In July 1998 the Association set up a specialist division to provide a platform for the very specialist services offered by the asbestos testing and consulting companies, this division is known as ATaC (Asbestos Testing & Consulting) was established in July 1998 all member companies are vetted prior to membership to ensure they have the appropriate UKAS accreditation for the services offered and Professional Indemnity insurance commensurate with the level of trading undertaken by the member company.

Member companies meet on a regular basis to discuss the implications, interpretation, and implementation of current and proposed legislation relating to asbestos management.

ATaC member companies have a direct link through the association to both HSE policy makers and UKAS management, thus ensuring that ATaC member companies are receiving the most up to date information regarding forthcoming legislation and interpretation of existing legislation.

The HSE has long recognised the importance of ATaC by inviting the present ATaC Chairman onto the Asbestos Liaison Group, an industry forum made up of HSE, Trade Unions, and Trade Associations, allowing ATaC members to both express their views and receive first hand information from the policy makers within HSE through the ATaC Committee Chairman.

ATaC members are all established in the provision of asbestos management services and have had many years experience providing the services which are required by regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006, the duty to manage asbestos in non domestic property . As ATaC members are the leaders in the field of asbestos management services they have been involved with the committees who have set the standards for surveyor accreditation as well as providing valuable information during the consultation periods for all proposed legislation and guidance, including MDHS 100 Surveying, sampling and assessment of asbestos containing materials issued by the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL).

The HSE have said It is vital that surveys are carried out are done to a recognised standard to ensure that money is not wasted on poor quality surveys that do little to protect people from the deadly effects of asbestos fibres. Clients can be confident that ATaC members have the necessary experience and knowledge to not only conduct a survey but also provide practical unbiased guidance on how to manage asbestos within your building.

ATaC members have in excess of 110 offices nationwide ensuring that competent and suitably qualified staff are available in all areas of the UK.

The aims and objectives of ATaC remain:

• To develop and promote professional, technical and ethical standards throughout the asbestos sector.
• To provide the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Health and Safety Commission (HSC) with a respected body of knowledge and experience for consultation on new legislation and guidance.
• The provision of a forum for the exchange of views between similar minds including; the HSE, United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS).
• To promote awareness of the asbestos risk to property owners, managers and employers, and establish best practice in relation to identifying and managing the risks from asbestos materials in their premises.
• To impart the knowledge gained by member companies through many year of experience to ensure the effective management of asbestos materials.