The Association for Research into Asbestos and other Hazardous Materials

1

• The Association for Research into Asbestos and
  other Hazardous Materials

2

• The Association for Research into Asbestos and
  other Hazardous Materials (VOAM) renders two
  interrelated forms of professional services, i.e.
  laboratory services and inspection services

3

• VOAM currently has twenty-one members.
  Laboratories and inspection agencies play an
  important role throughout the entire asbestos
  process.

4

• Inspection agencies identify the risk related to
  asbestos, investigate where the asbestos is
  located, which type of asbestos is present and in
  which quantity.

5

• Based on this inspection, a demolition permit is
  issued (being a public obligation) or, if a risk
  evaluation is conducted, the potential risk of
  the asbestos is quantified and advice is given
  about how it should be treated.

6

• In addition to determining whether asbestos is
  present in materials, laboratories also carry out
  release measurements after the asbestos
  remediation company has done its work and the
  accommodation concerned can be put to normal use
  again.

7

• VOAM is engaged in all topical matters of the
  industry. It aims to put up a clear industry
  profile and to reinforce the market position of
  the inspection agencies for Asbestos and other
  Hazardous Materials.

8

• VOAM task forces investigate in which way the
  association can fulfil a coordinating role in the
  field of current legislation and training and
  education.

9

• Various national and international authorities
  are developing rules and policies affecting the
  services rendered by research agencies in the
  field of Asbestos and other Hazardous Materials.

10

• The companies themselves are also faced with
  adjustment requirements as a result of government
  interference. On behalf of the industry, VOAM
  acts as a sparring partner for these authorities.