All authorised staff must participate in these internal QC schemes. UKAS has already liaised with ATaC w.r.t. Any organisation with a keen interest in participating in such a pilot programme should contact George Sanders at: [emailprotected]. ASBESTOS SURVEYING: Reissue of ISO/IEC 17020 and HSE Guidance HSG 264. UKAS must be notified of all offices associated with the accredited organisation and confirmation that work is / is not undertaken at or away from that office (including any aspects of contract review). The new edition of HSG 264 can be downloaded free of charge from the HSE website (www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/). S301 replacement criteria for Inspection Bodies Therefore the laboratory will have to demonstrate its competence to undertake such preparations to UKAS; where this is not included within the scope of accreditation the laboratory shall seek an extension to scope. As one of the primary Regulators in this area, it is important to take account of the views of HSE, whose response was in favour of leaving the policy as it was, on the grounds that independence and impartiality of the analyst is seen as a key element in ensuring external influences are minimised. All key technical and quality control staff hold a BOHS Certificate of Competence in asbestos. This level of membership is for those who have established their competence in the field of asbestos by obtaining the BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos. Because the requirements for conducting reinspections fall within the criteria for a management survey, UKAS schedules of accreditation do not specifically highlight reinspections as a separate entity. /BOHSworld Ritchie is the Founder and Lab Director of AEC an ISO17025 testing business specialising in occupational hygiene, marine IHM survey, asbestos risk management, management systems auditing, mould investigations, and respirator fit testing with offices . Therefore the bulletin needs to be read in its entirety. Time per sample type rather than numbers of samples (this eliminates pressure on staff to multitask and complete numbers of samples and also other testing or surveying work). The level of a qualification indicates the relative complexity and depth of knowledge and skills required to attain the qualification. 11 0 obj Clarification from our colleagues within HSE has confirmed that the changes are very minor and, in summary, are as follows: References to the Control of Asbestos Regulations have been updated to the 2012 version; An addition made in paragraph 7 to confirm that prohibitions are now in the REACH Regulations 2007; Reference in paragraph 24 on the ABICS surveyor certification scheme has been updated to reflect the fact that it is no longer operational; In addition a few other minor typographical errors and updates to references, etc. (b) If the analysis involves removing defined pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) from soil samples and analysing these in accordance with HSG 248 then such analysis will be covered by standard UKAS bulk analysis accreditation. Laura Smith - Associate WHS Consultant - Coffey | LinkedIn Laura Smith Certificate of Competence - Asbestos; Laboratory Manager; Quality Manager; Project Manager; Licensed Asbestos Assessor. This qualification follows on from the successful completion of the appropriate Occupational Hygiene or Proficiency modules. Therefore the UKAS policy on requiring the analyst to be independent of the body commissioning the clearance remains. 8. This issue was discussed and documented within the UKAS Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee meeting minutes (July 2009), and these minutes are available on the UKAS website. The contract review process completed prior to undertaking this work shall ensure the customer is aware of the remit and limitations of this asbestos in bulk material analysis. You'll need to hold either the P405, P407 or three from P401, P402, P403, P404, P406, P408, S301, W504. It is a requirement for all organisations to ensure staff always expose, prepare, mount and retain a field blank sample for each job undertaken. Time per sample type rather than numbers of samples (this eliminates pressure on staff to multitask and complete numbers of samples and also other testing or surveying work). . LAB 30 clause 6.1 also applies to organisations undertaking asbestos testing by electron microscopy. This decision has been based on a pilot assessment which was tailored to address the specifics associated with surveying of marine vessels. Sheffield This course has passed BOHS RP405 Refresher P405 Asbestos Management If this is the case then the organisation will be expected to hold at least one 2012 version (hard or electronic) within its management system. (c) LAB 30 clause 15.1.1 and 15.1.2 Internal QC schemes need to be established and implemented by organisations undertaking asbestos testing by electron microscopy. endobj Reference in paragraph 24 on the ABICS surveyor certification scheme has been updated to reflect the fact that it is no longer operational; BOHS S301 Asbestos and other fibres AEC Learning Space Course Description The S301 proficiency course contains a short answer questions examination under the supervision of a BOHS invigilator and a practical assessment undertaken by an independent assessor. Joining as an individual members gives immediate access to our resources, and allows you to support the work of BOHS in raising awareness of worker health protection. Although UKAS recognises that UK Regulations cover the normal operation of marine vessels in UK waters and docks, separate accreditation will be required for those organisations that wish to undertake surveys of marine vessels to an accredited standard including: as specified by the Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) Convention Chapter II-1, Regulation 3.5.2 (1974 as amended) for the sole purpose of generating asbestos condition reports, (Initial, Verification and In-service, including management recommendations where appropriate). Therefore the UKAS policy on requiring the analyst to be independent of the body commissioning the clearance remains. The UKAS process for assessing and accrediting asbestos inspection bodies was developed at the request of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2001. /bohs Section A2.8 of HSG248 (The Analysts Guide), states When the handling of asbestos-containing materials is frequent, airborne exposures should be assessed as required by CAWR. However, only P405s issued after February 2004 will be accepted. x]^v`iK.Xbk~%j b51?FcP RT"bAEQ@TX 7aggg2w}}x|y{dd$JVHA0[#/A =*|yE D>B@ BAZ*APH = iOYoksAy'tA0 AL{BAy'tA0y\W sA = iOgF h8AL{ztSA iOWHAB@4#G-6n.Z-D^/3H:~3v.sqFUpbav54O)F9eEOJ{^Ys >M7t#gGCH2gCgYFcOuIln}II+M2N+a=j!B-N{> It was finally agreed 50 samples / 60 points; however this lab now wants to revert back to 70 samples / 90 points (already previously rejected by UKAS). To download a copy of this bulletin please follow the link:[wpfilebase tag=fileurl id=36 linktext=Asbestos Technical Bulletin Issue 3 /]. _zk;A1(,J] #\L:tCJo}t04I;M2#_"} %0I'0|.v14QIR J%x d%L w&>%-..8UC_.b6{w>wmWhuZy,Pr+ rS y:eJZZ8rkS+1-eXQ*,4UJEO>J|5Zk All ISO/IEC 17020 accreditations will need to have transferred to the 2012 version by 1st March 2015 in order for accreditation to be maintained: The resulting reports from this analysis shall state soil as the matrix but cannot report any quantification of the asbestos content. UKAS has already liaised with ATaC w.r.t. If you are unable to print this material, please contact us prior to the course and we can provide this for you at a cost of 40+vat. Candidates will be asked to create an account on the BOHS hub websiteto gainaccess to: Since 1953 BOHS has been the only organisation dedicated to occupational hygiene, and to be awarded a Royal Charter in recognition of its unique and pre-eminent role as the leading authority in occupational disease prevention. Pathway One is for those who have taken the P401, P402, P403, P404 and P405 modules. UKAS considers marine vessels at this moment in time to mean boats/ships and (actively) mobile platforms. Becoming an Affiliate member will allow you to nominate two employees who can access the membership benefits. Not all of these complaints are justified, however, without sufficient evidence to demonstrate the area was clean at the time of issuing the certificate of reoccupation it can be difficult to resolve. You should also have accumulated three years of relevant professional experience, to be eligible for the Certificate of Competence in Asbestos. Organisations should consider implementing a re-inspection programme of analysts work (i.e. Organisations conducting colour blindness assessments in-house must use the correct colour plates and have a member of staff competent to accurately interpret the results. Members also agreed the upper limit does need to be considered. Once this activity has been satisfactorily assessed soil preparation and identification shall be included on the laboratorys schedule of accreditation. Asbestos in soil is covered by the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and therefore if a laboratory is offering an asbestos testing service with respect to soil samples then accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 is required. The branch administers the licensing and regulation of nursing home administrators (NHAs). A transition plan for bodies currently accredited to ISO/IEC 17020:1998, or in the process of being accredited, is currently in place. HSG 264: 2012 Multi-site accreditation, satellite offices and temporary sites, Accredited organisations are reminded of the requirements within the UKAS Agreement to inform UKAS of any significant changes within their organisation and operations. endobj It is not a legal requirement for a Laboratory to hold UKAS accreditation for quantification of asbestos in soils. As a Chartered Member you'll be able to use the CMFOH post-nominals and access all the membership benefits and resources. [11] Asbestos qualifications To do this, we seek daily to create a challenging, supportive learning environment in which all members of the . 13. [9] Asbestos testing of bulk materials how many samples? Alternatively hard copies can be ordered from HSE. Chartered status is internationally recognised and signifies a high level of professional competence and experience. , and by national and international institutions, organisations and employers. However, IBs should be aware that the UKAS position may change in the future pending input from marine stakeholders if a development project and steering committee is developed. Traceability of the date / analyst etc relating to any photographs / video footage does need to be considered. Accreditation: Delivering Certified Confidence, Point Of Care Testing (POCT) accreditation, Medical Physics & Clinical Engineering accreditation, Proficiency Testing Provider accreditation, Reference Material Producer accreditation, Validation & Verification Body accreditation, Becoming an Approved Body for UKCA marking, Validation and Verification Training Courses, Subscribe to receive UKAS Publications updates, http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules/, http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp, P402: Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos, BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos, P401 Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples (PLM), P403: Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM) (including Sampling Strategies), RSPH Certificate for Asbestos Analysts (Air), P404: Air Sampling of Asbestos and MMMF and Requirements for a Certificate of. UKAS will publish Technical Bulletins relating to accreditation within the asbestos sector to ensure all applicant and accredited organisations are aware of any necessary clarifications, interpretations, updates or changes to UKAS policy, requirements where issues have been raised, discussed and agreed at the above meetings. With the change by BOHS in replacing the S301 with the international qualification, W504 (2012/13) this policy was reviewed. status, via its professional development route. UKAS considers marine vessels at this moment in time to mean boats/ships and (actively) mobile platforms. endstream This is the first step for those wishing to gain professional recognition as an asbestos professional. Active participation by all the Board's constituents is critical to the success of the Board's mission. Section A2.8 of HSG248 (The Analysts Guide), states When the handling of asbestos-containing materials is frequent, airborne exposures should be assessed as required by CAWR. BOHS provides a qualification guide to support you through your submission, with assistance from our Professional Qualifications Administrator and assessors. If an Inspection Body (IB) is accredited for management surveys then reinspections (as undertaken to comply with Reg 4 of CAR L143) are covered by its accreditation. Individual membership is open to anyone with an interest in occupational hygiene and its related fields. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, ACOP para 340, requires an employer (carrying out their own measurements or employee exposure monitoring) to ensure that employees carrying out this work receive similar training supervision and quality control to those required by ISO/IEC 17025. At that time it was acknowledged that although aspects of the clearance procedure were already covered by ISO/IEC 17025, other aspects were better suited to ISO/IEC 17020 (as inspection activities). LAB 30 Clause17.2 makes it quite clear that an asbestos analyst cannot undertake clearance work for an organisation with which they have a relationship. As a Licentiate member you'll be able to use the LFOH post-nominals and access all the membership benefits and resources. Compliance Consultancy - Fully competent in Asbestos Management holding a BOHS certificate of competence and I am the Local Authority's Asbestos Appointed Person as well . HSE confirmed that the 40 points was intended to be the maximum, although it does not necessarily read as such. If the laboratory is contracted to identify asbestos fibres in soil then it will need to employ additional preparation techniques to those generally employed for ACMs. There is a 60 minute exam at the Refresher P405 Asbestos Management ? Not all of these complaints are justified, however, without sufficient evidence to demonstrate the area was clean at the time of issuing the certificate of reoccupation it can be difficult to resolve. (b) LAB 30 clause 3.0 suitable PT schemes are available for laboratories undertaking asbestos testing by electron microscopy and organisations are required by both LAB 30 and UKAS document TPS 47 to participate in an appropriate scheme, where such a scheme is available. [1] Asbestos in soils analysis screening, identification and quantification The UKAS process for assessing and accrediting the 4-Stage clearance procedure was developed in consultation with stakeholders in 2004. Further details on these qualifications can be found at: BOHS: http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules/, ATAC: http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp, 12. The following IAS training sessions presented by Dr. Tony Francis have been made available for your viewing. Assessors are requesting more reanalysis during annual visits and are finding some issues here, amounts of cargille liquid being used is also checked as is those labs where NAD samples are not being included in the pointing. 7. Where identified records must clearly demonstrate continuing suitability of an individual as an analyst with assigned condition. If the analysis involves removing defined pieces of asbestos-containing material (ACM) from soil samples and analysing these in accordance with HSG 248 then such analysis will be covered by standard UKAS bulk analysis accreditation. RC000858. ]9 !ywPsB&LJH Zt?V{6ZCARwgo6vKzqyggq7R \3wuf[?9k^N]nL|cg71sp&3GL6l7dcRykM}Cb3dI}Hzf?9d UKAS understands that a number of Inspection Bodies are involved with surveys within the marine sector. WxTjw(R fUl_zJdn[M_XHRoPh;vw2q~.Zq)tndCQjC"=H=(pT$vZ~{+0w*OY6+]-,bFS8T#g)R'$r Staff undertaking the analysis shall hold the BOHS P401 qualification (or equivalent) as a minimum. 9. Accreditation to ISO/IEC 17025 includes the requirement to implement preventive actions and improvement initiatives. An organisation undertaking asbestos analysis in bulk material samples shall undertake monthly in-house air measurements within the laboratory. It demonstrates you have relevant skills and knowledge, you are commitment towards CPD, the Code of Ethics and your development, and ensures you remain relevant and employable. The subsequent pilot scheme was based on a programme to support the requirements of MDHS100 in non-domestic premises. Specific guidance on this was provided by UKAS in November 2012: Transition Arrangements. [6] Laboratory accommodation / environment - monitoring. The proposal, which suggested removing the total prohibition in favour of controlled management, was discussed at length and as no consensus was reached it was agreed to allow HSE additional time to discuss this matter internally. [4] Field blank samples As a Chartered Member you'll be able to use the CMFOH post-nominals and access all the membership benefits and resources. All rights reserved. Notification to asbestos surveying bodies on the impact to accreditation following the reissue of ISO/IEC 17020 (March 2012) and HSG 264 (April 2012). BOHS is the only organisation in the world that offers Chartered Membership for Occupational Hygienists. This accreditation for identification of asbestos fibres will appear as a separate entry on the UKAS schedule of accreditation. In April 2012 HSE reissued HSG 264: Asbestos The survey guide, replacing the first edition issued in 2010. were made. Asbestos testing of bulk materials how many samples? revisiting a site immediately or soon after the COR has been issued to be undertaken more frequently than the LAB 30 requirement to audit staff) and also consider the analysts utilising visual media (photographs / video) to record the cleanliness of the area post stage 4 of the process. Rather Laboratories undertaking fibre counting (including classification/identification of fibres) should participate in the SEMS PT scheme. It is also an internationally recognised, and the only UK-based, examining board for qualifications in occupational hygiene. Analysis to establish the quantification of the asbestos content again requires additional procedures, and therefore the laboratory shall demonstrate its competence to undertake such preparations to UKAS, which could be by way of an extension to scope. UKAS must also be made aware of temporary site office / laboratories set up for longer term contracts (those >8 weeks) e.g. Current schedules of accreditation for asbestos inspection are based on the initial scheme along with subsequent guidance as issued by the HSE. This identified (amongst other aspects) that the technical competence required to undertake such surveys differed significantly from experiences associated with normal land-based building surveying. Webinar 1: CA ELAP/2016 TNI Standard for Testing Laboratories Training Video. Our online CBHS certification process is simple and affordable, allowing you to take it at your own pace. revisiting a site immediately or soon after the COR has been issued to be undertaken more frequently than the LAB 30 requirement to audit staff) and also consider the analysts utilising visual media (photographs / video) to record the cleanliness of the area post stage 4 of the process. [3] BOHS P403 Qualification (September 2010) [4] Field blank samples. 5/6 Melbourne Business Court, Millennium Way, Pride Park Derby, DE24 8LZ, BOHS 2023. Organisations should consider implementing a re-inspection programme of analysts work (i.e. /BOHSworld After reviewing the course content, and feedback from a short pilot, it has been agreed that these qualifications will receive equal recognition from UKAS to the P Modules provided by BOHS. However, only P405s issued after February 2004 will be accepted. UKAS would be willing to develop an accreditation programme for this sector to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders (such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency). Log in or register for a BOHS account to apply for this qualification. This is for those holding the BOHS Certificate of Competence in Asbestos (CoC) and also having 5 years experience at a professional level. [5] Asbestos testing electron microscopy The first proposed limit 70 samples / 90 points was rejected by UKAS as unacceptable, this level of work still AVERAGED sample times as 6 mins per sample considering standard breaks in an 8 hr shift, however the laboratory struggled to understand why this was an issue. The first step in preparing for the Certified in Public Health exam is to determine your eligibility. It is common knowledge that testing laboratories in the UK need to be accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 by UKAS in order to provide an asbestos testing service: This is a specific requirement of CAR: 2012. Pathway Twois for those who have completed the W504 module or the S301 module (no longer available). 4SC queries / complaints, preventive action and improvement. Laboratory accommodation & environment- monitoring. (e) If a laboratory (such as a soil testing laboratory) is visually checking soil for signs of potential ACMs for its own Health & Safety purposes, and this information is not being reported to the client, then the laboratory does not need to be formally accredited to ISO/IEC 17025, and the staff involved do not need to hold a formal qualification. It is included here as a reminder to those organisations undertaking bulk sample analysis. Employers will know that when they work with a person who is a FAAM Member, they are dealing with someone who is at the top of their profession. Hyg. 9. BOHS video (90-minutes) Webinar 2: Get ready for the new California ELAP Accreditation Requirements Training Video. AIMS will not be appropriate for labs that undertake fibre counting by SEM/EDXS, (and only report results as fibre concentrations and then divide into classes such as amphibole, chrysotile, organic etc. [3] BOHS P403 Qualification (September 2010) Thisisa level 5qualificationin the BOHS qualifications framework, equivalent to NVQ Level 5. Traceability of the date / analyst etc relating to any photographs / video footage does need to be considered. In March 2012 the standard used for the accreditation of asbestos surveying organisations and other Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020: 1998 General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection) was reissued. For this qualification, you are expected to demonstrate that you have three years professional experience. If you require further information, please contact us by telephone on 0345 766 7799 or email trainingadmin@hss.com. Taken directly from the minutes: UKAS outlined the issue that arose out of a nonconformity raised at a laboratory where staff had been processing up to 150 samples per day (each), although the lab in question had identified this as a problem, the ceiling limit on samples per analyst per day (before investigation was to be undertaken) was deemed not acceptable by the UKAS Team. Rather Laboratories undertaking fibre counting (including classification/identification of fibres) should participate in the SEMS PT scheme. Two changes to note here are key staff and location changes. <> In 2009 UKAS decided to review this policy to determine whether or not it was providing confidence in the impartiality of the 4SC procedure. /n$e2 L$5!z`w R;'KDH91`P'm3w)HBt)8/. The UKAS process for assessing and accrediting the 4-Stage clearance procedure was developed in consultation with stakeholders in 2004. This level of membership demonstrates that you have a clear understanding of the asbestos profession through a nationally recognised qualification or series of qualifications. reassurance testing, background testing, as part of a static regime of testing etc. endobj endobj In March 2012 the standard used for the accreditation of asbestos surveying organisations and other Inspection Bodies (ISO/IEC 17020: 1998 General criteria for the operation of various types of bodies performing inspection) was reissued. Assessors are requesting more reanalysis during annual visits and are finding some issues here, amounts of cargille liquid being used is also checked as is those labs where NAD samples are not being included in the pointing. 2 0 obj In 2009 UKAS decided to review this policy to determine whether or not it was providing confidence in the impartiality of the 4SC procedure. To clarify some queries UKAS has received, regarding the changes made by BOHS to the P403 module in September 2010. These requirements were published within Guidance for the 4SC pilot project, and later transferred to LAB 30. <> UKAS policy changed in that only the P403 is required to be held by any person undertaking both sampling / fibre counting air monitoring exercises e.g. Become a Certified Behavioral Health Specialists in 4 easy steps: 1 Register with National Performance Specialists. In April 2012 HSE reissued HSG 264: Asbestos The survey guide, replacing the first edition issued in 2010. As part of UKASs commitment to providing a valid accreditation service to the asbestos sector UKAS reviews its asbestos-related policies, procedures and requirements on an ongoing basis through the Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee (a list of committee members and summary of minutes are available on the UKAS website www.ukas.com). UKAS would be willing to develop an accreditation programme for this sector to meet the needs of its customers and stakeholders (such as the Maritime and Coastguard Agency). It signifies that you are looking to show that you take the profession seriously and are committed to progression. Feedback from UKAS Technical Assessors includes more guidance in the next review of HSH248 is required and appreciated by all (both UKAS and the testing labs). An alternate worksite is a telework center or a specific workspace within a home or another approved location other than the employee's office at the official duty station, e.g., a desk in a home office. Verify UKAS accredited Management System certificates, Watch this short demonstration video to find out more, Creating confidence in the quality of products and services we rely on, Learn about the benefits of accreditation, Courses & advisory services to support your accreditation journey, Get the latest news, training courses, webinars, and press releases from UKAS, UKAS signs Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Institute of Export and International Trade, Find out about life at UKAS, our vision, mission & values, Home > Resources > Technical bulletins > Technical bulletins > Asbestos Technical Bulletin Issue 3, Since Issue 2 the following section has been updated:-, [11] Asbestos qualifications Given survey methodologies are assessed by UKAS as part of the accreditation criteria, then an IB can produce a report in this instance which fulfils accreditation requirements. Once this activity has been satisfactorily assessed soil preparation and identification shall be included on the laboratorys schedule of accreditation. Following a proposal considered at a previous TAC meeting UKAS will now accept the P405 in addition to P402 or RSPH qualification in place of the S301. An addition made in paragraph 7 to confirm that prohibitions are now in the REACH Regulations 2007; /bohs The outcome of this review was to confirm the requirement that the monitoring needed to be undertaken in accordance with the requirements of A2.8 of HSG248, i.e. As a consequence a proposal was tabled at the UKAS Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee in July 2009 to revise the existing policy. 0v*!L!+{Qoa~/@kL{'3x*RX(MQD^1%Nv{j* Ckeezvv{}.xf6sOr! To clarify some queries UKAS has received, regarding the changes made by BOHS to the P403 module in September 2010. This includes changes in Technical and Quality management and any changes to the operational locations. Please use the next button to navigate through the application form. This assessment policy has been implemented by all assessors since April 09 however it remains difficult for UKAS to pin this on any requirements of HSG248 (although ISO17025 has requirements with respect to pressure / influence on staff). endobj Both UKAS and accredited laboratories frequently receive complaints and queries regarding the discovery of dust / debris in an area previously cleared following the 4SC process.