsibilities include:

• keeping an up-to-date record of the location and condition of ACMs in the school
• assessing the risks from any ACMs in the school
• making plans to manage the risks from ACMs in the school
• putting those plans into action

Those most at risk of disturbing ACMs are tradespeople, caretakers, etc. The school's plan needs to contain provisions to ensure that information about the location and condition of ACMs is given to anyone who might disturb these materials.  The duty holder should also ensure that staff likely to disturb asbestos are suitably trained.

The HSE provides a step-by-step guide.

Q. What do duty holders need to know about using contractors?

A. Duty holders need to check that any contractors, like DMD Environmental who are likely to disturb asbestos are trained and competent for that work. Licensed contractors must be used for most work with asbestos insulation, AIB, and asbestos coatings.

Those responsible for managing asbestos on the school premises have a key role in briefing contractors, whether procured through the local authority or directly procured by the school. They should ensure that contractors are provided with all recorded information on the location and condition of ACMs. 

 Here at DMD Environmental, we are here to help every step of the way, making the school's process and “Duty to Manage” efficient and effective.

Q. Where is asbestos found in schools?

A. Many schools, built before 2000, will contain some form of asbestos. Asbestos-containing materials include:

• Asbestos lagging used as thermal insulation on pipes and boilers
• Sprayed asbestos used for thermal insulation, fire protection, partitioning, and ducts
• Asbestos insulating board (AIB) used for fire protection, thermal insulation, partitioning, and ducts
• Some ceiling tiles
• Floor tiles
• Cement roof and guttering
• Textured coatings

Q. Who is at risk from asbestos in schools?

A. The most likely way ACMs will create a risk in schools is when they are disturbed or damaged through maintenance, repair, or construction activities. School caretakers are a particular group at risk due to the nature of their work, e.g., drilling and fixing, and other contractors may be at risk while undertaking maintenance or installation work. If asbestos is disturbed during such work, there is a risk that fibres will be released and create a risk to others in the school.

Asbestos that is in good condition and unlikely to be damaged or disturbed is not a significant risk to health if it is properly managed. This means that teachers and pupils are unlikely to be at risk in the course of their normal activities. However, they should not undertake activities that damage ACMs, such as pinning or tacking work to insulation board or ceiling tiles.

Have any more questions? Visit the HSE’s Managing Asbestos in Schools FAQ.

Looking to get in touch with DMD Environmental about asbestos in your school or college? Get in touch with us via our contact us page or on 01603 487777.

The qualities of asbestos make the mineral useful, but also make asbestos exposure highly toxic. Scientific studies show that exposure to the material is linked to several diseases, including cancers.

Asbestos is dangerous when materials containing the substance are disturbed or damaged and the harmful fibres are released into the air and consequently inhaled.

The diseases caused by the inhaled fibres will not affect anyone immediately, as they often take a long time to develop, but once diagnosed, it is often too late to do anything. Which is why it is critical to protect yourself now.

No amount of asbestos exposure is safe, but asbestos generally has the worst effects when a person is exposed to an intense concentration of it, or if they have been exposed regularly over a long period. More asbestos accumulates in the body with every exposure, and there is no known way to reverse the damage it causes.

Asbestos can cause the following fatal and serious diseases:

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura) and the lining surrounding the lower digestive tract (peritoneum). It is almost exclusively related to asbestos exposure and by the time it is diagnosed, it is almost always fatal.

Asbestos-related lung cancer

Asbestos-related lung cancer is the same as (looks the same as) lung cancer caused by smoking and other causes. It is estimated that there is around one lung cancer for every mesothelioma death

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a serious scarring condition of the lung that normally occurs after heavy exposure to asbestos over many years. This condition can cause progressive shortness of breath, and in severe cases can be fatal.

Pleural thickening

Pleural thickening is generally a problem that happens after heavy asbestos exposure. The lining of the lung (pleura) thickens and swells. If this gets worse, the lung itself can be squeezed, and can cause shortness of breath and discomfort in the chest.

If you need advice or would like to book an asbestos survey or removal, get in touch with our specialist team on 01604 487777 or fill in the enquiry form on our contact us page.

Do you need an asbestos survey but not sure which type? Our specialist team here at DMD Environmental can help.

If you own or maintain a non-domestic premise built before 2000, it is a legal requirement for you to manage any asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) present. One of the first steps towards asbestos management is by commissioning an asbestos survey from a qualified surveyor.

The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 outlines a ‘Duty to Manage’ to protect occupants and visitors and having a survey done allows an understanding of the asbestos-containing materials within premises.

Following this legislation is critical, as if someone is potentially harmed by asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) on your premises and you do not have one of the correct types of asbestos surveys and consequential management plans in place, then you are at risk of facing legal action.

There are two principal types of asbestos surveys, depending on your plans for the non-domestic property.

Management Survey

If you are planning on simply managing the asbestos within the premises a standard ‘Management Survey’ should be what you need, as it allows you to monitor and manage asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) during the normal occupation and use of your premises.

The survey itself is a visual inspection, with minimal intrusive work and material sampling where appropriate.

Of the different types of asbestos surveys, this survey aims to ensure that where ACMs are present on the premises or in equipment, they can be managed safely and that no one is harmed by their continuing presence. It also verifies that sufficient measures are in place so that visitors or employees do not accidentally disturb it.

 A management survey will also provide guidance on maintaining a safe environment and what steps to take if remedial work is required. The management plan needs to be reviewed following any changes and at least annually.

Refurbishment and Demolition Surveys

The second principal survey is a ‘Refurbishment and Demolition Survey’. This survey must take place before any major refurbishment, remedial works, or demolition of premises. To put it simply, this survey is essential before any invasive work such as the installation of new windows, heating systems, ceilings, electrical works, etc.

This survey aims to ensure that the planned work will be carried out by a qualified asbestos surveyor so no one can be harmed by working around ACMs present. The survey area should typically be vacant whilst the survey takes place as it involves disturbance of materials and destructive inspection of ACMs.

Completing any type of refurbishment or demolition works without a refurbishment and demolition survey taking place first is potentially a breach of the CAR 2012 Regulations and can result in enforcement action. In domestic properties, there is also a duty under Regulations 5 & 6 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.

It is essential that when tradesmen attend a property (commercial or domestic) they are protected by their employer from asbestos exposure. The only safe way to achieve this is by having the appropriate type of asbestos survey and a suitable plan of work.

If you need advice on which type of asbestos survey you need or would like to book an asbestos survey, get in touch with our specialist team on 01604 487777 or fill in the enquiry form on our contact us page.

We are proud to announce our SHEQ Director, Chris Cato has successfully secured his UKATA Professional Trainer Membership. Making DMD Environmental the latest UKATA-accredited training centre in Norwich.

DMD HQ becoming a training hub will be welcomed by many who work with asbestos in Norfolk, as we are now the only training facility offering licensable asbestos works training within 50 miles of Norwich.

As well as licensable works training, Chris Cato can deliver courses on non-licensed asbestos works training and asbestos awareness training. This service line expansion will provide a fantastic opportunity for both of us here at DMD Environmental and the workers situated near to us who need asbestos training.

Chris Cato, our SHEQ Director comments: “UKATA is instantly recognised and respected for the exacting standards in asbestos training, and it is an honour to be able to offer this UKATA approved training to members of the public who need the differing levels of knowledge and practical skills.

Here at DMD Environmental, we endeavour to increase the level of asbestos awareness within the region, and offering this new service is a great step towards that.”

If you are interested in finding out more about our asbestos training courses, please find more information here, or contact us on 01603 487777 or email sales@dmd-environmental.co.uk.

DMD Environmental’s asbestos removals team, completed this emergency removal job in a timely manner.

The Challenge

The client requested a ‘ASAP’ turnaround on this asbestos 200m² roof sheets removal job. After being cancelled on by another firm, they were seeking a reliable and efficient team to come in and remove the roof sheets on this barn.

The Solution

Here at DMD Environmental we knew we could provide a fast and high-quality service, so ensured our team would come out to the client. After the call came in on a Tuesday, we were on site within 48 hours and the job was completed after 3 days on site. 

Outcome

Despite the team facing some rough weather conditions during the initial part of the removal, the asbestos roof sheets were removed by our asbestos removals team efficiently, with health and safety being the top priority.

The client was impressed by our service and “really appreciated the quick turnaround”.