FAA NEWS W
ASBESTOS 2019
COCA
My experience of the
As an asbestos training provider for over 20 years I had undertaken several of the BOHS modules, and also delivered some of their training courses. I felt that the “top qualification” in the subject of asbestos was the CCP, now the COCA. I actually first applied to undertake the CCP (after passing the S301 course) over 10 years ago and thought back then it would challenge and test me, I applied and then didn’t get the chance to sit the interview due to work commitments.
LFAAM
surveying, asbestos legislation
analytical business, and one of
asbestos removal or asbestos air
the requirements to hold the
testing, as I have taught in all these
accreditation is that somebody in
subjects for many years. I identified
the organisation must hold the
that my weakness was asbestos bulk
COCA, therefore a good time to
analysis. So I studied hard to learn,
revisit something that I should have
understand and practically teach
completed 10 years ago. I also act
myself the process, with some lab
as an Expert Witness on occasions,
assistance, how bulk samples were
qualifications and experience are
ACTUALLY analysed, obviously I
always challenged, so the COCA
knew how samples were analysed,
was becoming a necessity not just a
but when delving into the EXACT
challenge.
process and full analysis procedure I
So I applied, with a colleague of mine and we decided to undertake it at the same time. The process wasn’t quick but that was mainly down to me getting my submission report to BOHS, and then reviewing the submission and feedback, I wasn’t in an extreme hurry and work commitments had to come first. I started the process early 2018, and due to the scheduling of the oral exams, I opted for December 2018, which was the quietest time for me at work. I am sure the process is relatively quick if you are willing to commit to it, my time was my issue. With my background in the industry I had no issues with oral questions asbestos management, asbestos
www.iamfaam.org
BSc HONS, COCA
I have recently set up a new
relating to the subject of asbestos,
10
Graham O’Mahony
identified this as my weakness. So I set aside a day near the oral interview date and held a question and answer session with my colleague (who was also being interviewed) to identify each others weakness, this really helped and I would strongly advise any person deciding to undertake the oral interview, be prepared and study hard, some of the questions are tough…very tough….but fair, after all it is assessing your competence. On the day, I arrived and had a very nice welcome from Val and the team, who I must say were very helpful throughout the whole process. I attended the interview and felt very confident afterwards. Once the results were received, I was very pleased with myself. Subsequently I then joined FAAM.
