Asbestos backboard removal- Who's responsible?

Normally, a meter installation engineer is ‘pre-authorized’ to pull the main fuse without any need for further DNO involvement. In your case, though, both the DNO and the supplier will  have to attend: the DNO to change the backboard and replace the cut-out and the meter engineer to do the rest. Getting OVO and the DNO to coordinate their work will probably be a nightmare, but if if can’t be done, get the backboard changed first. I think ‘new meter required, but can’t be installed on asbestos backboard’ should be a good enough reason for SSEN to change it for you.  

Actually it depends on the specific DNO if a meter engineer can pull a main fuse or not. 
In this case you are correct @Steve-o that the backboard is your responsibility but it will certainly take some coordination from both DNO and supplier to replace. There will also need to be some additional support for the asbestos removal and disposal 

Hi @Steve-o,

This is one of the trickier ones to navigate as it may take some coordination like our volunteers advised. It really depends on what is on the board. Are you able to share a photo of the setup that you have and we can take a look?

We have a similar article here that can also shed light on your situation. 

I hope this helps and keep us updated of your progress.

Hi guys.

Thank you for your helpful replies. Am I right in thinking I can't get an asbestos specialist in first because they won't be allowed to touch the various units attached to the board? But both Ovo and Scottish and Southern said they won't touch the equipment until the back board is replaced. Is it a question of coordinating a joint visit of Ovo, the DNO and an asbestos specialist to get the job jobbed? If so, who should be doing the coordinating?

I've included a photo for reference, as per ChristopherS's sensible suggestion. 😊

What was the result of submitting your application? They won’t let anyone else touch their equipment, an asbestos-trained technician, for example.

You are correct regarding needing to coordinate all relevant parties for this swap @Steve-o but from the picture, I’m struggling to see the asbestos. 
That backboard looks wooden, unless it has some sort of additional backing

Me too 😉 I rather assumed that it was some sort of asbestos sheet faced with a fire-resistant veneer, since Steve seemed to know what he was talking about. 

Ha! I've no real idea what I'm talking about, that's why I came here. 😁

That's the picture I sent to OVO customer services. They said it was an asbestos back board. So, if it's not an asbestos back board, where is the asbestos flagged up by the two engineers who aborted the smart meter upgrades (twice)?

Presumably the engineers have seen something .. it’s just that looking at the photo, it looks very much like my backboard which is definitely not asbestos 

So who knows … 

I have to admit… I’m not a huge fan of that exposed wire below the main fuse...