The National Organisation of Asbestos Consultants (NORAC) has been established in response to the growing number of asbestos professionals in asbestos surveying, testing and analytical sector that seek to enhance their knowledge and raise standards. Membership is encouraged from independent companies, local authorities, sole traders and clients that seek to enhance their knowledge and share their experiences. Our goals are to improve technical knowledge in all aspects of asbestos consultancy and raise the profile of our members.
Foundations
NORAC was originally started by Colette Willoughby in 2011 in the North West as an informal meeting group for local asbestos inspection and testing bodies. Initially it was simply a platform for the sharing of experiences and ideas but, it soon became apparent that there were many shared issues regarding interpretation and implementation of regulations and guidance. There were also other areas of common ground including working with licensed asbestos contractors and dealing with UKAS and enforcing authorities.
As NORAC became a focusing point for the industry, regional meetings were organised across the country, a website created and a very basic email forum set up. NORAC also started to become a recognised channel between testing and inspection bodies and industry groups, such as the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the HSE’s Asbestos Leadership Group (formerly the Asbestos Liaison Group) (ALG) and the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
A Democratic Not-For-Profit Organisation
By 2016 it was recognised that it was time to take the leap and turn NORAC into a fully-fledged association - with the specific aim of representing testing and inspection bodies. Members made it clear that there was a need for a fully independent industry association that could take it’s members concerns and ideas and make them heard. We now have representation on the UKAS Technical Committee and the HSE’s ALG whilst also working closely with other independent organisations such as the (BOHS), the Construction Industry Training Body (CITB) Asbestos Standard Setting Body and the Faculty for Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM).
NORAC is a not-for-profit association. It is run by volunteers on a democratically elected committee. Membership is open to any organisation who is involved in, or has an interest in, asbestos testing and inspection. The membership fee is reviewed on an annual basis at the AGM. Fees are used to pay for administrative charges and for supporting and promoting the association’s interests.
More Information
NORAC operates in accordance with the procedures and policies set out in our constitution.
NORAC is committed to ensuring that any data/ information on our members is secure.
Please find our Privacy & Data Protection Policy here.