Asbestos Management

Clifford Devlin is licensed by the Health & Safety Executive to remove and dispose of asbestos containing materials (ACMs).

Our Asbestos Division was established in the early 1980s in response to increased encounters with the potentially hazardous material in the course of demolition and refurbishment projects. The Division now contributes approximately 20% of the company's annual turnover.

Clifford Devlin has a comprehensive range of services to assist dutyholders with their responsibility to manage asbestos containing materials in buildings they control.

Repair / Encapsulation

In some cases, where ACMs are in good condition and are not likely to be disturbed we may recommend sealing rather than removing them. This can be done using an overcladding product or applying a suitable sealant coating, which provides increased protection from impact damage and improved resistance to water, oil and grease.

Removal

Where ACMs can give rise to potential release of fibres and thus pose an imminent threat to occupiers we will recommend immediate removal. This is carried out by trained operatives in a controlled area and in accordance with current legislation.

Material that has been removed is placed in sealed containers for disposal. On completion the area is thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated. It is then inspected visually and tested using the 4 stage clearance protocol before being authorised for re-occupation.

All operatives engaged in asbestos abatement activities are trained to the highest industry standard and receive regular refresher training to keep them abreast of legislative changes and advances in removal techniques.

Disposal

Asbestos material which has been removed is transported to our Toxic Waste Transfer Station in Bow which is licensed by the Environment Agency, before ultimate disposal at approved and licensed landfill sites. Clifford Devlin operates its own vehicles and sealed skip containers for this activity.

Management

Dutyholders have a continued responsibility to manage the risks which asbestos material presents. Through the production of a Management Plan, a regime of re-inspection and management is imposed to ensure that the condition of identified ACMs has not deteriorated. Appropriate action must be taken if the materials circumstance has changed since its last inspection.

The Management Plan should also contain a register of the presence of any asbestos containing material, identifying where it is located and its condition at a recorded time and date. The plan will also define roles and responsibilities with regard to future management. These records need to be easy to read, accessible and updated at least once per year. They should be available to any person tasked with carrying out maintenance or repair work, upon request.

Clifford Devlin can help you manage your risks by developing a suitable Management Plan and carrying out the periodic inspections / surveys required.

Download our a 24 page A5 booklet entitled "A practical guide to managing asbestos in the workplace"

Clifford Devlin is a corporate member of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) and its Site Audit Accreditation Scheme having successfully provided an approved Plan of Works and had a number of sites independently audited for quality and performance in accordance with current regulation.