The implications of ‘notifiable non-licensed work with asbestos’: Practical difficulties for surveyors

Abstract

This paper describes the practical difficulties that asbestos-containing materials can present for surveyors when considering the refurbishment, alteration and, ultimately, the valuation of a building. Health and Safety Executive guidance in respect of the different types of asbestos survey is discussed as well as the competency standards that must be attained by those responsible for undertaking these types of survey. The paper also explains the significance of recent legislation introduced to comply with the European Commission Asbestos Worker Protection Directive; in particular, the additional classification ‘notifiable non-licensed work’. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 identifies three distinct categories of work with asbestos — licensed work, non-licensed work and notifiable non-licensed work. Each classification is defined, and an explanation provided as to the factors that must be considered in order to determine the applicable category of asbestos work. The author provides examples of work activities within each category and a Health and Safety Executive decision flow chart is presented as an aid to the decision-making process. Finally, the paper reviews a memorandum from the Asbestos Liaison Group relating to the partial relaxation of precautionary measures when soffits made of asbestos insulating board are removed.