Asbestos Hub Magazine - Issue 10

Over 5,000 people die in the UK each year due to asbestos related diseases.

Attention Roofers!

It is a legal requirement that all who may come across asbestos in their day to day work have been provided with the relevant asbestos training.

Asbestos may be found in roofing materials, insulation, and other construction elements you frequently work with.

As a minimum, you need asbestos awareness training to recognise and deal with asbestos risks. If you're directly working with materials that contain asbestos, you'll need a higher level of training.

Have you received asbestos training?

UKATA is a leading authority in asbestos training, committed to improving asbestos awareness and safety across industry.

Book with a UKATA Approved asbestos training provider using the nationwide directory online at www.ukata.org.uk or call 01246 824 437.

Stay vigilant and informed with UKATA.

PUBLISHER

Ben Chambers

ben@globalnews.media

01903 952 648

EDITOR

Toby Wilsdon

toby@globalnews.media

01903 952 645

TO ADVERTISE

luke@globalnews.media

01903 952 643

john@globalnews.media

01903 952 640

DESIGN

Nicki Chambers

nic@globalnews.media

01903 952 640

Alex Jarrett

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Global News Media Ltd

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Asbestos Hub is in media association with UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA)

Asbestos Hub is published four times a year. Subscription records are maintained at Global News Media Ltd, Suites 5 & 6, Chapel House, 1-6 Chapel Road, Worthing, West Sussex BN11 1EX.

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ASBESTOS HUB

ISSUE 10

Welcome to the tenth issue of Asbestos Hub Magazine where due to an eventful quarter we have a packed issue for you.

This issue is hot off the heels of the second annual British Asbestos Awards (part of the British Demolition Awards), which was held at the impressive Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London.

Inside we have a full breakdown of all winners, and we get their thoughts on an amazing evening where among our demolition colleagues, we celebrated the hard work and innovation from the brilliant British asbestos removal industry.

As well as five deserved winners being announced, we inducted our columnist and friend Dr Yvonne Waterman into the Demolition Hall of Fame Class of 2023 as Asbestos Pioneer. We celebrated Mavis and Ray Nye by holding a charity auction for the Mavis Nye Foundation as well as unveiling a portrait of them both. Thanks go to Colette Willoughby (Chair of NORAC) and Andrew Paten (co-founder of UKNAR) who had presented this specially commissioned oil painting to Mavis and Ray for the Mavis Nye Foundation at their home earlier.

The generosity from our sponsors Empire Asbestos in donating a Tyson Fury signed Boxing Glove as well as signed shorts from British super middleweight kings Chris Eubank and Nigel Benn meant that you raised £3,500 for the Mavis Nye Foundation from these two lots alone and together, we raised a further £5,000, which is going to mental health charity fundraiser DEMOLISTEN

We have been hotly following Andrew Paten's campaign for a national asbestos register and on Wednesday 13 September Andrew Percy MP's "Asbestos (National Register)" Ten Minute Rule bill passed its first reading in the House of Commons.

Andrew Paten is the first to make it clear this represents a shared success from many within the industry's hard work and the job is not done yet. Read more on p30.

Between issues I was honoured to be a judge at UKATA’s 15th anniversary awards-do in the Midlands. You can read a mini review of the evening on page 14.

So where to next? I am a guest of SMH Products at the ARCA AGM in London early October, which I will be attending straight after the Birmingham leg of UK Construction Week. Then it’s off to the sixth annual European Asbestos Forum in Brussels. Come say hello if you catch me or my team out and about.

I hope you enjoy this issue and I welcome you all to get in touch.

My very best,

Ben Chambers Publisher, Asbestos Hub ben@globalnews.media

UKATA joins forces with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC)

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA), a leading association dedicated to improving the quality and standards of asbestos training, is pleased to announce its new corporate partnership with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors (CORC), a highly respected trade association representing the roofing industry in the United Kingdom.

The partnership aims to provide CORC members with information and access to comprehensive asbestos training courses, ensuring that roofing professionals possess the necessary skills and knowledge to identify and manage asbestosrelated risks effectively.

The CORC, founded in 1985, is committed to supporting roofing contractors, manufacturers, and suppliers across the UK while championing excellence and professionalism within the industry. By teaming up with UKATA, the CORC will further strengthen its commitment to the wellbeing of its members and the wider roofing community.

UKATA is an industryrecognised association, making it a trusted name in the industry. Through its network of members, UKATA approved training equips individuals and organisations

with the expertise needed to work safely and confidently in environments where asbestos may be present. The collaboration between UKATA and the CORC underscores the shared commitment to promoting safe practices, raising awareness, and reducing the risk of asbestos exposure within the roofing sector.

Craig Evans, Chief Operating Officer at UKATA, said, "We are thrilled to be partnering with The Confederation of Roofing Contractors. This collaboration represents a step forward in reinforcing asbestos safety practices within the roofing industry. UKATA members provide high-quality asbestos training courses, which will ensure that CORC members have the knowledge and skills to handle asbestos-related risks effectively."

Gemma Doherty, Insurance Manager at the Confederation of Roofing Contractors, commented: "We are delighted to welcome UKATA as our new corporate partner. Asbestos poses a significant risk within our industry and it is vital that roofing professionals are adequately trained to protect themselves and others. This partnership will play a crucial role in enhancing safety standards and professional

development in the roofing sector."

UKATA (the UK Asbestos Training Association) is a leading association dedicated to improving the quality and standards of asbestos training, with the goal of protecting workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

They are committed to promoting excellence in asbestos training through the development and implementation of highquality training standards, the provision of best practice guidance, and the promotion of safe and responsible working practices within the asbestos industry.

As an association, they work closely with their members to ensure that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates, and also providing a range of support services to help them achieve their training goals.

Their membership base includes a wide range of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.

UKATA is passionate about promoting safe and responsible working practices and is committed to working together with members and partners to achieve the shared goal of protecting workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.

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The 2023 UKATA Excellence Awards

Between issues, Asbestos Hub attended our media partner's awards at the Raddison Blu Hotel, East Midlands Airport on Friday 7 July.

The event from UKATA, which coincided with Action Mesothelioma Day, celebrated the successes of members and industry associates and was hosted former Olympic athlete Kriss Akabusi.

The event encompassing some 100+ industry professionals

included a charity auction with proceeds going to the Mavis Nye Foundation and this author is a little lighter in the wallet now that the shirt from Premier League top scorer Erling Haaland now proudly sits on the wall in my study.

Nineties track and field supremo and now media darling Kriss Akabusi was the host and gave an engaging after dinner speech on his triumphs and overcoming adversity.

The glitzy ceremony held at The Radisson Blu, East Midlands Airport Hotel on Friday, 7 July was a very special occasion which also marked the 15-year anniversary of UKATA.

In addition to recognising the achievements of individuals and organisations working tirelessly in the industry to protect workers and the public from the risks associated with asbestos exposure, the ceremony featured three special recognition awards. These awards honoured key advocates who have gone above and beyond in raising asbestos awareness in collaboration with UKATA.

Winners of the UKATA Excellence Awards 2023:

Contribution to the Community Award

Winner: Training & Safety Consultants Ltd

Highly Commended: Elken Associates Ltd

Customer Service Excellence Award

Winner: Tersus Consultancy Ltd

Excellence in Innovation Over £1m Award

Winner: Start Software

Excellence in Innovation Under £1m Award

Winner: Wayne Bagnall Ltd

Workforce Development Award

Winner: Caerphilly County Borough Council

Highly Commended: Gelder Ltd

Rising Star Award

Winner: Kristina Greenland, Asbestos Training Ltd

Industry Associate of the Year Award

Winner: RoundWorks IT Ltd

Highly Commended: DSK Environmental Ltd

As mentioned alongside the awards, a charity auction took place, raising over £1,000. Generous guests enthusiastically participated in spirited bidding, competing for a wide range of items. These items included signed sports and film memorabilia, as well as various collectibles. The auction also featured special items including a signed painting by Ray Nye and an 'ETERNIT: GIUSTIZIA!' flag, generously provided by Dr Yvonne Waterman.

The ceremony also featured three special recognition awards:

Chairman's Award

Recipient: Ab Woolass, MNFCC

Lifetime Achievement Award

Recipient: Mavis & Ray Nye, The Mavis Nye Foundation

Outstanding Contribution Award

Recipient: Graham O'Mahony, UKATA Chair/Director

UKATA sponsors International Asbestos Conference

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) announces sponsorship of the sixth European Asbestos Forum Conference, taking place in at The Hotel Grand Place, Brussels, on 30 November and 1 December this year.

The European Asbestos Forum (EAF) strives to improve professional networks and the exchange of the state-of-the-art knowledge on all matters related to asbestos. Across borders and sectors, available to everyone; sharing the latest innovations, the newest science, social insights and date, the best practices, the newest campaigns.

The foundation was founded by Dr Yvonne Waterman MFAAM, who serves as its president and is proud to have a Board of Advisors of globally highly regarded asbestos specialists.

The 2023 speaker programme includes mesothelioma survivor and advocate Heather Von St. James, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma shortly after giving birth to her first child. UKATA award winning member Wayne Bagnall, who operates a specialist asbestos and demolition safety consultancy with a small team providing advice, training, and support to ensure safe and cost-effective projects, who will be talking on “Finding asbestos spacers in asbestos-free concrete.”

Nick Garland, CEO of Assure Risk Management, the founder, and designer of the Assure360 system, an app for asbestos removal contractors, managers and trainers is set to chair the conference. Nick has a longstanding history with the conference, having been a speaker at previous events throughout Europe.

Craig Evans, UKATA Chief Operating Officer and member of the EAF Board of Advisors said: “Attending the conference this year, marks my first formal duty as Advisor of the EAF, since being appointed in July 2023. I will also be representing UKATA, promoting the association, its members, associates, and the full training portfolio available to delegates across the globe.

I’m excited to be a part of the upcoming sixth European Asbestos Forum conference in Brussels. As a silver sponsor, we're thrilled to contribute to discussions around Asbestos & The Way Forward. Looking forward to engaging with fellow professionals and exploring the latest insights in the field.”

As silver sponsors, UKATA will support the organisers in promoting the event and have a physically presence across the two-day event. Craig Evans, and Membership Manager Sasha Brailsford will travel from the UK to Brussels, where approximately two dozen speakers from every asbestos related field will provide delegates state of the art science, insights, experience, innovations, policy and campaigns.

On UKATA’s commitment to sponsor the event, EAF Founder, Dr Yvonne Waterman said “My warmest thanks to UK Asbestos Training association for the heartfelt support.”

UKATA members can benefit from discounted tickets to the event, please contact UKATA’s marketing department for more

information on this special offer. Further sponsorship packages are available to interested parties.

The official conference programme and speaker lineup can be found online at: www.europeanasbestosforum.org.

UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.

The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.

UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.

by Dr. Yvonne Waterman,

Conference Forward’ Brussels

I’m just dying to explain, but for the present my hands are bound on this one. All I can say is: please watch this space, be sure to keep an eye out for a special edition of the Asbestos Hub Newsletter.

When and where?

The entire conference floor of the Marriott Grand Place hotel in the historical heart of Brussels has been booked to host the conference, workshops, stands, the exquisite photographic exhibition by Tony Rich and the (safe but jaw-dropping) exhibition by the

morning, which – not incidentally at all – helps to break the ice and introduce you to many other participants. Then back to the hotel for an excellent lunch. In the afternoon, there will be round table debates, workshops and presentations on a topic of increasing importance: Asbestos and Dealing with Disasters. We all remember the huge dust clouds of the Twin Towers attack and it is becoming increasingly clear that the death toll of this event is still very much ongoing. Will similar events, such as earthquakes,

Asbestos Hub is pleased to be the media partner of the European Asbestos Form

Writing this on a Friday three weeks after the second annual British Asbestos Awards, my team and I were once again looking back fondly on the highly successful awards-do.

Held this year at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on 1 September, we were treated to a large turn of contractors and suppliers from the British

asbestos and demolition industries.

With five awards on offer for the asbestos removal industry and Dr Yvonne Waterman taking her rightful place in the Demolition Hall of Fame it was quite the night in London.

Will you join us again next year at the same venue on 6 September 2024?

Full details via: britishasbestosawards.com

Although Sydney only joined the DSK team this year, she has shown true commitment, visiting sites and learning the process from beginning to end of asbestos removal and disposal works.

Sydney is undertaking a Business Administrator Level 3 course, is booked on her Asbestos Awareness course as well as an Emergency First Aid course.

Over a week later and we are all still buzzing from the awards.

As the Principal Sponsor of the Asbestos Awards for the second year running it was great to meet up with everyone at the event and huge congratulations to all the award winners.

We were blown away by everyone helping to raise £3,500 for the Mavis Nye Foundation, we are forever grateful to Mavis and Ray for all the work they do to raise awareness. We thoroughly enjoy working alongside Ben Chambers and his team and would like to encourage more of our customers to get involved. This is why we think they are so good at what they do:

Asbestos Hub has been the media partner to the European Asbestos Forum for the past two years as

well as Asbestonomy. Asbestos Hub focuses on telling removal contractors’ stories and offering suppliers the best route to get in front of them.

Demolition Hub is the only global bimonthly magazine covering all aspects of demolition in a positive and informative manner. Focusing mainly on the UK and now in its fourth year, Demolition Hub is universally acknowledged as the best source for demolition news and views.

With a positive attitude and respect for the industry, Demolition Hub offers contractors and suppliers the ability to showcase themselves to the right people unlike any other medium. Don't just take our word for it though, get in contact with Asbestos Hub and Demolition Hub today and see what they can do for you.

Empire Asbestos

Sydney understands the importance of compliance and always asks questions on anything she is unsure of. She is a valued team player and DSK is incredibly proud of her.

The judges felt that women can also find a great career in the asbestos sector, and that this is something that deserves more attention.

Thanks to all at Global News Media for hosting the incredible British Demolition and Asbestos Awards; those of our team who were able to attend, friends and I had a fantastic time. The location was superb and the hard work undertaken to make it happen shone through – from the decor to the hospitality we never expected anything less. Well done to all involved in shining a light on both industries and providing the recognition to all the elite companies and people whom we are proud to be among. Well done to all the fantastic and deserving winners

of all categories, including our friend Dr Yvonne Waterman for winning Asbestos Pioneer of the Year in the Hall of Fame –congratulations. We are incredibly proud of our own Sydney Budenbender for winning Asbestos Industry Trainee/ Apprentice of the Year. Here are a few words she had to say on receiving the award: “I am very grateful that I was nominated and won the award for Asbestos Trainee/ Apprentice of the Year – it was a complete surprise. I am looking forward to what the future holds.”

Kirsty Budenbender

Asbestos Industry Trainee/Apprentice of the Year – Sydney Budenbender, DSK

Asbestos Industry Operative of the Year –

Ross joined Clifford Devlin in 2011 after spending five years in the construction sector and after three months he became an ARCA trained asbestos operative.

Ross scored 100% in the written examination of ARCA’s annual refresher training course while achieving a Level 2 NVQ Diploma in Removal of Hazardous Waste, Construction – Licensed

Asbestos in the same timeframe.

Ross has more recently achieved his Level 3 Supervisor NVQ with ARCA, recognising his experience and competence in the role. He has gone from strength to strength, demonstrating a strong work ethic during his time with Clifford Devlin and deserves recognition for his continued success.

Asbestos Removal Project of the Year – Shield Services

Shield Services has been granted this award in recognition of asbestos removal and remediation works at Prince Charles Hospital in South Wales, where removal works were necessary to facilitate major planned expansion.

As operatives had to work around other project specific hazards working at height with the use of demolition machinery, maintaining the safety standards throughout the project was of utmost importance.

The hospital had to remain fully operational throughout the contracted works, which brought challenges. As well as having to work around other on-site trades and in close proximity to members of the public throughout the works, the logistical location of works was limited.

With meticulous planning, shift patterns were

modified at strategic phases to minimise disruption to the surrounding areas and to hospital staff and patients.

Ross Cressingham, Clifford Devlin

Asbestos Supplier of the Year – Assure 360

Assure 360 makes heavy workloads easier by supplying health and safety systems, designed by experts specifically for the asbestos industry.

The system combines a database stored in the cloud, a powerful web front end that offers visualisations, analytics and actionable insights, complemented by three powerful data gathering apps, which streamline and accelerate audits, accident and incident recording, and the supervisor’s asbestos safety checks.

Assure 360 is the product of decades of asbestos auditing, health and safety management and asbestos consultancy to save time, promote best practice and keep workers and the public safe from asbestos and workplace accidents. Assure 360 shows great reliability in continuously being up to date with the latest legislation and always has an innovative attitude.

We were absolutely delighted to win the ‘Supplier of the Year’ at the British Asbestos Awards. The panel agreed that our solution is more than just a tool for the construction and asbestos removal industries. Assure360 is business transformation software, and we’re delighted that the award recognised our extensive work to support and guide our users and community.

Our solution is industryleading because it comes from experience. Assure 360 is the product of our decades of asbestos auditing, health and safety management and asbestos consultancy. We believe in our software because we use it ourselves, and we understand how to serve and support the community because we’re part of it. We’re

here to save you time, promote best practice, and above all else, keep workers and the public safe from asbestos and workplace accidents.

Winning the award has had an immediate impact on our business. Companies who had already heard of us have since picked up the phone to book a demo whilst others have committed to our free trial. With around 20% of the industry already using our system, Assure 360 is very much the industry standard solution. We’ve got here from hard work, industry expertise but also the fundamental understanding that we’re all in it together. It was great for this to be recognised by the British Asbestos Awards judges.

Nick Garland,Assure360

Clifford Devlin has been licensed continuously by the Health & Safety Executive since 1987. Its asbestos works are carried out to the highest industry standards, which are independently audited and regulated as part of the sector’s trade body, the Asbestos Removal Contractors Associations (ARCA).

Clifford Devlin has been a corporate member of the industry trade body ARCA for over 30 years and has consistently been awarded the ARCA Gold Site Audit Award for more than 10 years.

Clifford Devlin operatives and supervisors have achieved an average score of 92.5% or above over the last 12 months and continue to practice high standards of training programmes.

It is with great pride and immense gratitude that we have been awarded Asbestos Removal Contractor of the Year and Asbestos Operative of the Year award. This recognition is a testament to the collective dedication and hard work of our entire team and the commitment to safety and environmental responsibility that our industry upholds.

This award underscores the importance of our work and the significance of adhering to the highest standards in asbestos removal.

I want to extend my sincere appreciation to Demolition Hub and Asbestos Hub for a great evening of networking, once again, Ben Chambers and the team have pulled it out of the bag. I would also like

to thank the distinguished judges for recognising our efforts in this industry. Your commitment to honouring excellence in asbestos removal is pivotal in driving the industry forward and ensuring the safety of all involved.

Receiving this award is not just a recognition of past achievements; it is a commitment to maintaining the highest levels of professionalism, ethics, and safety in our work. We accept this award with the utmost humility and a renewed dedication to our work.

We look forward to attending next year. See you all there.

Liam Hennessy, Director – Head of Group Operations, Clifford Devlin

Asbestos Removal Contractor of the Year – Clifford Devlin

DeMOLITION

HALL OF FAME

est. 2022

This year we celebrate Yvonne’s campaigning with the European Asbestos Forum, which she set up in 2014 with the aim of improving international relations and knowledge regarding all matters related to health and safety and asbestos.

An artistic tribute to industry pioneers: Specially commissioned painting honours Mavis and Ray Nye's contributions to the asbestos industry

In recognition of their unwavering dedication, invaluable contributions and remarkable achievements within the asbestos industry, a poignant tribute has taken shape in the form of a specially commissioned oil painting. This heartfelt gesture from the industry is a testament to the impact of Mavis and Ray Nye's work on raising asbestos awareness.

The painting, presented to Mavis and Ray at their home on 24 August, stands as a token

of gratitude from the asbestos industry. The presentation was made by Andrew Paten (UKNAR) and Colette Willoughby (NORAC), representing the industry's appreciation for their commitment.

The painting was then entrusted to Craig Evans, the Chief Operating Officer of UKATA, during the British Asbestos Awards on 1 September. Following this, the painting found a place of prominence at the UKATA office, where all members, associates, partners,

and stakeholders are welcome to come and appreciate the artwork.

The painting then made its journey to the Contamination Expo, held from 12-13 September, which holds special significance as it was one of Mavis's favourite exhibitions, a place where she consistently connected with industry peers and supporters.

This tribute encapsulates the industry's admiration and gratitude for the strides Mavis and Ray Nye have made in raising asbestos and mesothelioma awareness. It stands as a symbol of unity and collaboration within the industry.

Speaking about the painting and their achievements, Craig Evans said: “Mavis and Ray's dedication over the past 13 years is truly awe-inspiring. Their strength,

resilience, and unwavering commitment have left an indelible mark on the asbestos industry and community.

"Mavis, with her bravery, wit, and kindness, and Ray, with his steadfast support, embody the spirit of true champions.

"The commissioned portrait not only celebrates their invaluable contributions but serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for many. Their legacy is a testament to the power of dedication, love, and perseverance.

"It's truly an honour to recognise their incredible journey and efforts. Well done to the asbestos industry for coming together in support and gratitude and to Colette Willoughby and Andrew Paten for making the journey to present the wonderful painting.”

The ayes have it

by Andrew Paten, CEO UKNAR

“The ayes have it!” On Wednesday 13 September 2023 at 1.23pm a Private Members Bill introduced by Andrew Percy MP short title “Asbestos (National Register) Bill” successfully passed its first reading.

The long title is “Bill to provide a national register of asbestos present in non-domestic premises and the condition of that asbestos; and for connected purposes.”

Those of you aware of UKNAR (UK National Asbestos Register CIC)

since its inception and regulatory approval in early 2020, will know this has not been a fast or solo voyage. Indeed, most of the credit and the heavy lifting to get to this important point has been done by others.

The idea of a national asbestos register is not new: a petition to Parliament over 10 years ago for a register, got less than 100 signatories – compared with 10,000 plus for the current petition launched by Helen Bone.

However, we believe timing is everything and technology is the answer.

The seed of the idea for a National Register came about when Andy Brown, my UKNAR co-founder and I were trying to solve the problem of people on site and especially contractors were continuing to disturb asbestos simply because they had never seen or been shown an asbestos register, despite this information existing. The simple idea of a QR code directly accessing this vital information from a notice on site that would be available to staff and contractors 24/7 was Andy’s solution. The concept of what we now call our Asbestos SMART software was born.

Originally, we thought of profiting from this idea but realised that the problems of asbestos were so big that we decided to create a not-for-profit social enterprise called UKNAR. This would allow us to trade and to raise capital for the creation of a national database that would facilitate the accessibility of vital asbestos information for those who need to access it and save lives. We also created a charity partnership with Mesothelioma

UK who receive 5% of all UKNAR’S Asbestos SMART licence revenues paid for by dutyholders, keen to ensure they are doing everything they can to prevent accidental asbestos exposures in their premises.

However, the greatest credit for reaching this important milestone belongs to so many others who have managed to relentlessly push this idea forward as an integrated strategic plan for improving the management of asbestos in the UK. Most notably of all, among so many, have been : Charles Pickles and ResPublica and Liz Darlison of Mesothelioma UK for getting this included in a Department of Work and Pensions Parliamentary Inquiry into the Management of Asbestos chaired by Sir Stephen Timms. Many other organisations including

ATaC, NORAC, JUAC, BOHS and IOSH have provided evidence and arguments in support. Sir Stephen Timms, Jane Hunt and Andrew Percy have been among the most active MPs in helping us reach this stage. And most recently, the Sunday Times' Act Now on Asbestos Campaign and other increased media coverage has certainly helped.

There is so much more to be done. This is just one step. Most people cannot understand why the government and the HSE have not accepted this key recommendation from the inquiry. People need to write to their MPs asking for their support at the second reading of the bill in parliament on 24 November.

If we are going to deliver the best result that benefits us all we will need more cross-industry

collaboration engagement from a wide range of stakeholders in the industry and beyond. Examples include the not-forprofit OpenAsbestos® data sharing collaborative initiated by Robin Bennett plus work done by others from ATaC and NORAC on how summary asbestos information might be presented.

If you would like to know how you can help, how a National Asbestos Register might benefit your organisation or how Asbestos SMART might benefit your clients please contact UKNAR at uknar.org/contact-us.

I am also doing a webinar on 8 October from 10.00 –11.00 am titled “How a National Asbestos Register Will Benefit Us All.” Please do register and come along if you can. uknar.org/join-our-live-events.

How a National Asbestos Register Will Benefit Us All

Wednesday 4th October: 10.00 - 10.45 am

Asbestos - The UK’s legacy that impacts us all.

Asbestos remains in 1 in 5 workplaces – 75% of schools, hospitals and other public buildings. It’s the UK’s biggest workplace killer, claiming 50,000 deaths per decade. We have the world’s highest rate of mesothelioma – the most lethal and preventable of cancers: caused by thousands of accidental asbestos exposures (many unreported), often resulting from widespread ignorance and asbestos management failures.

We are also lagging behind other European countries in terms of making critical and potentially life-saving asbestos information freely available to all, whenever and wherever it’s needed.

On Wednesday 13th September 2023 a Private Members 10 Minutes

Bill was approved in the House of Commons - Short Title: “Asbestos (National Register) Bill”. This is a really important step forward. But there’s still a long way to go and lot of hard work to do!

Unless we take action many more people will die from being completely unwittingly exposed to asbestos in their daily lives, in the thousands of schools, hospitals and other public buildings, where we know asbestos has been poorly managed - and where we now have evidence that it’s often in poor condition, in deteriorating ageing buildings.

With enough collaboration and today’s technology we can change this!

We would love you join our webinar to hear Andrew Paten talk about “How a National Asbestos Register Will Benefit Us All”.

Join us to hear Andrew Paten, Co- Founder of UKNAR CIC talk about:

• The UK’s key asbestos management challenges.

• Why sharing information is critical.

• The way forward. - Why we need a national asbestos database.

• How a national database of digital Asbestos SMART registers can work.

• The benefits for all.

• The need for urgent action now.

We do hope you can make it!

“Helping others to protect both people and property has been my career for the last 30 years. My new passion, through the social enterprise UKNAR CIC, is to help organisations manage asbestos much more safely. Asbestos still exists in over 1.5 million homes and workplaces in the UK including over 80% schools. It probably kills over 100 people per week just in the UK.

I believe that most of these deaths are entirely preventable. Simply by using recent technology we can safeguard lives by making key information simply and cheaply available whenever and wherever it’s needed at site.

Information that truly can save lives.”

Andrew Paten Co-Founder UKNAR

Jet Demolition is a fully compliant and registered South African asbestos contractor

As structures approach the end of their design life, they need to be removed entirely, or in some cases partially remodelled or repurposed to better serve their owners. In many ageing structures, asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs) are commonplace. In such instances, it is critical to ensure that the removal and disposal processes and procedures associated with handling ACMs are strictly adhered to. These materials range from insulation to ceilings, fascias, windowsills and even floor tiles.

“Due to the nature of our works, we encounter hazardous materials on the vast majority of our sites,” explains Jet Demolition Contracts

and Project Manager Kate Bester (left). In heavy industry, it is not uncommon to have significant hydrocarbon spills, for example, that impact on surface slabs, or oily water within oil-separators. However, asbestos is slowly becoming less commonplace, as there is a greater focus on replacing ACMs with environment-friendly alternatives as structures age.

Jet Demolition is approved by the South African government as a registered asbestos contractor, capable of undertaking asbestos works across three defined classes in terms of the asbestos regulations as updated in 2020. Removal is carried out by registered asbestos

contractors, while compliance monitoring and safe disposal are undertaken by dedicated, independent specialist service providers.

The method of removal and disposal requirements depends on the directives issued by the independent authorised inspection authority. A plan of works outlines the exact precautions and requirements for the safe removal of ACMs. It might include directives in terms of wet or dry removal, encapsulation, or even the erection of weather shields, and is a result of a dedicated risk assessment process.

In terms of demolition rubble

in general, this can be considered a valuable commodity rather than a waste by-product. In most instances, demolition rubble is transported to registered disposal sites where it is used to rehabilitate landfills or provide stormwater protection. “In other instances, we are able to crush the rubble, liberating rebar for recycling, and reusing the crushed material in engineered fills,” explains Bester.

Waste handling in South Africa is governed by the National Environmental Management Act.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that any hazardous waste we come across is suitably managed and handled appropriately,” says Bester. Both client and contractor need to be aligned in terms of what waste can be anticipated, how this waste will be handled, and ensure

strict adherence to all relevant legislation. This includes cradle-tograve reporting and the submission of waste disposal receipts for full accountability throughout the project.

The equipment deployed to waste-handling activities depends on the method, quantity, location, and the nature of the waste. For example, asbestos stripping and removal is mainly done by hand, whereas removing hydrocarbon impacted concrete might be removed using a grinding wheel affixed to a specialised excavator. A demolition excavator equipped with a shear can demolish contaminated steel, supplemented by hand-held ultra-high pressure washing, and finally handled by excavators equipped with demolition grapples.

Asbestonomy announces 2024 event in Madrid

Asbestonomy organisers Editions

Cedille state the reasoning for Madrid was that Spain holds the EU Council Presidency until January 2024 and with asbestos regulation evolving rapidly they want to feature the event in a growing economic market while increasing technical and training needs surrounding asbestos.

Established in 2022, Asbestonomy’s mission is to reduce the risk of asbestos exposure worldwide. As simple as it may seem, this ambition is still far from being achieved.

Asbestos is still not banned everywhere. Today, millions of people around the world are exposed to asbestos fibres

at work or in their daily lives, sometimes unknowingly. And even in countries where asbestos is banned, this mineral fibre –which is invisible to the naked eye – continues to do enormous damage.

With our range of different backgrounds and experiences, we know that these exposures are easily preventable. Reducing the risk of exposure could save millions of lives in the years to come.

For updates on Asbestonomy 2024 and to discover the dates and everything planned for this third edition please go to: https://asbestonomy.com.

Your safety is our priority

DSK Environmental is a family-run business with more than 15 years experience in the Asbestos Industry.

Keeping you safe is our top priority. Our high quality service offers peace of mind that we meet all hazardous waste removal and fire protective regulations. Every home owner, business owner or duty holder can trust us to remediate and advise on their premises, inline with all statutory regulations and legislation.

We are a family business and relationships are key to everything we do. We’ve created an environment where providing an exceptional 5 Star service is the backdrop for everything we offer.

DSK are proud to support the Mavis Nye Foundation. Created to inspire victims of Mesothelioma, an Asbestos related terminal Cancer. The foundation also contributes to research and development into Mesothelioma and spreading more crucial awareness.

To show your support please go to www.mavisnyefoundation.com

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Demolition Pub

In a new series of on (and off)-line interviews from sister brand Demolition Hub, we met with asbestos removal contractor Kirsty Budenbender from DSK Environmental for the very first Demolition Pub interview – an informal chat over drinks hosted across the country, starting in London

Ben

Chambers

Welcome to the very first Demolition Pub. The forerunner, Talking Pints, I kind of liked that but apparently, I’d stolen the idea, so here we go Demolition Pub, issue 1 and guess what, for the first edition I’m not with a demolition contractor, I am with Kirsty Budenbender from DSK Environmental, an asbestos contractor. Controversial – write the rules – rip them up, so here we go. Kirsty welcome.

Kirsty Budenbender

Thank you, nice to be here.

BC I’ve managed to catch up with you in central London, we’ve had a couple of drinks, we’ve discussed cameras, holidays, life and The British Asbestos and Demolition Awards. Did you enjoy it?

KB Absolutely fantastic, a phenomenal time. You guys always do such an amazing job. It’s a pleasure to be a part of it.

BC I appreciate you saying that because it’s our key event of the year and it’s our opportunity to highlight British demolition, British asbestos removal and to put it in the forefront like nobody else does.

You are joint Managing Director of DSK Environmental, based in Kent and have supported us for the last couple of years. DSK was named Asbestos Contractor of the Year at last year’s British Demolition and Asbestos Awards and there have been further accolades. Your daughter Sydney was named Asbestos Industry Trainee/ Apprentice of the Year at this year’s awards. How do you feel and how does Sydney feel about it?

KB I feel amazing. She has worked extremely hard, she also has

passion, she has obviously spent a lot of time with me and her dad since we opened the business in 2020. She has a good head on her shoulders and she’s ready to learn more.

BC We’ve known each other and have been speaking for the last couple of years and never was it said that Syd was coming into the business. How did that come about?

KB Well, she was doing her GCSEs and thought, “What do I want to do?” She wasn’t sure what career path to take so we gave her the opportunity of joining the business and thankfully she is thriving and doing incredibly well. We are extremely proud of her.

BC When you say doing incredibly well, of course we had three independent industry professional judges that named her the Asbestos Trainee of the Year, clearly, they saw something, but when you say she is doing well, what is she doing well in?

KB She has the understanding and wanting to know more and extend her knowledge in all things asbestos, she's been on an Asbestos Awareness Course with Prime Safety – little plug for them – and through her apprenticeship she's doing an NVQ Level 3 in Business Administration, so there’s more to learn and more to look forward to.

BC Where does this role take her to in an ideal world, for her and for you.

KB I would say the sky is the limit. There's no cap on the potential that she has to learn more and with the potential of going into health and safety, potentially becoming an asbestos manager or contracts manager. It’s entirely up to her now where she takes it.

BC Within DSK, or could you see her unclip her wings?

KB For sure, if she wants to unclip her wings there's no pressure on her, we just want her to follow her dreams and we are there to support her.

BC She's a bright girl. I met her last year in a DSK zipped up fleece, very shy, she's come out of her shell in the last 12 months. She was a pleasure to be around, great laugh, very diligent erudite girl.

So, two awards in the last two years of the asbestos side of the awards. Very greedy. What is DSK all about?

KB We're all about safety and spreading awareness of the dangers that come with asbestos.

BC Where do you see yourself going in the next few months and years?

KB Getting recognised globally.

BC So, you could work away from the UK?

KB 100%. We would never shy away from work overseas.

BC Did you mention power stations a few months ago?

KB Yes. We do a lot of things other than the asbestos. We do industrial maintenance where we work on power stations.

BC You do realise that Nick Brown might be watching, don’t you?

KB Hi Nick.

BC How did DSK come about?

KB It stems from my husband Dirk, who came to the UK from Germany back in 2005. He’s been in the asbestos industry for 18 years now so he’s very familiar with it and three and a half years ago, just before Covid hit, we made the decision to open our own asbestos removal firm.

BC So, what’s Dirk’s past?

KB He’d directed a lot of businesses

that dealt with asbestos removal and then we decided, let’s do it ourselves. At that time, I had no knowledge of asbestos but someone I knew of while I was working in a totally different job told me that he had been given six months to live because he had contracted mesothelioma. I didn’t know what that meant at the time. He said: “Your husband works in asbestos, maybe speak to him,” and at that point when I spoke to him, I had a new-found respect for all asbestos removal because it saves lives and there is not enough being shouted about it.

BC So, you certainly have come across a lot of that lately because you have become great friends and champions of Mavis Nye and The Mavis Nye Foundation. How did that come about?

KB We had a networking event and Chloe who used to work with us said: “I think you should meet this lady. She’s remarkable, I’ve read her story and I think it would be very good for you guys to connect.” So that’s what I did. I put my feelers out and got in touch with Mavis. She is a phenomenal human being and the more I got know

her the more we became friends, went to events together. She and Ray became amazing friends. We support the foundation as best we can, spreading awareness and helping people in the industry learn more and get more advanced technology, because obviously with mesothelioma, it’s a life limiting illness and there’s not enough known about it.

BC We had two charities at The British Demolition and Asbestos Awards last week. One of them was DEMOLISTEN, our own mental health charity for the demolition industry and The Mavis Nye Foundation. Through our close friends and sponsor of the Awards, Empire, we were able to raise three and a half thousand pounds. For some reason I was the auctioneer and I quite enjoyed it, could you tell? Three and a half grand for The Mavis Nye Foundation was amazing.

KB Well done, Empire.

BC Do you know how they use the funds? I know they work closely with Meso UK.

KB Yes, they do indeed. It wouldn’t be fair of me to explain everything that it goes to because that is not my place, but I know a lot goes towards the research and development of mesothelioma, which is what we need right now. There is so much awareness of other cancers in the world, breast cancer, lung cancer, but mesothelioma is its own cancer, caused by asbestos exposure.

BC You’ve hit the nail on the head, there are many cancers out there. Asbestos Hub champions both Meso UK and The Mavis Nye Foundation fully. We work with great people like Kirsty and with DSK, who champion them as well.

Kirsty, we have been wanting to do this for some time and I’m glad we’ve been able to get together today. Your accent confuses me, I’m going to guess there is a Loughborough tang there.

KB Yes, that’s where I’m from.

BC So how come you are in Kent, in the south-east of England?

KB My papa, Colin worked on the Isle of Grain as a contracts manager for a company and managed to get my husband a job, his first when he came to the UK. It made sense for us to make the move down south. I had just had Sydney at that point, so we moved over and it's going well.

BC You’re a southerner now, you know that.

KB Kind of, a bit of both.

BC So going back to DSK, three and a half years, Contractor of the Year and doing fantastic things, growing year on year. What are your goals? Who are you looking to target? What's your specialism?

KB We want to work with industry professionals that understand the work involved with asbestos removal and management. We also do commercial and residential, so we'll do anything from garage corrugated roof sheets to big major projects.

BC Who do you use?

KB We use SMH, HSP, Empire as well. We have our decontamination unit from the guys at Empire which is amazing.

BC Great to see you using a variety of suppliers, a lot of them are advertisers with us. Where do you go from here, obviously we’ll see you at the 2024 British Demolition and Asbestos Awards, but that is a year away now. What do the next 50 weeks hold for you?

KB Hard graft!

BC Well Kirsty, it’s been an absolute pleasure and thank you so much for being a part of this.

KB You are very welcome.

Aiming for 100% clean –how do blasting and needle guns compare?

Clearly this is quite an unsatisfactory position for the client. They’re spending a vast sum of money on asbestos removal, only to be presented with a residual risk that still has to be managed, probably at the same level and cost as before.

later). Clearly this is crucial to any technique or technology: it must be properly assessed, and your team must be competent to use it.

Both techniques present their own challenges, which need to be considered if you are aiming for spotless. You’ll need to balance all of the pros and cons when you complete your risk assessments.

Noise and vibration

Consider the case of a client with a boiler room, once liberally splattered with asbestosbased insulation material. It’s comparatively easy for a licenced asbestos-removal contractor (LARC) to strip out the bulk of the material with low-risk techniques, but it soon becomes a case of diminishing returns. The less asbestos there is remaining, the harder it can become to remove it, and the greater the expense.

When faced with asbestos insulation residues on semiporous substrates like brick and concrete, removal of the final 0.1% of asbestos-containing material (ACM) is very challenging. Residual fibres can be embedded in pits, dimples and micro cracks, making the traditional, low-impact approach of hand scraping accompanied by suppression and shadow vacuuming extremely time-consuming. Often, the removal ends in an admission of failure and encapsulation – a process all too likely to be repeated by another LARC in a few years time.

It’s therefore easy to understand the temptation of aiming for 100% ACM removal in a boiler room. It’s broadly possible through the use of two competing techniques: blasting (using wet media), and low-vibration needle gunning. Both have their champions – two LARCs I know are very firmly in opposing camps. In the red corner we have: "Blasting is faster at cleaning than needle guns, even when you factor in the additional cleanup." And in the blue corner: "Needle gunning is a much simpler method that creates lower exposure and is easier to manage."

Comparing blasting and needle guns

It’s important to start with one thing that both needle guns and blasting have in common: you’re not supposed to use either technique unless you’ve already done your best to remove all significant deposits of asbestos through traditional methods. This means scraping off all but the last miniscule ACM traces manually –accompanied by sprayed surfactant and shadow-vaccing.

With the use of needle guns on the rise, I’ve also heard that HSE inspectors are coming across it more. And, quite rightly, they’re asking whether the method has been properly assessed. I’ve heard that while the HSE isn’t tremendously keen on blasting, it has questions over the vibration levels of needle guns (more on this

The noise levels of blasting vary dramatically depending on several factors including the choice of media and even the location (boiler rooms usually reverberate more, for example). Due to this uncertainty, Quill – one of the leading blasting manufacturers – is a little cautious about publishing noise figures. Essentially, it’s not possible to predict an accurate noise level unless you know the usage situation. Quill says that noise at the lance could be >110dB(A). Vibration magnitude is negligible at around 0.2 m/s2. That’s 10 times lower than the EC-specified minimum level for unrestricted hours of work.

Needle guns used to be known for their huge vibration levels, but recent pneumatic variants are much improved. The one I am familiar with is the Trelawny VL303, whose manufacturer claim it has a noise level of 109.5 dB(A), and vibration of 2.3m/s2. However, there does seem to be some question mark about this very low figure. Not least because normal operation is to use two hands. Clearly, unlike with blasting, whatever the HAVS (hand-arm vibration syndrome) data is, it is not negligible. If you plug 2.3 m/s2 into the HSE’s HAVS calculator, you get a remarkable nine hours and 27 minutes to reach the lower exposure action value (EAV). However, worst case vibration data from the manufacturer indicates something nearer to 90 minutes or below. I understand Trelawny are conducting some independent HAVS testing and the report will be out soon.

Whether blasting or needle guns are selected, then effective hearing

Image: Horizon Environmental

protection will be mandatory. Vibration needs to be looked at, and hopefully accurate data will be available soon.

Waste

There’s no avoiding the issue, blasting will add waste to the project. Quill states there’ll be 0.5–1.1 kg of material created per minute of use. You’ll need to consider the increased manual handling issues that this will create for the project. These may be exacerbated if you have to lug waste up from the basementespecially if there is any restricted access involved.

Fibre release

Both techniques are high-impact, high-disturbance methods that should only be used on trace residues. Both techniques use different approaches to keep dust and fibre levels down. As the name suggests, wet blasting uses water – which atomises as it hits the substrate with the blast media. This will probably be most effective when removing chrysotile residues, as amphibole fibres such as amosite or crocidolite are hydrophobic (they repel water).

Needle guns use the shadow vac technique, and come with dedicated vac cowls. The H-Type vacuum is attached at point A in the diagram (below), providing effective local exhaust ventilation (LEV) at the point of disturbance (B).

that is standard optical or electron microscopy – occluding the filters so they can not be read. The default position seems to be that you should assume a high fibre release, and use supplied-air respirator (RAS) masks.

By contrast the needle and shadow vac technique is relatively easy to test. The results I’ve seen are favourable, with an average of 0.06 f/ml (fibres per millilitre of air), highest reading of 0.12 f/ml, and lowest of 0.01 f/ml.

Water vapour

The high humidity of blasting creates two more issues that you need to allow for. Water does not play well with a negative pressure unit (NPU)’s HEPA filter. To counter this, Quill provides moisture vanes that work along with the standard pre-filter to protect the HEPA.

Another impact – especially in the cooler atmosphere common to basements – is that we often hit the dew point and visibility falls dramatically. Neatly, Beacon’s recirculating NPU incorporates an in-line heater to prevent this. You cannot underestimate the impact of low visibility on supervision –vision panels and especially CCTV will both become very limited, and you’ll need to identify enhanced supervision techniques to combat this. You may consider having a deputy supervisor in the enclosure to be the eyes of the lead supervisor outside.

Other considerations

which will allow you to stop work quickly and easily. The extra internal supervisor would also help with this.

You also need to consider that needle guns are quite heavy, in addition, large-bore compressor hoses and metal coupling will add markedly to this. You should always step down to the narrower whip lines to minimise this manual handling issue. Generally, you should also consider fatigue as a hazard.

Another consideration with blasting is that the media obviously goes somewhere. Predominantly this will be the floor, but if operatives are working near the enclosure wall it could damage the sheeting and lead to a breach. A less obvious risk is that the media can be blasted into inaccessible voids, resulting in a spread of asbestos. Your design process needs to include careful planning of how and when to use the technique to avoid this.

Finally, while it’s not really part of the risk assessment, needle guns are much more mechanical than blasting equipment. As such they have moving parts and need to be maintained through periodic stripping down, cleaning and oiling. They are also vulnerable to icing up where the weather outside is cold. For both cleaning and good maintenance, Trelawny recommends ISO22 low viscosity anti-freeze oil.

As with any asbestos-removal technique, you’ll need to test that exposure is as low as practicable, and investigate any elevated results.

The real problem for wet blasting comes with all that water; Quill states that you’ll be using 2-4 litres per hour. Water vapour plays havoc with air testing – whether

There’s a rather unfortunate, nebulous bag of additional issues that you will need to factor in. As we’ve established, both blasting and needle gunning are very noisy, clearly requiring hearing protection. The follow on effect of that is that operatives will not be able to hear you when you try to communicate with them, whether routinely or in case of an emergency.

This is further compounded by the visibility issue discussed above – i.e. you can’t see them, and they can’t hear you. You might consider flashing beacons, activated externally, at the point of work,

It’s hard to argue against a client’s wholly understandable desire for an asbestos-free boiler room and these two techniques are the only options that get close to achieving it. As with all asbestos removal methods, however, they bring a range of issues that have to be individually and collectively assessed. It’s our job as professionals to understand the complexity and ensure that we manage all of the risks.

6th BOHS and FAAM Asbestos Conference

Advancing science and innovation to confront critical asbestos challenges

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), a scientific charity and the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, and the Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM) are delighted to announce the sixth annual Asbestos Conference, taking place on 17 and 18 October in Birmingham. With Science and Innovation being this year’s theme, the conference brings together thought leaders, researchers, academics, practitioners, and regulators from both the UK and internationally, aiming to serve as a vital platform

to inform and update asbestos professionals and experts on the latest developments in asbestos assessment, control and management.

Asbestos continues to pose a significant threat to workers and the general public. It claims approximately 5,000 workers’ lives each year and around 20 tradesmen die from asbestosrelated diseases every week due to past exposures. Furthermore, the UK has one of the highest mesothelioma rates worldwide, a cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure.

A comprehensive programme

The BOHS Asbestos Conference 2023 is featuring an impressive lineup of plenary talks and technical sessions, with national and international speakers, all of whom are experts in their respective fields, bringing a wide variety of thought-provoking and interesting talks.

Key sessions include:

• Keynote Speaker: Martin Harper on "Airborne Asbestos Determination in the USA"

• Insights into the HSE's Inspection Programme for 2022/23, focusing on assessing the management of asbestos in school buildings, including key findings and future steps.

• A comprehensive discussion on the development and implementation of a National Asbestos Strategy, exploring the whys, whens, and whats.

ASBESTOS2023 17th - 18th October Conference overview

• An in-depth examination of the EU retention bill and its implications for asbestos in the UK, with a specific focus on health and safety.

• An update from Mesothelioma UK, shedding light on recent developments in the field.

Attend in-person or virtually

For the convenience of attendees, you can either attend in-person or with a digital delegate pass. With the digital pass, attendees can access recordings of all sessions after the conference date.

Join us at BOHS Asbestos Conference 2023.

BOHS and FAAM invite

professionals, researchers and stakeholders from all sectors to participate in this important event. By encouraging collaboration and advancing expertise, we can collectively work towards minimising the impact of asbestos on society. This event promises to be a hub of knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration.

Registration and additional information

For registration, rates and further information about the BOHS Asbestos Conference 2023, please visit:

www.bohs.org/eventsnetworking/events/upcomingevents/detail/asbestos-2023conference

The British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) is a science-led, charitable body and the UK’s leading authority that works to protect everyone’s right to a healthy working environment.

Founded in 1953, it’s one of the

largest occupational hygiene societies in Europe and the only professional society representing qualified occupational hygienists in the UK. BOHS provides internationally recognised qualifications, scientific

conferences and membership services and has over 1,400 members across 49 countries and numerous fields of worker health.

www.bohs.org

The Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management launched in 2017 to provide a professional home for all asbestos professionals. The vision of FAAM is to:

• Pursue excellence for all those who practice in the asbestos assessment and management profession.

• Establish, develop, and maintain standards of competence in asbestos assessment and management practice.

• Act as the guardian of professional standards in asbestos assessment and management practice.

FAAM welcomes all asbestos specialists, from consultants, analysts, surveyors, technicians and lab personnel to researchers, managers, and others with responsibility for managing their

organisation’s asbestos risks.

To find out more about FAAM and how you can get involved vist:

https://bit.ly/3ENxH1L

Industry expert Casella launches enhanced high flow air sampling pump

Asbestos-related diseases take the lives of more than 39,000 Americans every year. Despite the material’s known health impacts, it can be found in older homes and industrial properties and continues to be used in products such as gaskets, friction products, roofing materials and fireproofing materials, posing a threat to 1.3 million US workers in construction and general industry.

Global industrial hygiene and workplace hazard monitoring expert Casella has launched an enhanced version of its Vortex3 high flow pump, designed to simplify asbestos and air sampling.

Continuing to fulfil its mission to improve health in the workplace and community with life-changing monitoring technology, the upgraded Vortex3 offers an eighthour runtime at 8 L/min and four hours at 12 L/min with a typical filter, ensuring continuous performance. With a flow accuracy better than +/-5%, the Vortex3 ensures consultants, contractors and specialists have confidence in results.

patent-pending, interlocking design, the Vortex3 has an ergonomically comfortable handle and weighs just 2.37 kg, allowing users to carry multiple units in

one hand with ease. The Vortex3 has an IP65 rating, providing protection from dust and water ingress. Casella’s ergonomic design has ensured the high flow pump’s smooth body finish is free from small crevices that could hold fine airborne asbestos fibres, allowing for safer decontamination and cleaning.

Available in two versions, the Vortex3 Pro model is compatible with Casella’s innovative Airwave App and Bluetooth connectivity, enabling users to remotely start, pause or stop a measurement run, monitor battery life and memory capacity and check measurement progress direct from a mobile device.

Data can be emailed alongside site details and notes, adding context to the sampling and further simplifying the reporting process. This remote access facility makes

the enhanced Vortex3

range, ensuring users take advantage of new technology,” says Tim Turney, Casella Global

Asbestos-related cancer deaths fall

Government argues that asbestos is safe if not disturbed, but trade unions maintain that only by removing asbestos from public buildings can we stop thousands of early deaths

The HSE annual figures for mesothelioma, a cancer caused by past exposure to asbestos, show 2,268 people died from the disease in 2021. This is compared to the average of 2,520 deaths per year over the period 2012-2019 and 302 fewer than in 2020.

Asbestos, a carcinogenic mineral, was used extensively in construction until banned in 1999, however asbestos-related diseases can take decades to develop and most people suffering today were exposed pre-1999.

Current regulations state that where asbestos is present in buildings it must be managed, maintained in a good condition, and stay undisturbed. If this level of protection cannot be achieved, then asbestos must be removed.

An HSE spokesperson said: “These regulations have led to a

significant reduction in exposure and the number of people developing asbestos-related illness is predicted to fall as we get further from the date asbestos was banned in 1999.”

However, the TUC is calling for new legislation requiring removal of all asbestos from public buildings. In a recent blog post, Shelly Asquith, TUC Health, Safety and Wellbeing Officer wrote: “The government’s argument is that asbestos is safe to leave in place, so long as it is not disturbed.

“Trade unions reject that argument. We know that if asbestos is in a building, it will eventually be disturbed. Only by removing asbestos from all public buildings can we avoid future risk of exposure and stop the thousands of early –and entirely preventable – deaths from this dreadful, fatal illness.”

Charles Pickles, an independent campaigner and founder of the Airtight on Asbestos Campaign said teachers and nurses have a much higher incidence of mesothelioma than the general public.

“In addition, the HSE figures do not include all those who die above

the age of 75 – if these deaths were included, the figure would be twice as high. The current policy of management in-situ is failing. The current ratio of 17 deaths from mesothelioma to every workplace death should be a wake-up call.”

Pickles pointed to the 2022 recommendations of the crossparty Parliamentary Work and Pension Select Committee. He said: “They called for a National Asbestos Strategy, prioritising the removal of high-risk asbestos, enabled by a National Asbestos Database, and they recommended greater research into asbestos airmonitoring to provide reassurance while we continue to occupy buildings with asbestos.”

Liz Darlison, Chief Executive at Mesothelioma UK, the national asbestos-related cancer charity said that the UK has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in the world “and this continues to rise”.

She said: “It's paramount that we work with government to address this and avoid the time bomb of future generations with occupational cancers.”

but ‘time bomb’ threatens HSE says number of people developing asbestos-related illness is predicted to fall as we move further from asbestos ban in 1999

How asbestos could slow efforts to fix crumbling concrete in English schools

Work to tackle Raac could expose asbestos that remains in buildings despite being banned in the 1990s

The crisis over crumbling aerated concrete in English schools could exacerbate the lingering problem of asbestos in public buildings, creating an even bigger headache for the government and causing the re-emergence of a long unresolved issue.

More than 150 schools have been found to contain buildings made from reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac), which has been assessed to be at risk of collapse after exceeding its 30-year lifespan, with many closing because of safety concerns.

The material was used extensively in construction from the 1950s to the 1990s, which was also the boom time for asbestos use until it was banned due to the health risks from inhalation.

This means it is possible asbestos will become exposed in buildings affected by crumbling concrete and could slow down remediation works, extending school building closures by months.

Despite asbestos being banned more than two decades ago, the

material remains in at least 300,000 non-domestic buildings in the UK. However, sources believe many of the public buildings affected by Raac are asbestos-free.

Campaigners and teaching unions have been ringing alarm bells for years, with the last official figures published by the Department for Education in 2019 showing that asbestos is present in four out of five schools (81%) in England.

In July, the teaching union NASUWT called for the urgent prioritisation of removing asbestos from school buildings, criticising the government’s “lack of urgency” and saying it was “passing on a potentially deadly legacy” to current staff and pupils.

The latest Health and Safety Executive (HSE) data showed the number of female teachers dying from asbestos related lung cancer was increasing and it reported there were more than 5,000 asbestos-related deaths in 2019 across the UK.

Asbestos is the general name

given to several naturally occurring minerals that have crystallised to form fibres that are strong, heatand chemical-resistant and do not dissolve in water or evaporate.

Before being banned – partially in 1984 and completely in 1999 – the material was used in many products, including insulation material for buildings, boilers and pipes.

It is not considered harmful when in large pieces and undisturbed, but when moved or exposed it can release smaller fibres that can be breathed in or swallowed, and can lead to cancers including mesothelioma (a type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs).

The process of assessing and removing the affected concrete panels in school buildings could disturb asbestos material, which may be present in ceiling voids or in the coating of the panels themselves.

But robust monitoring and management regulations mean such buildings would remain

shuttered while the material is disposed of. All public buildings are required to have an asbestos register identifying the location of any use of the material, although the HSE has raised concerns about non-compliance among schools in keeping this up to date.

A Work and Pensions Select Committee report published in April 2022 urged the government to introduce a 40-year deadline for the removal of asbestos from nondomestic buildings, focusing on high-risk settings such as schools first.

The government rejected the proposal, arguing that setting a deadline “would increase the opportunity for exposure” when the risk is low where asbestos can be “managed safely until planned refurbishment works”.

“There also remains a concern that introducing a deadline would stimulate poor removal and disposal practices with a further risk of increase in asbestos exposures,” the government said in its response to the report.

Man dies after exposure to asbestos, inquest hears

A man died after he was exposed to asbestos during his years working at manufacturing and engineering companies in Basingstoke, an inquest heard.

David Buckett died at his home on 8 December 2022, at the age of 78.

In an inquest held at the Winchester Coroner’s Court on Tuesday 5 September, assistant coroner Simon Burge examined statements from medical professionals and Mr Buckett's wife to determine the circumstances surrounding his death.

The inquest heard that a postmortem identified locally advanced malignant mesothelioma of the left lung as one of the causes of Mr Buckett's death.

This form of lung cancer is overwhelmingly linked to prior asbestos exposure. Although no asbestos fibres were detected, the pathologist noted that mesothelioma cases are typically associated with past asbestos exposure.

Mr Buckett had worked at Thornycroft vehicle manufacturer in Basingstoke, Lansing Bagnall forklift manufacturer in Basingstoke, and Jetway aircraft maintenance.

The pathologist said Mr Buckett had an existing heart condition and other various health conditions.

His wife Janet Buckett said they had only learned about the asbestos exposure seven weeks before his death.

"We were completely shocked as his lifestyle was a normal one," she said.

"He had a healthy diet. He

was always a very good, strong and resilient person until he developed peripheral vascular disease.

“Apparently it was mentioned on his records that he had TIA at some point and heart problems. We had no idea about this."

Mr Buckett was admitted to Basingstoke Hospital on 17 October 2022.

He was referred to palliative care and then discharged home on 22 November. He died on 8 December.

The inquest heard that Mr Buckett's family never pursued compensation claims against any of his former employers as neither he nor his family were aware of the connection.

Assistant coroner Mr Burge said: “It's clear that he was exposed significantly to asbestos during his working life.

"The nature of his employment included working for an engineering company, forklift truck manufacturer, and aircraft maintenance.

American reporter who exposed hazards of asbestos, dies aged 92

Paul Brodeur, whose articles in The New Yorker brought America’s national attention to subjects like the toxic hazards of asbestos and the destructive impact of chlorofluorocarbons on the ozone layer, died on 2 August in Hyannis, Massachusetts. He was 92.

His death in hospital, was caused by complications of pneumonia and hip replacement surgery, said his

daughter, Adrienne Brodeur.

In his long career at The New Yorker, Brodeur specialised in writing about asbestos and other threats to health, including chlorofluorocarbons.

His first long-form article for The New Yorker, “The Magic Mineral,” published in 1968, described at great length the history of asbestos being used in

thousands of products – including building and insulation materials, rugs, potholders, roofing, military helmets and gas masks – and its connection to cancer, particularly mesothelioma, among workers who had been exposed to it.

“There is not an automobile, airplane, train, ship, missile or engine of any sort that does not contain asbestos in some form or other and it has found its way into literally every building, factory, home and farm across the land,” he wrote. “And, because its minuscule fibres are eminently respirable, asbestos has also found its way into the lungs of man, where, by remaining as indestructible as it does in nature, it can wreak terrible havoc.”

Paul Brodeur was born on 16 May 1931, in Boston and grew up in nearby Arlington, Massachusetts.

Dutch homeowners urged to remove asbestos shed roofs

The Association of Dutch Municipalities (VNG) is calling on homeowners to remove asbestos, which it says is a “major problem”.

It is mostly concerned with hundreds, possibly thousands, of sheds that were built before 1994. Asbestos was used extensively before then as it was a cheap and effective building material, although it was banned in the country in 1994.

With the start of the AsbestosFree Shed Week campaign, municipalities, nature groups and the Ministry of Infrastructure and Water Management hope to accelerate the removal of asbestos. They say for small areas, people can remove it cheaply and safely themselves and they have posted a video on how to replace

asbestos-contaminated shed roofs with more sustainable, green ones.

According to sustainability

knowledge centre Milieu Centraal, roofs older than 30 years may release harmful asbestos fibres when they start to weather.

Boundary Monitoring Solutions

Toxic ash threatens health during Hawaii wildfire cleanup

Health officials are warning residents of the Hawaiian island of Maui to exercise caution during cleanup following deadly wildfires as ash and debris may be filled with toxic substances, including asbestos, arsenic and lead.

The aftermath of the 8 August fire on the island has left a hazardous trail of pollutants and destruction after it decimated the historical coastal port city of Lahaina on Maui’s west coast.

“For generations, Lahaina’s beauty, culture and rich history drew artists, musicians and visitors from around the world,” said Jaime Kanani Green, wife of Hawaii Governor Josh Green, during an emotional livestream statement. “Tragically, it took less than a single day for us to lose Lahaina in the deadliest fire our country has seen in more than a century.”

At least 114 people are dead and more than a thousand others remain unaccounted for since the blaze, according to the Maui Fire Department.

The inferno sent toxic fumes and materials into the air and out to sea as buildings burned to their foundations and the intense heat melted car tires into puddles. A toxic fallout from the ash and debris is creating a secondary disaster for the small island community.

“We are going from one natural disaster to the next,” Newsha Ajami, a water expert at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, told The Washington Post of the postfire contamination.

Asbestos risks during natural disasters

Hawaii officials urge children and pregnant women to stay out of the Lahaina burn area and away from the debris and ash from the fire. Those who are working in the area are advised to cover up with long-

sleeved shirts, trousers and closedtoe shoes to avoid skin contact with the dangerous ash. Workers are also urged to use an N95 mask or respirator when dealing with the cleanup.

“Ash may cause irritation of the skin, nose and throat and may cause coughing,” according to the Hawaii State Department of Health. “Ash and dust (particularly from burned buildings) may contain toxic and cancer-causing chemicals, including asbestos, arsenic and lead.”

Many homes and commercial buildings constructed prior to the 1980s, like those in historic Lahaina, were built with asbestos materials considered safe at the time. As those products age, rip, break, burn or are washed away, they release toxic asbestos fibres into the air.

It is dangerous to breathe in those fibres during the aftermath of a natural disaster such as the Lahaina fire, and can cause serious health conditions years later. The more a person is exposed to asbestos, the higher their risk of developing an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma.

Officials warn of toxic air

As the blaze moved quickly across the town, it incinerated

homes, automobiles and all the items inside of them, including building materials that produced the hazards of asbestos, lead and arsenic debris.

Local air quality officials warned residents that the air was dangerously contaminated and that even if a home was not damaged, it was unsafe, according to The Washington Post.

“You can’t have children playing out there. The air quality coming from Front Street with the winds is deeply toxic with asbestos,” Debbie Van Alstyne told the news outlet. “[A local air quality official] says that it’s absolutely not safe for anybody to stay near there. For a while.”

First responders such as firefighters, law enforcement officials, emergency response workers, enlisted military and cleanup crews are often at risk of asbestos exposure following a natural disaster. This includes private contractors, state and local agencies, and volunteers. Homeowners of damaged properties are also at risk of exposure.

To avoid further contaminating the land or sea, health officials urge those cleaning up fire debris to not push the ash into the sewer system or use blowers or vacuums.

““We are extremely pleased to have reached the 1 year mark on our flagship project, and we are even more proud to say, that to date, we are accident/incident free. The total man hours worked to date equates to an incredible 64,405 hours!

This is a fantastic accomplishment, which has been achieved due to the high standards set by the management, supervision and site team as a whole.

A big thanks to everyone involved in the project, here’s to the next 12 months!”

Asbestos Removal Contractor

Omega Environmental Services Ltd has established itself as a leading asbestos removal and remediation contractor in the UK. The company’s ethos then, as it is today, is one ofunrivalled quality and client satisfaction.