scope:

This module specifies the risk assessment process to be carried out to mitigate risks of asbestos in soil during ground investigation and interventions on Network Rail's earthwork assets (under NR/L2/CIV/086).

This standard applies to all staff involved in ground investigation and earthwork interventions.

Purpose

The general management processes to manage exposure to airborne asbestos for site workers and third parties is set out in NR/L2/CIV/168: Asbestos management. Failure to effectively manage asbestos containing materials (ACMs) could lead to:

a) disturbance of ACMs;

b) exposure to individuals, which could cause fatal and serious diseases;

c) stoppage of works;

d) closure of sites/areas and enforcement action from the Office of Rail and Road (ORR);

e) enforcement actions from the HSE including prohibition notices.

This module sets out guidance on risk assessment procedures that should be used for determining the risk from asbestos:

a) during ground investigation for the protection of ground investigation and geotechnical laboratory personnel from asbestos, and

b) during earthwork asset interventions (under NR/L2/CIV/086) for the protection of site personnel from asbestos.