NFDC Voices Concern over Artex Reclassification
The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC), the voice of the UK demolition and dismantling industry, has voiced its concern over possible changes to regulations governing the handling and disposal of textured coatings containing asbestos, such as Artex.
Proposed changes to guidelines governing the handling and disposal of textured coatings such as Artex have met with concern among members of the National Federation of Demolition Contractors. Many believe that a lack of communication between the Environment Agency and the Health & Safety Executive has caused confusion that could lead to a marked reduction in safety standards and significant negative impact on the environment.
Proposed changes from the Health & Safety Executive suggest that textured coatings such as Artex would be removed from the current regulations covering asbestos processing and disposal, allowing unlicensed contractors to carry out its removal. An additional concern arises from a lack of clarity from the Environment Agency as to how much, if any, Artex could be contained within demolition rubble before it was considered hazardous waste. The proposed regulations also require “asbestos awareness training” be given to employees whose work could expose them to asbestos, particularly demolition contractors.
Huge Impact
“As a Federation, we pride ourselves upon our willingness to adopt and abide by new regulations relating to health and safety but the proposed changes to the asbestos regulations could have a huge and detrimental impact upon our industry and the environment,” says NFDC National Secretary Howard Button. “This regulation is disjointed, open to misunderstanding, and highlights a lack of communication between the Health & Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.
Although the NFDC and its members are concerned at the possible loss of workload to unlicensed contractors and higher training bills caused by the new regulations, the Federation’s primary concern is for its members remaining on the right side of the law whilst protecting the environment. “The new regulations imply that Artex can be left on site as crushed material, possibly avoiding the cost of disposal at a licensed hazardous waste landfill. But we can get no clarification on just how much can be left in situ without contravening environmental regulations,” Button continues. “The possible implications for contractors failing to get it right are horrendous. They could be faced with a hazardous waste disposal cost of as much as £200/tonne or worse, could be prosecuted by the Environment Agency for failing to dispose of what is currently classified as Hazardous Waste.”
EDITOR’S NOTE: The National Federation of Demolition Contractors (NFDC) is the voice of the UK demolition industry. Founded in 1941 to help spearhead London’s post-Blitz clear-up campaign, the NFDC’s 167 corporate and 50 associate members are responsible for more than 90% of all demolition that takes place in the UK. Today, the NFDC is committed to establishing safe working practices for its members, and to represent their interests in areas such as training, safety, the environment, and codes of practice.
Further information from Mr Howard Button, National Secretary, NFDC. Tel: 01784 456799 Press release prepared by Mark Anthony Publicity. Tel: 0871 2230390
9th Jun 2006
ID: 915
