UKAS has previously set its policy on asbestos surveyor and analyst qualifications following input and recommendations from its Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee.

This policy is stated in UKAS publications LAB30 for testing and RG8 for inspection, which require that all analysts and surveyors must hold formal recognised qualifications (in addition to demonstrable knowledge, experience and in-house training) in order to be authorised to undertake specified asbestos activities.

Previously, the main provider of qualifications recognised by UKAS has been the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), through its Proficiency Modules. However, more recently Asbestos Testing and Consultancy (ATAC) submitted a proposal to the UKAS Asbestos Technical Advisory Committee requesting that its newly developed qualifications, administered by Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH), also be formally recognised.

After reviewing the course content, and feedback from a short pilot, it has been agreed that these qualifications will receive equal recognition from UKAS to the P Modules provided by BOHS. As a consequence, as of 14 February 2012, UKAS shall recognise the following qualifications as suitable in providing evidence towards an individual’s competence:

Asbestos surveying:

• P402: Buildings Surveys and Bulk Sampling for Asbestos

• RSPH Certificate in Asbestos Surveying

Asbestos Bulk Identification:

• P401 – Identification of Asbestos in Bulk Samples (PLM)

Asbestos Air Sampling &Fibre Counting:

• P403: Asbestos Fibre Counting (PCM) (including Sampling Strategies)

• RSPH Certificate for Asbestos Analysts (Air)

Asbestos Four Stage Clearance:

• P404: Air Sampling of Asbestos and MMMF and Requirements for a Certificate of Reoccupation Following Clearance of Asbestos

• RSPH Certificate for Asbestos Analysts (Air)

Further details on these qualifications can be found at:

BOHS: http://www.bohs.org/education/examinations/proficiency-modules/

ATAC: http://www.atac.org.uk/asbestos-testing-consultancy/asbestos-training-courses.asp

NB: Qualifications other than those specified above may be accepted but the details of any proposed alternative qualifications should be submitted to UKAS for review and agreement (refer to LAB 30 and/or RG8.) LAB30 & RG8 shall be updated to include this information at their next revisions.

Source: UKAS

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