We have received some important updates from HSE regarding asbestos management that we want to share with you and get your thoughts and feedback.

Waivers Process Update

With effect from today, there will be a new process for asbestos waivers. All waiver-related documents should no longer be sent to local offices but directly to the centralised email address: waivers-asbestos@hse.gov.uk. We would be grateful if you could disseminate this information among your own contacts, colleagues, and within your organisation to ensure a smooth transition.

Licence Fee Changes on Hold

The HSE has decided to defer the changes to the asbestos licence fee until the following year. Any future proposals for change will undergo consultation with industry stakeholders to gather input and feedback. Rest assured, you will be kept informed of any developments on this front. In the meantime, the current licence fee structure remains unchanged.

Issues Identified by HSE Inspectors

Recent findings by HSE inspectors have raised concerns over certain practices within the industry. Two particular issues have become more prevalent:

1. Waste van bulkheads with fresh supplies or other equipment within them.
2. Encapsulation - rather than engaging an analyst to undertake stages 1 and 2 of 4SC in the area to be encapsulated, the supervisor is doing this task and not doing it very well. LARCs are not clearing the area properly and are just painting over snots and asbestos, spreading fibres further.

I would like to gather your insights and observations on these matters. Have you encountered similar situations during audits, training sessions, site visits, or discussions? Your perspective is incredibly valuable in addressing these concerns and in fostering best practices across the industry.

HSE Survey: use of asbestos surveyors and analysts

HSE has launched a survey about the use of asbestos surveyors and analysts as part of the legal duty to manage asbestos in non-domestic premises.

HSE is building its evidence base to inform how the accepted recommendations from the Work and Pensions Select Committee inquiry into HSE’s approach to asbestos management are implemented.

Your participation in this survey will help HSE build evidence to inform this work.

It is relevant for people who have commissioned the services of an asbestos surveyor or surveying organisation; and/or, have commissioned the services of an asbestos analyst (via an analytical organisation) where licensed asbestos removal activity has taken place.

You can find out more about the survey - which is completely anonymous - and get details on how HSE protect the information you provide, in the introduction to the survey.

Visit this link to take part

We appreciate your attention to these updates and issues. Please do not hesitate to share your thoughts and experiences regarding the recent HSE observations. Your input is crucial in ensuring the continued safety and compliance of our industry.

Thank you for your ongoing support.

Thanks to UK Asbestos Training Association for sending this information.