A DIRECTOR at a prominent South West asbestos removal contractor has been awarded with one of the Chartered Institution of Wastes Management’s (CIWM) top national waste and resource qualifications (February 2023).

Sam Lawson, Asbestos & Operations Director at Bridgwater-based S Roberts Group, has achieved a Waste Management Training & Advisory Board (WAMITAB) Level 4 High Risk Operator Competence for Managing Transfer of Hazardous Waste.

He says: “I am really pleased to get this qualification as it represents a significant aspect of my role here at Roberts. It demonstrates that I have the required knowledge and skills, to manage or supervise a permitted waste facility, in this instance managing our permitted Asbestos Waste Transfer Station.

“Our permitted Asbestos Waste Transfer Station can accept both bonded and fibrous asbestos containing materials generated from remediation work, as we’re a licensed asbestos removal contractor. We also offer a hazardous waste collection service, carried out by our highly trained operatives, utilising vehicles with specially designed waste storage containers.”

WAMITAB has developed more than 120 qualification pathways to ensure competence in the workplace and to promote environmental sustainability.

At the end of 2021, WAMITAB withdrew from its status as an awarding organisation and its parent organisation CIWM became the awarding body for all waste and resource qualifications nationwide.

CIWM is a professional membership body that represents and supports more than 5,000 individuals and 250 affiliated organisations across the UK and overseas. It is both a professional body and an awarding one. It develops and awards regulated qualifications.

Vicky Owens, Asbestos & Demolition Director at S Roberts Group, says: “CIWM (WAMITAB) Level 4 High Risk Operator Competence for Managing Transfer of Hazardous Waste is part of the awarding body’s Operator Competence Scheme and is designed to provide technically competent people with the knowledge and skills to ensure waste sites comply with Environmental Permitting (England and Wales) Regulations.

“This includes topics such as health and safety in the waste and resource management industry, managing the environmental impact of work activities and managing the movement, sorting and storage of waste. It’s a highly prized qualification and we’re thrilled that Sam has achieved his with flying colours. He’s a real asset to our business.”

Sam joined S Roberts Group in 2016 as a Junior Contracts Manager, progressing within a year to Contract Manager.

Vicky adds: “With more than 12 years of experience in the licensed asbestos industry, ranging from analytical, laboratory, surveying, auditing and removals, Sam is highly skilled and qualified in every area, with an ethos for high standards and service being his, and our, number one priority.

“In December 2020, a challenging year, Sam stepped into the role of Asbestos and Operations Director, working closely with our clients, managers and our asbestos teams. He is determined to continually evolve, progress and improve the quality of work we’re known for within this industry and to give our customers the highest possible levels of service and support.”

S Roberts Group’s wealth of experience spans more than 90 years. It’s one of the South West’s leading waste management companies. It provides specialist industry and geographical knowledge to advise commercial and domestic clients on the best possible waste solutions.

Based in Bridgwater, Somerset, the third-generation firm is run by Vicky and her sister Beccy Roberts, who took over the business from their father, Terry, in 2004.

The dedicated and friendly team work closely in partnership with clients to ensure health and safety standards are maintained and to deliver an efficient and environmentally conscious service.

S Roberts Group holds its environmental considerations and solutions at the core of its business and adheres to these when advising and making decisions on the management of waste, resources, emissions and transport.

Vicky adds: “We were one of the first demolition companies in the Westcountry to launch a specialist, licensed asbestos removal service. Sam’s involvement with this section of our business, since he joined us in 2016, has been substantial.”

S Roberts Group also offers skip, tipper and plant hire, bulk earth moving, grab hire, recycled aggregates and demolition services for domestic and commercial clients across the South West.

For further details, please call 01278 422521 or visit www.srobertsandson.co.uk.