Improving standards in asbestos waste disposal

Early last year, the Environment Agency (EA) published an industry briefing note of their findings following a national audit of asbestos waste transfer stations.  The audit was carried out along with the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) and Natural Resources Wales.

As part of the audit, 99 sites were visited as well as some unpermitted sites.

Although many of the asbestos transfer sites were found to be well run, there were some which failed to met the required standards.

Anyone producing, storing, moving or receiving hazardous waste (including asbestos) should be aware of the following:-

• The operator of an asbestos transfer site needs to hold a relevant environmental permit
• If a site produces more than 500kg of hazardous waste (including asbestos) over a 12 month period, that site must be registered with the EA.
• A consignment note need to be produced for all hazardous waste movements and must be completed fully and correctly.
• Sites that receive asbestos waste need to adhere to strict riles around the site management and the reporting of hazardous waste movements to the EA.

Jeff Letch, Commercial Director, WWM said, “We very much welcome the publication of the Environment Agency’s findings, the report provided an excellent reference point for essential compliance checks and good practice which will help to drive up standards in the management of asbestos waste”.

 

Duty holders and employers have a legal responsibility to manage asbestos in their building so as not to put employees at risk. Contact our Armco office for asbestos management and refurbishment/ demolition surveys on 0161 763 3727 or by visiting https://www.armco.org.uk/

Alternatively, for all your asbestos training needs call 0161 761 4424 or visit https://www.armcoasbestostraining.co.uk/ for more information or to book a training course.

 

Published Oct 31, 2016