ARCA, Asbestos Removal Contractors Association, committed to promoting the growth and image of the UK’s asbestos abatement industry have published a new set of recommended guidelines for Encapsulation of Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM).

Following the revised asbestos regulations issued by the HSE, the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 the licensing requirements regarding work involving encapsulation of asbestos containing materials changed very slightly and in order to reflect this legislative change an update of ARCA’S recommended guidelines for this type of work was required.

The guidance note gives guidance on the considerations for the use and methods for encapsulating ACM once a decision has been made to encapsulate as part of an overall management asbestos management plan.

Encapsulation can be defined as the application of an impervious material, which is secured over or around an ACM, and is designed to prevent the release of fibres under foreseeable conditions, such as vibration, impact and age degradation. Encapsulation should maintain the beneficial properties of the original asbestos application and maintain it in a safe condition.

Encapsulation of ACM is classed as work with asbestos and is therefore subject to the requirements of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 (CAR). This guidance note gives practical advice on how to comply with the requirements of the regulations.

The guidance note deals specifically with

• Asbestos licensing requirements for encapsulation work
• When encapsulation is appropriate
• Methods of encapsulating ACM
• Typical methods of application of liquid encapsulants
• Insurance requirements

A copy of the guidelines can be downloaded at www.arca.org.uk/publications.asp

For further information please contact: Kirstie Colledge – Simply Marcomms – Director – 0870 199 4044