Major changes to NDTG CAT"B" non licensed asbestos removal courses

For some time now C&D have been delivering NDTG CAT "B" non licensed asbestos removal courses excluding artex as that was the course our customers wanted and requested.

However, as of 1st December 2012, all NDTG CAT "B" non notifiable asbestos removal courses MUST INCLUDE ARTEX removal as NDTG will no longer issue certificates for CAT "B" training excluding artex.

This change means that all CAT "B" training in non notifiable asbestos will now include the erection of 2 stage airlock, and full mask usage. The use of a decontamination unit is not essential as the enclosure / 2 stage air lock they are required to build is a good example of a means to decontaminate should there be no decon unit or segregated welfare facility on site. Therefore a decontamination unit is not essential for the course.

Please note that as of 1st December all NDTG CAT "B" courses booked through C&D must include artex removal as part of the course.

If you feel that you do not require artex included, for example if you have your own in house asbestos licensed company that deals with such work, then please email us to discuss the alternatives.

The EU wants UK asbestos regulations updated

The European Union has responded to a complaint made by ARCA in 2006 that could see artex become a licensed material once again.

When the UK revised the Asbestos Regulations in 2006 the decision was taken to remove artex coatings from those regulations which effectively meant that anyone with sufficient experience and training could remove artex coatings rather than it being a licensed contractor as it had been before the change.

What has happened now is the EU have looked at our Control of Asbestos Regualtions 2006, which no longer has artex coatings within them, and said that they do not comply with the EU directive on artex and the UK now have to respond to Brussels and advise them what we as a nation intend to do.

Brussels are saying artex must go back into the Regs, they are concerned that the dereguation will lead to more exposure by use of unlicensed contractors, and we have to comply or give a very good reason why we don't want to comply.

Although nothing is certain yet, it is our bet that the UK will revise the regulations again to put artex back as a licensed material.

Source: Asbestos News (image courtesy of Flickr user sarflondondunc)