How do I choose a good contractor?
An appropriate contractor may be chosen on the basis of:
• Ability - ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) members preferred for removal, and ATAC members for asbestos consultancy.
• Reliability - Reputation and track record of working in schools is essential, with staff who are vetted by the criminal records bureau is essential for working in schools.
• Resources - Check the contractor has the labour, plant, materials required to meet the programme of works. They will need to provide a method statement to show how the work will be completed. You can ask for an example from them.
For notifiable works, licenced contractors are required to give 14 days notice to the HSE. This can have an impact of the planning of the whole project, and establishing all of the asbestos implications prior to commencement will be key to success. Communication with partner contractors to ensure all understand will reduce delays, potential defects, whilst improving performance, efficiency and safety best practice.
• Geographic location - Ask to ensure they are capable of supplying goods or services competitively if they are located at some distance from the site.
• Cost - Check costs to ensure value for money is being obtained and are accurate for the works being undertaken. Very low quotes often mean that key elements of the programme have not been priced accordingly.
Reputable companies may cost a little more, but the regulated works will be undertaken safely, have minimal disruption to the educational programme, and have lower levels of defective workmanship. Reputable contractors will have third party assessments form Trade Associations.
• Insurances - Ensure contractors are in possession of the requisite Insurance cover normally £10M Public, products and employers liability.
For consulting, Professional Indemnity insurance should be held at a level high enough to cover the value of the works (usually in the aggregate).
Licence length – The HSE offer licences of varying lengths - a three year unrestricted licence should be preferred. Where a licence if of a shorter period of time, it would be worth asking why.
• References - Who have they previously worked for/supplied, what were their comments following the works.
• Ability - ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) members preferred for removal, and ATAC members for asbestos consultancy.
• Reliability - Reputation and track record of working in schools is essential, with staff who are vetted by the criminal records bureau is essential for working in schools.
• Resources - Check the contractor has the labour, plant, materials required to meet the programme of works. They will need to provide a method statement to show how the work will be completed. You can ask for an example from them.
For notifiable works, licenced contractors are required to give 14 days notice to the HSE. This can have an impact of the planning of the whole project, and establishing all of the asbestos implications prior to commencement will be key to success. Communication with partner contractors to ensure all understand will reduce delays, potential defects, whilst improving performance, efficiency and safety best practice.
• Geographic location - Ask to ensure they are capable of supplying goods or services competitively if they are located at some distance from the site.
• Cost - Check costs to ensure value for money is being obtained and are accurate for the works being undertaken. Very low quotes often mean that key elements of the programme have not been priced accordingly.
Reputable companies may cost a little more, but the regulated works will be undertaken safely, have minimal disruption to the educational programme, and have lower levels of defective workmanship. Reputable contractors will have third party assessments form Trade Associations.
• Insurances - Ensure contractors are in possession of the requisite Insurance cover normally £10M Public, products and employers liability.
For consulting, Professional Indemnity insurance should be held at a level high enough to cover the value of the works (usually in the aggregate).
Licence length – The HSE offer licences of varying lengths - a three year unrestricted licence should be preferred. Where a licence if of a shorter period of time, it would be worth asking why.
• References - Who have they previously worked for/supplied, what were their comments following the works.
