Medway Council Case Study

Location/Area: Medway – Various
Start Date: 2004 to present
Duration: Ongoing

The Issue

Medway Council have over 4,300 domestic dwellings ranging from 5 bedroom houses to communal flats, many of which over 10 years old and therefore likely to contain asbestos. As a consequence regulations state that Medway Council must identify and manage any asbestos within these properties in accordance with the Control Of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006 in order to protect residents, members of the public and its own employees.

The Aim

Over a three year management plan, AcePSI aim to identify any asbestos containing materials by carrying out inspections, sampling and analysis throughout the Medway Council area. By doing so this will enable Medway Council to maintain buildings/premises in with regulations. The majority of asbestos surveys will be Management (Type 2) Surveys, although a small amount of Refurbishment/Demolition (Type 3) will be required for pre-demolition/renovation work.

The Approach

A dedicated project manager and team of surveyors would on a daily basis undertake booking appointments on behalf of Medway Council, with the aim of carrying out approximately 8 surveys a day. This is prioritised on work previously surveyed, based on streets, areas and building types where asbestos has been previously found. Type 2 surveys are used to survey sites and include drawings and photos of inspection points before all reasonably accessible areas of the building are inspected and representative samples of suspected Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM’s) are taken and analysed.

Once analysed all surveys are collected and updated onto day to day and void survey request spreadsheets. This process identifies any further asbestos work that will be required for which a decision is made as to carrying out further works. Regular project meetings are held to inform Medway Council of progress and developments.

In addition a secure online register is provided to the council. All updated works are imported into AcePSI’s AMS (Asbestos Management System) Database where on a weekly basis details including method statements, photos and drawings are uploaded and stored. AMS is incorporated into the client's existing management system which fully supports the recording and storage of all asbestos survey findings, performing risk assessments to HSG264 standards and managing remedial actions including the budgeting and management reporting.

Along with this planned word some is certainly un-scheduled, such as with void properties, meaning a more reactive approach is required. Such works are carried out within 24 hours of request and are booked by AcePSI on behalf of Medway Council. Following a survey and where works such as air monitoring is not carried out by AcePSI we will write instructions for contractors which includes an update of the relevant database.

The Outcome

AcePSI have been, and continue to successfully manage Medway Councils asbestos management programme. As a result over 3,200 domestic dwellings have been successfully inspected since 2007. A detailed council database has been produced and maintained throughout this period, using AcePSI’s software solutions, listing all removal/remedial work carried out. Overall is has ensured Medway Councils duty to manage has been upheld, and that all council members and non-licensed contractors are aware of any asbestos that may be present. The subsequent risks of any possible exposure are therefore managed in a way that enables staff, residents and visitors minimal exposure to any Asbestos Containing Materials.