Rapidly expanding, Peterleebased, Asbestos Audit, has made key strategic moves as it launches an in-house asbestos laboratory.
With over 20 years’ experience in asbestos testing and analysis, Frances Bell, has been appointed laboratory manager.
Her arrival coincides with the company attaining UKAS accreditation to ISO:17025, providing clients with confidence in the company’s overall performance capability. This accreditation complements an existing UKAS ISO:17020 accreditation, which has seen it carry out over 20,000 on-site asbestos surveys in the last 12 months.
The new asbestos laboratory has the capability to identify asbestos in suspect materials urgently and provide the analysis results the same day, significantly reducing the waiting times associated with independent laboratories.
Ben Pickard, managing director, Asbestos Audit, said: “Our ambition is to offer the market a one-stop-shop that allows us to move instantly and with great agility to meet the needs of our customers, offering a turnaround that is the quickest in the market. Providing in-house laboratory testing and analysis, alongside on-site surveys, demonstrates how we are bringing our strategy to life. We have an incredibly loyal customer base and, with their continual support, we will achieve our aim of building a dynamic business based on organic, sustainable growth.
“We are delighted that Frances has joined just as we are launching the laboratory. She has immense industry experience including the setting up of laboratories from scratch, the implementation of management systems and the training of staff, which will be particularly important as we plan to quickly add a number of analysts.”
Frances, will oversee the growth of the laboratory, recruitment, training and the development of new analytical services. Having held senior roles in major asbestos consultancies, Frances emphasises the highly regulated nature of the asbestos sector and the importance of maintaining high standards of competence and integrity.
Frances, said: “The asbestos sector, quite correctly, is highly regulated and audited and those operating within it must demonstrate the highest levels of competence and integrity. Standards continue to improve across the industry and it is important to me that Asbestos Audit is committed to pushing the quality of its services to the highest possible level. It is essential that those responsible for maintaining health and safety in the workplace receive a trusted service that allows them to make decisions quickly and effectively. I joined Asbestos Audit having spoken at length with the management team about their plans for the future, including ongoing investment in staff training, health and safety, processes and technology.
“Investment in training and staff development are essential to continued improvement and client satisfaction and the company has prioritised this important area as part of our future growth strategy. Our aim is to actively recruit suitably qualified analysts, surveyors and bulk analysts and to provide training for unqualified personnel wishing to enter the asbestos sector.”
Asbestos Audit operates across the UK, providing asbestos surveys, inspections, removal and testing. The company also has a rapidly growing demolition department that includes soft strip out and salvage.
www.asbestosaudit.co
