TO CONSIDER AN APPLICATION FOR A LICENCE TO BE GRANTED TO JUBILEE SCAFFOLDING COMPANY LIMITED UNDER THE ASBESTOS (LICENSING) (JERSEY) REGULATIONS 1997
1. SUMMARY
The Minister is asked to consider the application by Jubilee Scaffolding Co. Ltd. for an ancillary license under Regulation 3 of 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 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 Jubilee Scaffolding Ltd.
Jubilee Scaffolding Co. Ltd. are scaffold contractors who have worked in the Island for over 20 years. Scaffolding erection on a project that they are currently involved with will necessitate the erection of scaffolding in close proximity to asbestos containing materials. This work will fall within the definition of ancillary work which is subject to the Regulations and, as a result, an application has been made by Jubilee Scaffolding Co. Ltd. for an ancillary licence under the Regulations.
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 formal interview carried out on the 12th May 2006. Jubilee Scaffolding Co. Ltd. has also arranged specific training carried out by the ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) for their employees who will carry out the work subject to the Regulations.
3. RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that Jubilee Scaffolding Co. Ltd. be granted a licence for a one year period commencing on the 21st July 2006, subject to the five standard conditions and an additional condition placing a restriction on work to which the licence applies to ancillary work.
Colin Myers
Director of Health and Safety