ARCA now issuing CSCS cards for Asbestos Removal Operatives

Today ARCA announced that asbestos removal operatives can now obtain both temporary red and blue skilled worker CSCS cards from the Association.

ARCA is pleased to announce that asbestos removal operatives can now obtain both temporary red cards and blue skilled worker cards from the Association, as it is operating the ARMI Skills Card Scheme under licence from CSCS.

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) set the specification for industry card schemes carrying the CSCS logo, under which the ARMI Skills Card Scheme was approved as a nationally recognised scheme, enabling the use of the CSCS logo. Following this the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA) successfully completed an audit, confirming compliance with the CLC requirements.

ARCA is now accepting applications, from employers and individual operatives, for temporary (red) cards and 5-year asbestos removal operative (blue skilled worker) cards. To apply for an ARCA ARMI Skills Card applicants will need to prove they have the training, qualifications and experience required for that particular card.

• Asbestos Removal Operative (Trained) – red card, valid for 3 years, not renewable
• Asbestos Removal Operative (Experienced Worker) – red card, valid for 1 year, not renewable
• Apprentice Asbestos Removal Operative – red card, valid for 3 years, not renewable
• Asbestos Removal Operative – blue skilled worker card, valid for 5 years, renewable

“I’m delighted, that following a successful compliance audit, we now have all systems in place to accept applications and issue all types of asbestos removal operative CSCS cards, under the ARMI Skills Card Scheme,” commented Steve Sadley, Chief Executive of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA).

“We will continue to work with ARMI, so ARCA can offer cards for other occupations, such as asbestos removal supervisors, when requirements are agreed with the Standard Setting Body (CITB).”

All cards issued by ARCA use smart technology and contain an electronic chip. This can be used to check the identity of the card holder and, for example, when ARCA updates a card holders’ record with ‘successfully completed operative annual refresher’ this will automatically update the chip in the card.

On the ARCA website you can read more about the ARCA ARMI Skills Card Scheme and download an application form for an asbestos removal operative card - visit www.arca.org.uk/cscs-cards