Renewal of Asbestos Licence.

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A decision made (10.03.06) to approve the application by Saber Environmental Ltd for the renewal of a licence to work with asbestos.

Subject:	Application by Sarber Environmental Ltd for the renewal of a licence under the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997
Decision Reference:	MD-S-2006-0025		Exempt clause(s):	n/a
Type of Report: (oral or written)	Written		Person Giving Report (if oral):	n/a
Telephone or e-mail Meeting?	n/a		Report File ref:	3/16/1
Written report – Title	To consider an application for the renewal of a licence to Sarber Environmental Ltd under the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997
Written report – Author (name and job title)	Colin Myers Director of Health and Safety
Decision(s): The approval of the application by Sarber Environmental Ltd for the renewal of a licence to work with asbestos under Regulation 2 of the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations,1997. The licence is issued for a period of three years and is subject to the normal standard conditions and an additional condition which restricts work to a supervisory or ancillary capacity.
Reason(s) for decision: Sarber Environmental Ltd. have been assessed as having the necessary knowledge and experience to carry out supervisory or ancillary work with asbestos which is subject to the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997.
Action required: Minister to sign licence to be issued to Sarber Environmental Ltd.
Signature: (Minister/ Assistant Minister)		Date of Decision:

Renewal of Asbestos Licence.

TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR THE RENEWAL OF A LICENCE TO SARBER ENVIRONMENTAL LTD UNDER THE ASBESTOS (LICENSING) (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 1997

1. SUMMARY

The Minister is asked to consider the application of Sarber Environmental Ltd for the renewal of their licence under the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997.

2. BACKGROUND

2.1 Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997.

Exposure by individuals to asbestos fibres is acknowledged as giving rise to a risk of developing asbestos related diseases, including lung disease and cancers.

As a result of concerns over potential exposure to asbestos in the workplace, the States introduced the Asbestos (Licensing) (Jersey) Regulations, 1997, which restrict certain work on asbestos containing materials, including work in a supervisory or ancillary capacity, to those who are licensed. Regulation 2 provides for the Minister to issue licences under the Regulations, with Regulation 3 permitting the Minister to determine the period of the licence. The Minister may attach such conditions to the licence which he/she considers are appropriate.

There are normally five standard conditions on all licences which are issued. These conditions require the licence to be made available for inspection, the Inspectorate to be notified of the work to be carried out, the preparation of a detailed method statement for the work, the need to ensure that all work is supervised by an appropriate member of staff and that the asbestos waste is disposed of in an approved manner. An additional condition is placed on licences that are restricted to supervisory or ancillary work.

2.1 Sarber Environmental Ltd.

Sarber Environmental Ltd. provides an asbestos surveying and consultancy service. Certain aspects of the consultancy service, principally project management, fall within the definition of supervisory work which is subject to the Regulations. Sarber Environmental Ltd. therefore applied to the Employment and Social Security Committee for a supervisory licence under the Regulations. In accordance with the policy on the issue of licences to new applicants, a one year licence was granted by the Committee, commencing on the 3rd March 2005.

Although Sarber Environmental Ltd. has carried out asbestos survey work during the year, they have not been involved in any work which would have been subject to their licence. However, in the anticipation that they may be involved in such works, they are seeking the renewal of their existing licence.

2.2 Application process

The application process for the licence has followed the structured format set out in the Asbestos Licence Assessment Guide, approved by the Employment and Social Committee under item A 17 of their meeting held on the 6th June 2002. This process has included a review of supporting documentation and formal interview carried out on the 21st February 2006.

The assessment has identified that Sarber Environmental Ltd. has the necessary knowledge and experience to continue to provide an asbestos consultancy service.

3. RECOMMENDATION

It is recommended that Sarber Environmental Ltd. be granted a licence, subject to the five standard conditions and an additional condition restricting work in a supervisory or ancillary capacity, to carry out work with asbestos for a three year period commencing on the date of the Ministerial Decision.

Colin Myers

Director of Health and Safety