On 1st October Shield Environmental Services held a seminar at the Aztec Hotel regarding the new survey guide HSG264, which was released in January 2010 and updates and replaces MDHS 100. A variety of clients from around Bristol and the South West took time out of their busy schedules, battling traffic and some atrocious weather to attend the event which was deemed a great success.

The seminar was relevant to those who are responsible for conducting surveys, those who commission surveys and those with responsibilities for managing asbestos in accordance with the Control of Asbestos Regulations (CAR) 2006. In attendance were clients from all sectors such as, demolition contractors, facilities management companies, building contractors, MOD representatives and University and NHS estates departments.

Shield’s Technical Director, Jason Hocking commented “We felt that our clients needed access to the most up to date industry information, to keep them informed of the changes and their new obligations under HSG264. We hope that the content which has been covered by Shield’s internal speakers compliments the informative contributions delivered by our guest speakers from the HSE and UKAS and will prove beneficial to all who attended”.

HM Principal Inspector for the South West, Andy Kingscott in his speech highlighted the key issues the new survey guide had raised and gave insight into good asbestos practices from the HSE perspective; providing some key information and guidance that will prove very useful to all the delegates.

Jon Murthy, UKAS Marketing & Awareness Campaign Manager attended the seminar and explained the importance of employing UKAS accredited surveying companies and the standards that they must meet to obtain and maintain their UKAS accreditation. The safe management of asbestos is an important area and UKAS has carried out a great deal of work to provide Local Authorities, Housing Associations and the business community with the information they require.

If you were not able to attend the seminar but would like to download the individual presentations to gain insight into the new survey guide please follow the link to our Seminar web page www.shieldenvironmental.co.uk/seminar/.

If you have any queries regarding the changes to the surveying guide please contact Technical Manager, Jon House or Technical Director, Jason Hocking who will be pleased to answer any questions that you may have.