Often, OMC are called to help with asbestos management at a single site, but multi-site organisations require a slightly different approach. In order to optimise efficiency, timescales, and cost, the planning has to be sensitive of the client’s needs. This can be a challenge when tight timescales are combined with shifting parameters, such as sites being added or removed from the programme, or unexpected Asbestos Contaminated Materials (ACM’s) being discovered. A recent client required all of this to happen whilst minimising site interruptions, a service that required thorough planning and excellent communication.
The Goal
A complex project
When a company has multiple sites, complying with the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 can end up being expensive in more ways than one. On paper, it looks straightforward to plan the entire project in advance so that dates and times are coordinated, geographical routes are optimised, and the right teams can be in the right places exactly when they are needed. However, this is often easier said than done, which is the daunting situation that our client found themselves facing. Preliminary inspections discovered some sites that were inaccessible and others that needed to be added to the list, opening the door to last-minute schedule changes and unplanned downtime. These circumstances were made more intense by the tight timescale that the company had to work with.
The theory
A complex planning situation can cause real problems if the approach is disorganised. As such, it is important that providers are as skilled at design, agility, and communication as they are at their technical expertise. This enables the provision of services such as the identification of asbestos, asbestos abatement work, and subsequent monitoring, to be carried out to the highest standards, even when it is across multiple sites.
How We Helped
What we did
Part of the project success hinged upon ensuring that every site received the precise services it required. Although all sites generally require the same approach of management surveys, asbestos sampling, analytical air monitoring, 4 stage clearance testing, and the management of various asbestos abatement works, in a multi-site scenario a site-specific strategy is needed. By using site-specific surveys as a starting point for this company, a strategy was designed to optimise resources.
With resources optimised, OMC oversaw the asbestos removal contractors, and also provided financial, progress, and programme updates at all stages of the work. This end-to-end service eradicated the confusion and headaches that can complicate multi-site projects. At the very core of the process was flexibility and communication, so that mistakes and delays were avoided.
The theory
When it comes to working on multiple sites – many of which will have very different requirements – and with multiple teams and contractors, the project requires excellent communication. When a provider such as OMC has full confidence in their ability to ensure compliance with the Control of Regulations (2012), and in particular Regulation 4, ‘The Duty to Manage Asbestos’, the only remaining challenge is ensuring flexibility and agility.
The Outcome
The project had a number of successful outcomes. After OMC completed all of the Management surveys on time and within budget, this client’s team were able to demonstrate compliance with the Control of Regulations (2012) Regulation 4, thereby avoiding the potential for fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The surveys found previously undiscovered Asbestos Contaminated Materials (ACMs) on multiple sites. Under the guidance of OMC, asbestos abatement was carried out under appropriate l monitoring regimes. Our client can now satisfy legislative requirements
At OMC Consultants, we help customers coordinate all aspects of asbestos management, including surveys, risk assessments, and personalised training. To find out more, please give us a call today.
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