References to the Control of Asbestos Regulations have been updated to the 2012 version; Previously, the main provider of qualifications recognised by UKAS has been the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), through its Proficiency Modules. These are supported by ongoing assessment by UKAS of organisations accredited to ISO/IEC 17020 of domestic, commercial and industrial categories of land-based buildings. It is common knowledge that testing laboratories in the UK need to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by UKAS in order to provide an asbestos testing service: This is a specific requirement of CAR: 2012. LAB 30 clause 3.0 suitable PT schemes are available for laboratories undertaking asbestos testing by electron microscopy and organisations are required by both LAB 30 and UKAS document TPS 47 to participate in an appropriate scheme, where such a scheme is available. The mission of the Brea Olinda Unified School District, in partnership with home and community, is to provide all students a quality education that prepares and inspires them to strive for high goals, become responsible, contributing citizens, and continue learning all their lives. Therefore where IBs have been surveying fixed rigs & platforms, they will be permitted to continue to do so under industrial premises, so long as competence has been suitably demonstrated. Further information on multi-site accreditation can be found within UKAS publications TPS 51 & TPS 59 (www.ukas.com). Rather Laboratories undertaking fibre counting (including classification/identification of fibres) should participate in the SEMS PT scheme. The following items are included in this bulletin: [1] Asbestos in soils analysis - screening, identification and quantification. It is for UK candidates, wanting to establish their competence in the specific field of asbestos. After reviewing the course content, and feedback from a short pilot, it has been agreed that these qualifications will receive equal recognition from UKAS to the P Modules provided by BOHS. 8. [6] Laboratory accommodation / environment - monitoring. Clarification from our colleagues within HSE has confirmed that the changes are very minor and, in summary, are as follows: References to the Control of Asbestos Regulations have been updated to the 2012 version; An addition made in paragraph 7 to confirm that prohibitions are now in the REACH Regulations 2007; Reference in paragraph 24 on the ABICS surveyor certification scheme has been updated to reflect the fact that it is no longer operational; In addition a few other minor typographical errors and updates to references, etc. If this is the case then the organisation will be expected to hold at least one 2012 version (hard or electronic) within its management system. Section A2.8 of HSG248 (The Analysts Guide), states When the handling of asbestos-containing materials is frequent, airborne exposures should be assessed as required by CAWR. Championed and managed the Corporate's Energy and Sustainability plan, evaluating and actioning energy efficiency projects, energy compliance and utilities procurement. Any organisation with a keen interest in participating in such a pilot programme should contact George Sanders at: [emailprotected]. @BOHSworld Therefore dependent on feedback from stakeholders, if sufficient support for such a programme is received then UKAS will look at the viability for setting up a development project and steering committee to take this forward. Both UKAS and accredited laboratories frequently receive complaints and queries regarding the discovery of dust / debris in an area previously cleared following the 4SC process. Following a proposal considered at a previous TAC meeting UKAS will now accept the P405 in addition to P402 or RSPH qualification in place of the S301. revisiting a site immediately or soon after the COR has been issued to be undertaken more frequently than the LAB 30 requirement to audit staff) and also consider the analysts utilising visual media (photographs / video) to record the cleanliness of the area post stage 4 of the process. The following items are included in this bulletin: Authorised staff shall be audited (including witnessing staff undertaking the testing and sufficient oral questioning) once every 12 months as a minimum. Accreditation: Delivering Certified Confidence, Point Of Care Testing (POCT) accreditation, Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering accreditation, Proficiency Testing Provider accreditation, Reference Material Producer accreditation, Validation & Verification Body accreditation, Becoming an Approved Body for UKCA marking, Validation and Verification Training Courses, Subscribe to receive UKAS Publications updates, http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp, Asbestos in soils analysis screening, identification and quantification, Laboratory accommodation / environment monitoring. 2 0 obj The outcome of this review was to confirm the requirement that the monitoring needed to be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of A2.8 of HSG248, i.e. were made. Multi-site accreditation, satellite offices and temporary sites, Accredited organisations are reminded of the requirements within the UKAS Agreement to inform UKAS of any significant changes within their organisation and operations. 1150455, about the Workplace Environment and Health. UKAS has already liaised with ATaC w.r.t. 11. Taken directly from the minutes: UKAS outlined the issue that arose out of a nonconformity raised at a laboratory where staff had been processing up to 150 samples per day (each), although the lab in question had identified this as a problem, the ceiling limit on samples per analyst per day (before investigation was to be undertaken) was deemed not acceptable by the UKAS Team. Joining will give you access to the valuable learning and academic resources to support your studies. http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules, separate accreditation will be required for those organisations that wish to undertake surveys of marine vessels to an accredited standard. Therefore the laboratory will have to demonstrate its competence to undertake such preparations to UKAS; where this is not included within the scope of accreditation the laboratory shall seek an extension to scope. UKAS has already liaised with ATaC w.r.t. Laboratory accommodation & environment- monitoring. As a Member you'll be able to use the MFAAM post-nominal and access all the membership benefits and resources. The following items are included in this bulletin, some of which are continued from the first bulletin issued in 2010: 1. With the change by BOHS in replacing the S301 with the international qualification, W504 (2012/13) this policy was reviewed. ATaC gathering some information from its members on what they believe to be realistic numbers per day per analyst. This policy is stated in UKAS publications LAB30 for testing and RG8 for inspection, which require that all analysts and surveyors must hold formal recognised qualifications (in addition to demonstrable knowledge, experience and in-house training) in order to be authorised to undertake specified asbestos activities. UKAS also continues to discuss the assessment of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 and sector-related publications, to ensure a consistent assessment approach, during its regular Asbestos Technical Assessor meetings. Sheffield This course has passed BOHS RP405 Refresher P405 Asbestos Management Organisations need to define a job to ensure field blanks are sufficiently traceable, 5. 9. Please use the next button to navigate through the application form. (b) If the analysis involves removing defined pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) from soil samples and analysing these in accordance with HSG 248 then such analysis will be covered by standard UKAS bulk analysis accreditation. UKAS also continues to discuss the assessment of the requirements of ISO/IEC 17020, ISO/IEC 17025 and sector-related publications, to ensure a consistent assessment approach, during its regular Asbestos Technical Assessor meetings. It is also an internationally recognised, and the only UK-based, examining board for qualifications in occupational hygiene. LAB 30 Clause17.2 makes it quite clear that an asbestos analyst cannot undertake clearance work for an organisation with which they have a relationship. In any case, it is recommended that regular air monitoring (on a monthly basis) is conducted in the preparation/identification area, and that the results are recorded. The first proposed limit 70 samples / 90 points was rejected by UKAS as unacceptable, this level of work still AVERAGED sample times as 6 mins per sample considering standard breaks in an 8 hr shift, however the laboratory struggled to understand why this was an issue. 60 samples / 70 points) is acceptable. This identified (amongst other aspects) that the technical competence required to undertake such surveys differed significantly from experiences associated with normal land-based building surveying. Once this activity has been satisfactorily assessed soil preparation and identification shall be included on the laboratorys schedule of accreditation. It is common knowledge that testing laboratories in the UK need to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by UKAS in order to provide an asbestos testing service: This is a specific requirement of CAR: 2012.However, there is an apparent degree of uncertainty regarding the mandatory status of accreditation with respect to analysis of asbestos in soil.Therefore the following points provide clarity on this matter: Staff undertaking analysis of asbestos by stereo-microscopy, polarised light microscopy and dispersion staining (e.g. <>/ExtGState<>/XObject<>/ProcSet[/PDF/Text/ImageB/ImageC/ImageI] >>/MediaBox[ 0 0 595.25 842] /Contents 4 0 R/Group<>/Tabs/S/StructParents 0>> All of our certification materials are completely app-ready so they can be accessed from any smartphone, tablet, or desktop . <> Asbestos testing electron microscopy, 6. . Thisisa level 5qualificationin the BOHS qualifications framework, equivalent to NVQ Level 5. ASBESTOS SURVEYING: Reissue of ISO/IEC 17020 and HSE Guidance HSG 264. However, only P405s issued after February 2004 will be accepted. Verify UKAS accredited Management System certificates, Watch this short demonstration video to find out more, Creating confidence in the quality of products and services we rely on, Learn about the benefits of accreditation, Courses & advisory services to support your accreditation journey, Get the latest news, training courses, webinars, and press releases from UKAS, UKAS signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Export and International Trade, Find out about life at UKAS, our vision, mission & values, Home > Resources > Technical bulletins > Technical bulletins > Asbestos Technical Bulletin Issue 3, Since Issue 2 the following section has been updated:-, [11] Asbestos qualifications [8] Multi-site accreditation and satellite offices Time per sample type rather than numbers of samples (this eliminates pressure on staff to multitask and complete numbers of samples and also other testing or surveying work). <> Asbestos in soils analysis screening, identification and quantification. propriate Occupational Hygiene or Proficiency m, three years of relevant professional experience, Submit the Written Assignment and Portfolio of Evidence (if applicable), View feedback comments and assessment results, means that BOHS is the only occupational hygiene organisation to offer the opportunity to achieve. For marine vessels used within international waters and registered with the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) the requirements for surveying of such premises differ from the current UK guidance as currently published in HSG 264, and which UKAS accreditation of asbestos surveying is currently based. If this is the case then the organisation will be expected to hold at least one 2012 version (hard or electronic) within its management system. Although UKAS recognises that UK Regulations cover the normal operation of marine vessels in UK waters and docks, separate accreditation will be required for those organisations that wish to undertake surveys of marine vessels to an accredited standard including: as specified by the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention Chapter II-1, Regulation 3.5.2 (1974 as amended) for the sole purpose of generating asbestos condition reports, (Initial, Verification and In-service, including management recommendations where appropriate). Independence within the 4-Stage Clearance Process Policy Review: Multi-site accreditation and satellite offices. As a consequence, as of 14 February 2012, UKAS recognised the following qualifications as suitable in providing evidence towards an individuals competence: * This qualification does not include any report examination and therefore Organisations need to ensure training has been provided to allow surveyors to write/produce survey reports and determine their suitability. endobj However, more recently Asbestos Testing and Consultancy (ATAC) submitted a proposal to the UKAS Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee requesting that its newly developed qualifications, administered by Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), also be formally recognised. As part of UKASs commitment to providing a valid accreditation service to the asbestos sector UKAS reviews its asbestos-related policies, procedures and requirements on an ongoing basis through the Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee (a list of committee members and summary of minutes are available on the UKAS website www.ukas.com). By extending your membership, you will become part of our dynamic community of occupational hygiene professionals, collaborating and exchanging ideas in the interest of achieving a healthy working environment for everyone. To clarify some queries UKAS has received, regarding the changes made by BOHS to the P403 module in September 2010. <> They should . E-mail: mhelks@pcs-asbestos.co.uk Stephen Hoare - Operations Director Steve joined the PCS team as Operations Manager in 2017 and became Operations Director in 2019. Further details on these qualifications can be found at: BOHS: http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules/, ATAC: http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp, 12. As a Chartered Member you'll be able to use the CMFOH post-nominals and access all the membership benefits and resources. @BOHSworld [10] 4SC Preventive action and improvement. As an example, asbestos identification testing providers using SEM/EDXS (in place of PLM) should participate in AIMS. Authorised staff shall be audited (including witnessing staff undertaking the testing and sufficient oral questioning) once every 12 months as a minimum. Or Dip Occ. by determining that the concentration of fibres in the atmosphere did not exceed accepted levels. It demonstrates you have relevant skills and knowledge, you are commitment towards CPD and our Code of Ethics and your development and ensures you remain relevant and employable. Persons conducting re-inspections must be appropriately qualified, trained and authorised. The report shall not state soil as the matrix. An alternate worksite is a telework center or a specific workspace within a home or another approved location other than the employee's office at the official duty station, e.g., a desk in a home office. This decision has been based on a pilot assessment which was tailored to address the specifics associated with surveying of marine vessels. endobj Asbestos testing electron microscopy. Candidates will be asked to create an account on the BOHS hub websiteto gainaccess to: Since 1953 BOHS has been the only organisation dedicated to occupational hygiene, and to be awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of its unique and pre-eminent role as the leading authority in occupational disease prevention. It demonstrates you have relevant skills and knowledge, you are commitment towards CPD, the Code of Ethics and your development, and ensures you remain relevant and employable. The proposal, which suggested removing the total prohibition in favour of controlled management, was discussed at length and as no consensus was reached it was agreed to allow HSE additional time to discuss this matter internally. Accreditation: Delivering Certified Confidence, Point Of Care Testing (POCT) accreditation, Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering accreditation, Proficiency Testing Provider accreditation, Reference Material Producer accreditation, Validation & Verification Body accreditation, Becoming an Approved Body for UKCA marking, Validation and Verification Training Courses, Subscribe to receive UKAS Publications updates, http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules/, http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp, P402: Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos, BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos, P401 Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples (PLM), P403: Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM) (including Sampling Strategies), RSPH Certificate for Asbestos Analysts (Air), P404: Air Sampling of Asbestos and MMMF and Requirements for a Certificate of. The resulting reports from this analysis shall state soil as the matrix but cannot report any quantification of the asbestos content. In addition a few other minor typographical errors and updates to references, etc. At that time it was acknowledged that although aspects of the clearance procedure were already covered by ISO/IEC 17025, other aspects were better suited to ISO/IEC 17020 (as inspection activities). Members also agreed the upper limit does need to be considered. [11] Asbestos qualifications % Traceability of the date / analyst etc relating to any photographs / video footage does need to be considered. The process of a reinspection is (by strict definition) to re-assess the condition of previously identified asbestos containing materials (acms) only. Youwill need to complete three components: a Portfolio of Evidence and a written assignment and a professional discussion. In 2009 UKAS decided to review this policy to determine whether or not it was providing confidence in the impartiality of the 4SC procedure. endobj Verify UKAS accredited Management System certificates, Watch this short demonstration video to find out more, Creating confidence in the quality of products and services we rely on, Learn about the benefits of accreditation, Courses & advisory services to support your accreditation journey, Get the latest news, training courses, webinars, and press releases from UKAS, UKAS signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Export and International Trade, Find out about life at UKAS, our vision, mission & values, Home > Resources > Technical bulletins > Technical bulletins > Asbestos Technical Bulletin Issue 2. Multi-site accreditation, satellite offices and temporary sites, Accredited organisations are reminded of the requirements within the UKAS Agreement to inform UKAS of any significant changes within their organisation and operations. Therefore the UKAS policy on requiring the analyst to be independent of the body commissioning the clearance remains. ASBESTOS SURVEYING: Reissue of ISO/IEC 17020 and HSE Guidance HSG 264 This level of membership is for those who have established their competence in the field of asbestos by obtaining the BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos. This identified (amongst other aspects) that the technical competence required to undertake such surveys differed significantly from experiences associated with normal land-based building surveying. LAB 30 clause 6.1 also applies to organisations undertaking asbestos testing by electron microscopy. Our team comprises of highly experienced asbestos consultants. It demonstrates you have relevant skills and knowledge, you are commitment towards CPD, the BOHS Code of Ethics and your development and ensures you remain relevant and employable. All key technical and quality control staff hold a BOHS Certificate of Competence in asbestos. If the laboratory is contracted to identify asbestos fibres in soil then it will need to employ additional preparation techniques to those generally employed for ACMs. However, there is an apparent degree of uncertainty regarding the mandatory status of accreditation with respect to analysis of asbestos in soil. If the quantification involves fibre counting, then the relevant qualification should be held by the organisation as a minimum (BOHS P403 or equivalent). BOHS provides a qualification guide to support you through your submission, with assistance from our Professional Qualifications Administrator and assessors. P408, S301, W504) or an equivalent. 5/6 Melbourne Business Court, Millennium Way, Pride Park Derby, DE24 8LZ, BOHS 2023. In 2003 Jonathan began work with the University of Portsmouth as a Senior Lecturer where his main role was to develop course material, deliver BOHS asbestos short . endobj Affiliate membership is for companies, organisations and corporations who would like to demonstrate their commitment to improving workplace health. This decision has been based on a pilot assessment which was tailored to address the specifics associated with surveying of marine vessels. This accreditation for identification of asbestos fibres will appear as a separate entry on the UKAS schedule of accreditation. It is included here as a reminder to those organisations undertaking bulk sample analysis. As an Associate member you'll be able to use the AFAAM post-nominal and access all the membership benefits and resources. The UKAS process for assessing and accrediting asbestos inspection bodies was developed at the request of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2001. Current schedules of accreditation for asbestos inspection are based on the initial scheme along with subsequent guidance as issued by the HSE. Board and Committee meetings are open to the public. Members agreed more guidance is needed (HSG248 app2 wording needs to be improved) and that the policy currently implemented by UKAS (i.e. This level of membership is aimed at professionals who want to achieve the highest professional standards. It is also an internationally recognised, and the only UK-based, examining board for qualifications in occupational hygiene. staff notice given, contract agreed etc): If unsure of the significance of the change then please bring to the attention of your Assessment Manager. The revised HSG248 will strengthen the language and the revise the points / numbers currently documented. /bohs UKAS policy changed in that only the P403 is required to be held by any person undertaking both sampling / fibre counting air monitoring exercises e.g. Therefore the bulletin needs to be read in its entirety. Therefore dependent on feedback from stakeholders, if sufficient support for such a programme is received then UKAS will look at the viability for setting up a development project and steering committee to take this forward. @BOHSWorld. It also demonstrates you have relevant skills and knowledge, you are commitment towards CPD, the Code of Ethics, your development and ensures you remain relevant and employable. Not all of these complaints are justified, however, without sufficient evidence to demonstrate the area was clean at the time of issuing the certificate of reoccupation it can be difficult to resolve. endstream This includes changes in Technical and Quality management and any changes to the operational locations. Surveying for Asbestos in Marine Vessels. If the quantification involves fibre counting, then the relevant qualification should be held by the organisation as a minimum (BOHS P403 or equivalent). It was finally agreed 50 samples / 60 points; however this lab now wants to revert back to 70 samples / 90 points (already previously rejected by UKAS).