The National Individual Asbestos Certification Scheme (NIACS)

Citation

(2007), "The National Individual Asbestos Certification Scheme (NIACS)", Structural Survey, Vol. 25 No. 5. https://doi.org/10.1108/ss.2007.11025eab.007

The National Individual Asbestos Certification Scheme (NIACS)

This is a new competency scheme for individual asbestos inspectors. The competence assessment is accredited by UKAS to ISO 17024 criteria setting the industry standard under the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. Initial certification is obtained by completing the NIACS training and obtaining the Royal Society for the Promotion of Health Level 3 Certificate in Asbestos Inspection and successfully undertaking the practical assessment at the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the UKAS accredited certification body. Successful completion of the practical assessment will result in the CITB issuing candidates with a certificate of competence which has a three year life before it needs renewal. Having become a NIACS registered asbestos inspector, the inspector will be subject to ongoing surveillance. The surveillance will include technical assessment of asbestos inspection reports which have been produced by the inspector, witnessed assessment of the inspector actually undertaking a survey, and a short examination at the mid point of the three year life of the CITB competency certificate. The qualification has been jointly developed for NIACS by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and ARCA (Asbestos Removal Contractors Association) who are partners in the Joint Venture that established NIACS. More information and training dates can be found on the NIACS web site (www.niacs.org.uk/).