Asbestos licence application process update

licence application update 2022 APRILAsbestos licence application process -proposed changes

At the Asbestos Network Licensed Working Group meeting on the 6th January, the HSE informed the group that there was a proposal for changes to the licence application process, which could be starting in April 2022 for applicants whose licences expire in July 2022.

This new process would apply only to renewals that had already been through the pilot/existing process. Whilst no final decision had been made on exactly how the process would work in practice, we were advised that the following was likely to constitute most of the assessment. w Site Inspections of licensed work carried out during the period of the licence is a key part of gauging a company’s performance; what is found on site carries greater weight. However, some topics need further examination as the information would not be available in full during a site inspection, e.g., personal monitoring, audits, clearances,

ELCI etc. Applicants would be asked to submit a summary and examples of this information as part of the application process. w Applicants would be asked to describe any changes since the last assessment, and any action by the applicant as a result of any regulatory intervention/inspection.

The assessing Inspector would then ask for further information, as they deem appropriate.

Members coming up for asbestos licence renewal are already being informed by the HSE that the Asbestos Unit are presently trialling a ‘process design’ adjustment to the licence re-assessment process. That is, the assessor will start the process by reviewing the information HSE already possesses, such as the applicant’s inspection history, notifications and previous assessment, and then request specific information for the assessor to determine if the applicant is able to prevent/minimise the exposure to, and spread of asbestos fibres, and achieve sustained compliance with the law.

Members are being advised by the HSE that the ‘process design’ is about the Asbestos Unit updating its records, filling in gaps in its records and addressing any key issues. By being more focused regarding the information requested, it should reduce the amount of information applicants are asked to provide. The ‘process design’ is not expected to have any impact on the overall assessment outcome decisions.

With regards to some members recent applications to renew their licence to undertake work with asbestos, they are being advised by the HSE to hold off fully completing the Asbestos Licence Application Form and providing the supporting evidence. Instead, they are being asked to look at the previous assessment report and advise the Asbestos Unit as to what has changed for each of the assessment sections, since their last assessment. Such changes might include changes to key personnel, action taken following audits or HSE inspections, or information gained from the various sources.

As stated at the recent ARCA member regional meetings, as soon as ARCA has any further news it will be circulated to members.