AEC have worked alongside Wrightington Wigan and Leigh NHS Trust since 2007 and continue to carry out a full range of Asbestos Management Testing and Consultancy services and provide independence whilst removing / remediating asbestos, including the support of an in-house UKAS accredited laboratory.
AEC have built a strong working relationship with the trust based on integrity, impartiality and confidentiality, understanding the trusts needs both currently, and in the future.
By working together using a dedicated project manager and an account manager, AEC have managed to provide a robust and pro-active service at all levels. Marcus Summers, Head of Operational Estates at the trust, commended this approach, stating, “This dedicated project team approach has allowed AEC to gain beneficial experience and familiarity with the trust’s buildings and management policies which, in turn, has facilitated the supply of an efficient and cost effective consultancy.”
Initially, AEC created an asbestos management plan with the trust, based on current legislation and best practice, incorporating the trust’s requirements. This continues to form an umbrella under which all associated asbestos works, training, risk assessments and supporting documents are covered.
AEC’s surveyors then collated all known asbestos data throughout the trust and all asbestos containing items, both presumed and identified, were reinspected and reported. Where no data was available, AEC’s teams surveyed the areas and reported the findings, alongside those previously identified. All findings and recommendations were communicated to the trust and using the information AEC supplied a full asbestos management plan.
Asbestos Management
The management plan was reviewed by the HSE and all actions that required attention were dealt with, all planned works are carried out utilising the asbestos registers and associated management plan, ensuring that it is safe for the trust and their contractors to proceed.
If any areas arise without a risk rating, for example that may have been previously inaccessible, they are then communicated to AEC who will ensure the area is surveyed / sampled beforehand.
The trust now has safe working practices and AEC has trained their staff to be asbestos aware, ensuring that where there is doubt about a building material, work is stopped and further guidance is sought.
AEC act on behalf of the trust with all planned removal works by holding a pre-start meeting, which apply to all major contracts, arranging visits pretender stage, liaising with contractors, auditing as works are carried out, air monitoring as required and managing the projects throughout their entirety up to completion. During all activities AEC communicate with the trust to keep them fully involved.
“…This dedicated project team approach has allowed AEC to gain beneficial experience and familiarity with the trust’s buildings and management policies which, in turn, has facilitated the supply of an efficient and cost effective consultancy.”
Marcus Summers, Head of Operational Estates – WWL NHS Trust