Asbestos Scope of Works

One of the most important factors to get right when it comes to Asbestos Management is a detailed and appropriate Scope of Works.

By definition, the Scope of Works is the area in an agreement where the work to be completed is described. The Scope of Works should detail any key milestones/timescales, reports including expected content, any deliverables and end products that are expected to be provided by the performing party.

Too often the scope of works is not discussed, recorded or agreed prior to starting the works, it is often left to the contractor carrying out the works to create their own.

Consider the different services you may procure.

Asbestos Surveys

The scope will start to produce itself based on the initial requirements, Management or Refurbishment or Demolition, but often there may be a mixture of the different types. Be clear on which areas are required and importantly what areas are excluded. It is particularly important when it comes to refurbishment works to ensure the survey covers the areas of work and to the correct level of intrusion.

[* See our article ‘When is an Asbestos Survey not a Survey?’ for more thoughts and advice]

Asbestos Removal

The obvious, what is to be removed, but consider if items cannot be removed how are they to be left and recorded, what is the level of re-instatement if any. Are areas to be encapsulated, over boarded or labelled.

Asbestos Re-inspection

This one seems obvious, reinspect identified ACM’s and record the condition, but if you are looking to make the most of these visits, then consider extending the ‘Scope’. Access previously inaccessible areas (if possible), take new photographs, update room names and descriptions.

[* See our article ‘Making the Most of Asbestos Re-inspections’ for more thoughts and advice]

Asbestos Audits

An area where a Scope of Works is not necessarily discussed, ‘Audit our Asbestos Removal Contractors’, but if you define the areas the audit should cover you are more likely to get a useful audit, e.g. Ensure the audit covers the completion of the works to assess the completed area and how the site was left.

[* See our article ‘Asbestos Audits, the benefits and the pitfalls’ for more thoughts and advice]

This is your opportunity to understand the works that are being commissioned and a way that you can evaluate the completed works and if not completed to the agreed ‘Scope of Works’ then to insist that the contractors rectify any shortcomings.

For further information visit:

Asbestos Re-Inspections

Commercial Asbestos Surveys

Domestic Asbestos Surveys

Asbestos Audits