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Events | Industry
Winter 2025 #15 News |
Asbestos removal, regulation, and safety continue evolving in 2025’s construction industry
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As we begin a new year it is right to reflect on the asbestos removal industry, from a 2024 perspective and indeed we do in more depth later in this issue.
As the UK continues to grapple with the legacy of asbestos, 2024 marked a pivotal year for the asbestos removal industry. With around 5,000 people still dying annually from asbestos-related diseases, the demand for safe, professional asbestos abatement services remains high.
This year, stricter regulations and heightened awareness have further underscored the urgency of removing asbestos from public and private spaces.
The UK government’s ongoing commitment to tackling asbestos in buildings, particularly schools, hospitals, and older public infrastructure, has led to a surge in abatement projects. However, challenges remain. A shortage of skilled labour, rising disposal costs and the complexity of removing asbestos from challenging environments have strained industry resources. In response, companies are increasingly turning to innovative technologies, such as drones for surveying and robotic systems for safer removal, to streamline operations and reduce risks to workers.
Worker safety has remained a top priority, with more stringent guidelines introduced to protect those involved in asbestos abatement. Real-time air monitoring and better PPE have become standard in many operations.
As the UK continues its push towards asbestos-free environments, the industry faces both growing demand and increasing pressure to meet evolving health and safety standards. 2024 has been a year of progress, but the journey toward a fully asbestos-free Britain is ongoing.
In 2025 Asbestos Hub will continue to promote removal contractors, suppliers, associations and individuals better than ever before. Utilise us, this is your magazine.
Stay warm and safe and we will be next out and giving you everything you need in 2025 with the spring edition.
Ben Chambers Publisher, Asbestos Hub ben@chambers.media
GENERAL NEWS
AMI NEWS:
Asbestos Management Seminar Recap: A day of critical insights and expert knowledge
The value of AMI membership: Setting professional standards in asbestos management 6
ASESA NEWS:
ASESA site auditing: In depth audits for in depth compliance
Licence renewal support from ASESA: Essential for HSE-Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors
Training and personal development in the UK HSE Licensed Asbestos Removal industry 10
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT
The past year in asbestos removal - Navigating challenges and progress in 2024
Barrow Market Hall: Millions in additional funds required for works
De Beers sued by 150 mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease victims
Why asbestos is still being found in some cosmetics
NDA group establishes innovative partnership to manage asbestos waste at legacy nuclear sites
Fly-tipper convicted after dumping asbestos at cemetery
Family of former Heathrow Airport security guard appeal for witnesses following asbestos-related death
“This could be the new asbestos!”
With Tom Heath, MD of Flair Environmental
Asbestos Management Institute
Asbestos Management Seminar recap: A day of critical insights and expert knowledge
The Asbestos Management Seminar, which took place on 5 December 2024, successfully brought together more than 185 participants for an insightful and informative session. The event featured leading experts in the field of asbestos management, offering critical insights into best practices, and emerging technologies.
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our distinguished speakers:
• Samantha Lord from the Health & Safety Executive (HSE), who provided valuable information on Asbestos Waste Storage and Movement on Site, as well as the Site Supervisor Visual Inspection and Handover Form.
• Charlotte Burton from Asbestos Information Certificate CIC, who shared her expertise on Data-Driven Initiatives for Simplifying Asbestos Surveys and Effective Asbestos
Management Strategies.
• Nick Garland from Assure360, discussed Gel Cutting as a Safer Alternative to Wrap and Cut methods.
• Stephen Freeland from the Environmental Services Association (ESA), who discussed Minimum Standards for Presenting Bonded Asbestos to Disposal Sites.
• Paul Manning from the British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF), delivered a presentation on The Truth About Substandard PPE in the UK.
The event successfully brought together industry professionals to share knowledge, discuss current challenges, and explore innovative solutions in asbestos management
Thank you once again to all who attended and contributed to making this event a great success!
Asbestos Management Institute
The value of AMI membership: Setting professional standards in asbestos management
In an industry where precision and safety are paramount, the Asbestos Management Institute (AMI) stands as a cornerstone of professional excellence. As the leading professional body for asbestos management specialists in the UK, AMI plays a fundamental role in maintaining the highest standards of practice across the sector.
Setting the professional standard
AMI membership represents more than a professional affiliation; it serves as a mark of verified expertise in asbestos management. Members must demonstrate comprehensive knowledge and practical experience before acceptance, ensuring organisations can trust in their capabilities. This rigorous vetting process includes verification of relevant qualifications, handson experience and thorough understanding of current regulations.
The institute’s stringent membership requirements ensure that professionals maintain the
highest standards throughout their careers. Through structured CPD programmes, including technical workshops, industry seminars, and specialised training sessions, members continuously enhance their expertise. This commitment to ongoing learning provides employers with confidence in their AMI-certified professionals’ capabilities.
Commitment to continuous development
The asbestos management industry constantly evolves with new techniques, regulations, and safety protocols. AMI members undertake Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programmes, keeping their knowledge and skills at the cutting edge. This ongoing education encompasses:
• Latest removal and containment techniques
• Updates to health and safety regulations
• Risk assessment methodologies
• Project management best practices
The CPD programme is carefully
structured to ensure members remain current with industry developments while building expertise in specialised areas. This comprehensive approach to professional development ensures that AMI members are equipped to handle complex challenges and implement best practices effectively.
Professional ethics and accountability
AMI enforces a strict code of conduct that holds members to the highest ethical standards. This accountability framework provides peace of mind to employers and clients alike. Members who fail to meet these standards face a robust disciplinary process, ensuring the integrity of the profession is maintained.
The institute’s ethical framework encompasses all aspects of professional practice, from technical competence to client relationships. This comprehensive approach to professional ethics helps maintain trust in the industry and ensures that AMI members
operate with the highest levels of integrity and accountability.
Industry leadership and innovation
AMI continues to strengthen its position through several new initiatives. A notable development is the introduction of a new corporate recognition programme, allowing companies that employ AMI members to display a distinctive logo in their marketing materials.
This initiative recognises organisations that demonstrate their commitment to professional excellence through the employment of AMI-certified professionals.
The institute actively supports industry advancement, as demonstrated by its recent £5,000 donation to the Asbestos Information CIC, contributing to the development of improved asbestos management practices and information sharing across the sector. This investment in industry infrastructure demonstrates AMI’s commitment to advancing professional standards beyond its immediate membership.
Organisational Development
Looking ahead to 2025, AMI is preparing for significant organisational developments. A management committee meeting in January will determine the format for the upcoming remote Annual General Meeting, which will feature industry speakers and be accessible to members and non members alike free of charge.
The institute’s commitment to inclusive governance and transparent decision-making processes ensures that members have a voice in shaping the organisation’s future. This collaborative approach helps maintain the relevance and effectiveness of AMI’s programmes and initiatives.
Business benefits
AMI membership delivers tangible business advantages. The AMI credential serves as a valuable differentiator in competitive tendering situations, helping firms secure contracts with organisations that prioritise certified expertise. The forthcoming corporate recognition programme will further enhance these benefits, allowing
companies to demonstrate their commitment to professional standards visibly. The institute’s reputation for excellence helps member organisations build trust with clients and stakeholders.
Looking to the Future
As the asbestos management sector continues to evolve, AMI’s role in maintaining high standards and promoting best practices becomes increasingly vital. Organisations that prioritise AMI membership when hiring asbestos management professionals invest not just in individual expertise, but in the overall safety and quality of their asbestos management programmes.
Through its combination of professional development, industry leadership, and innovative initiatives, AMI continues to shape the future of asbestos management in the UK.
The institute’s commitment to excellence ensures that members remain at the forefront of industry developments, equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to address tomorrow’s challenges.
ASESA site auditing: In-depth audits for in-depth compliance
Site audits are a critical aspect of ensuring that asbestos removal contractors in the UK operate in compliance with Health and Safety Executive (HSE) regulations and maintain the highest standards of safety.
ASESA (Asbestos and Environmental Safety Association) undertakes regular site audits to support HSE-licensed contractors in maintaining these essential standards. These audits are not just about meeting legal requirements – they are designed to enhance overall safety, improve operational practices, and ensure ongoing compliance with evolving HSE expectations.
Ensuring compliance with HSE regulations
The asbestos removal industry is rightly highly regulated, with strict HSE guidelines designed to protect both workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure. ASESA’s site audits provide a thorough examination of a contractor’s operations, ensuring they are adhering to these regulations.
By identifying areas of nonconformity, the audit process ensures that contractors are using the correct procedures and
equipment to carry out asbestos removal safely.
Promoting best practice
ASESA’s site audits focus heavily on the safe removal of Asbestos, the principal component of any asbestos removal project. Audits assess whether the contractor is employing the best practices when it comes to risk assessments, site management, personal protective equipment (PPE), air monitoring, waste disposal, and worker competence.
The primary goal is to ensure that the site is free from any potential unmitigated hazards that could put workers or the public at risk of asbestos exposure. By providing contractors with insights into areas that need improvement, ASESA helps elevate safety standards across the industry.
Supporting continuous improvement
One of the key benefits of the ASESA audit process is that it encourages continuous improvement. ASESA’s audits offer valuable feedback that contractors can use to enhance their operations. Whether it’s updating health and safety protocols, improving site setup, or ensuring
better communication on-site, these audits provide constructive advice that helps businesses evolve and grow. By identifying areas for improvement, ASESA helps contractors refine their practices, ensuring they are always striving for higher safety standards and operational efficiency.
Conclusion
Regular site audits are an indispensable part of maintaining the safety, compliance, and reputation of HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractors in the UK. ASESA’s audits go beyond simple regulatory checks – they foster a culture of continuous improvement, promote best safety practices, and support contractors in reducing risk and liability. For businesses in the asbestos removal industry, becoming a member of ASESA and undergoing regular audits is a proactive step toward ensuring their operations meet the highest standards, safeguarding both their workforce and the public.
To find out more or to join this fresh new association 100% dedicated to the asbestos removal industry, see the ASESA website here: https://asesa.org.uk
Licence Renewal Support from ASESA: Essential for HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractors
In the UK asbestos removal industry, HSE (Health and Safety Executive) licensing is a vital requirement for ensuring that companies operate within the strict safety and regulatory frameworks needed to protect workers and the public.
For asbestos removal contractors, one of the most important aspects of maintaining an HSE licence is the renewal process. This process ensures that companies remain compliant with ever-evolving regulations and continue to meet the required safety standards.
For HSE-licensed contractors, having access to expert technical advice and licence renewal support is invaluable, and this is where Graham Warren of ASESA (Asbestos and Environmental Safety Association) comes in.
Supporting licence renewal with expert guidance
Asbestos removal contractors must regularly renew their HSE licences, a process that can be complex and time-consuming. It involves thorough checks to ensure that businesses continue to meet the legal requirements for safety, training, equipment, and operational procedures.
Graham Warren can play a crucial role in helping ASESA members through this process. His expertise around licensing, and in-depth understanding of the industry, combined with ASESA’s other resources, provide ASESA members with the guidance they need to navigate the renewal process smoothly.
Graham Warren offers technical advice on ensuring that companies meet the criteria set by the HSE, including up-to-date documentation, safety practices, and employee training. This knowledge stems from supporting numerous contractors through this process and from working alongside HSE in its Licensing Working Group since it was created. By working with contractors throughout their Licence period and particularly through the renewal process, Graham helps them identify any areas that may require improvement, ensuring that their application for renewal is robust and compliant. This support is an integral part of ASESA memberships, and is fully included in our membership fee.
Personalised support for every contractor
One of the key benefits of working
with Graham Warren is the personalised, one-on-one support that contractors receive. Each asbestos removal company is unique, and the challenges they face may vary depending on their size, scope of work, and specific needs.
Graham takes the time to understand the individual requirements of each business, offering tailored advice and solutions. This personalised approach helps contractors stay on track with their safety practices and compliance obligations be they micro family businesses through to large multi-discipline contractors.
Conclusion
For HSE-licensed asbestos removal contractors, the importance of licence renewal support and technical advice cannot be overstated. Graham Warren, through his role at ASESA, provides invaluable assistance in ensuring that contractors navigate the renewal process successfully and maintain continuous compliance with the stringent regulations in place. His technical expertise and personalised support contribute to safer working environments and more efficient operations, helping to continually improve the Asbestos removal industry.
To find out more or to join this fresh new association 100% dedicated to the asbestos removal industry, see the ASESA website here: https://asesa.org.uk
Training and personal development in the UK HSE licensed asbestos removal industry
In the UK, the asbestos removal industry plays a critical role in ensuring public health and safety by removing hazardous asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs) from buildings and infrastructure. Uncontrolled Asbestos removal involves significant health risks, making effective training and ongoing personal development essential for all workers involved in the process. In this context, bespoke in-house refresher training is a vital component for enhancing safety standards and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Bespoke in-house refresher training
In the potentially hazardous environment of asbestos removal, ongoing training is crucial for maintaining high safety standards. Bespoke in-house refresher training allows companies to address specific needs, ensuring that their employees are wellprepared to handle the risks associated with asbestos. Customdesigned programmes are tailored to the unique conditions of the workplace and the specific challenges posed by the types of asbestos containing materials being removed.
The benefit of bespoke refresher training is that it can be adjusted to reflect the latest industry developments, changes
in legislation and any particular hazards faced by the company. By tailoring the training to the company’s unique operations, employees are given the most relevant knowledge and practical skills to handle these dangers effectively.
Refresher training also provides an opportunity to address any gaps in knowledge or skills. Over time, workers may become complacent or forget certain procedures, and regular training ensures that safety protocols are reinforced. In-house training offers a flexible, cost-effective solution as it can be scheduled around the business’s operational needs to minimise downtime. It also fosters a stronger company culture, as training can be specifically aligned with the company’s safety priorities and operational goals.
The benefits of bespoke in-house refresher training
• Improved safety and compliance: As asbestos regulations evolve, refresher training helps ensure that employees remain up-to-date with the latest health and safety requirements. This includes changes in the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012, and appendix guidance documents from the Asbestos Network Technical Working Group.
• Enhanced knowledge and skills: Refresher training helps workers retain important safety procedures and refresh their understanding of proper controlled techniques. It also ensures that any new technologies or methods in asbestos removal are incorporated into the workers’ knowledge or skill set.
• Cost-effective training: Bespoke in-house training minimises external costs, such as travel and accommodation expenses and can be designed to fit around the company’s work schedule, reducing disruptions to ongoing projects.
Conclusion
Training and personal development are crucial in maintaining safety and compliance in the UK HSE licensed asbestos removal industry. Bespoke in-house refresher training ensures that employees are equipped with the latest knowledge and skills to handle the specific challenges of their workplace. Through continuous investment in training and development, the industry can maintain high standards of safety, protect public health, and ensure that businesses remain compliant with evolving regulations.
To find out more or to join this fresh new association 100% dedicated to the asbestos removal industry, see the ASESA website here: https://asesa.org.uk
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Industry Spotlight: The past year in asbestos removal – Navigating challenges and progress in 2024
by Ben Chambers
Asbestos removal has been a vital part of environmental health and safety efforts for decades. With the known dangers associated with asbestos exposure, particularly its link to severe respiratory diseases such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, the demand for safe removal services continues to be a top priority in construction, renovation and demolition industries. In 2024, the asbestos removal industry faced both significant challenges and remarkable advancements, all shaped by regulatory changes, technological developments, and the evolving economic landscape.
A year in review: key highlights from 2024
The past year in the asbestos removal industry has been defined by three key themes: stricter regulatory frameworks, evolving safety standards, and innovation in removal technologies. With governments and agencies ramping up their enforcement and health organisations calling for faster action on asbestos abatement, companies operating in this space have had to adapt to a new normal.
1. Strengthened regulations and increased oversight
One of the most significant changes in 2024 was the tightening of regulations surrounding asbestos management. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) implemented stricter safety guidelines and enforcement
mechanisms to reduce the risks associated with asbestos exposure. This shift has prompted many companies to update their procedures and invest in better protective measures for their workers.
In addition to regulatory changes in the US, several other countries have made significant strides in reducing the legal tolerances for asbestos in public spaces. For example, the European Union (EU) has been at the forefront of asbestos bans, with countries like the UK, France, and Germany continuing their efforts to remove any remaining asbestoscontaining materials from both public and private buildings. The stricter enforcement of these policies has led to a growth in demand for professional asbestos removal services and a marked increase in health and safety compliance.
2. Health and Safety: New
standards for worker protection
Worker safety has always been a concern in the asbestos removal industry but in 2024, the focus shifted to better personal protective equipment (PPE), more comprehensive training programmes and improvements in air quality monitoring during asbestos abatement operations. OSHA’s introduction of more stringent air quality standards, including the requirement for real-time monitoring of airborne asbestos fibres, drove up demand for cutting-edge detection systems.
Simultaneously, health surveillance for workers involved in asbestos removal has gained prominence. Regular health screenings, lung function tests, and mandatory risk assessments have been incorporated into industry practices, ensuring that workers are better protected from the long-term effects of asbestos exposure.
3. Technological innovations in
asbestos removal
As the dangers of asbestos are well-known, the industry has been pushing for innovations that can help mitigate the risks associated with its removal. One of the most exciting developments of 2024 has been the increased use of robotics and automation in the asbestos removal process.
Robotic systems equipped with high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtration systems and realtime data collection capabilities are being employed in hazardous environments where manual labour might expose workers to unsafe conditions. These autonomous systems can clean and remove asbestos materials more efficiently, safely and with less human intervention. The integration of drone technology in surveying areas contaminated with asbestos has also seen a sharp rise, allowing contractors to perform comprehensive risk assessments
without putting workers at risk.
“As the industry adapts to these changes, companies that embrace innovation, prioritise worker safety, and adhere to regulations will be well positioned for success”
Additionally, the industry has begun to adopt more sustainable methods of asbestos disposal. New waste management systems focus on reducing environmental contamination by ensuring safe, environmentally responsible removal and disposal of asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs).
The rise of zero-waste initiatives, focused on recycling and reusing asbestos waste, has sparked further interest in improving the industry’s sustainability credentials.
4. Economic outlook and market trends
The asbestos removal industry continues to benefit from the boom in building renovation and demolition projects, both residential and commercial. However, the fluctuating costs of raw materials and increasing labour expenses have led to higher costs for asbestos removal services. Despite these financial pressures, demand for asbestos removal remains high due to growing awareness about the risks posed by undisturbed asbestos in older buildings.
In regions such as North America, where older infrastructure continues to age, there has been
a significant rise in public sector investment aimed at removing asbestos from schools, government buildings, and other public spaces. This has created steady opportunities for contractors and abatement professionals. However, with many companies operating in the industry facing labour shortages, securing qualified personnel for these large-scale abatement projects has proven to be a major challenge.
Meanwhile, in countries such as Australia and Canada, where asbestos exposure has historically been a significant health concern, there has been a notable increase in legal claims related to asbestosrelated illnesses. This has prompted some firms to look into ways of offering compensation services as part of their asbestos removal packages, working with law firms and insurance providers to help affected individuals claim damages.
5. Public awareness and education
Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of asbestos exposure and the importance of professional removal services have played a central role in the asbestos removal industry’s growth
in 2024. Advocacy groups, such as the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) in the U.S., have continued to push for more stringent legislation and better public education.
The push to raise awareness has resulted in increased demand for asbestos removal from both homeowners and businesses that are undergoing renovations. Additionally, educational initiatives from government agencies and non-profits have focused on teaching building owners how to properly assess their properties for asbestos-containing materials and the importance of hiring licensed professionals for safe removal.
6. Challenges in the asbestos removal industry
While the industry saw growth, it has not been without its challenges. One of the persistent difficulties faced in 2024 was the shortage of skilled labour in the asbestos removal sector. As older workers retire and fewer young people enter the trade, many companies have struggled to find qualified
technicians and abatement specialists. To address this, several professional associations have expanded their training programmes, offering scholarships and incentives to attract new workers into the industry.
Another ongoing challenge has been the identification of asbestos in materials not typically associated with the substance, such as certain types of insulation, adhesives, and even some plastics. Asbestos removal companies have had to expand their expertise and testing capabilities to identify and handle these materials safely, further raising costs for projects.
Lastly, despite the growing awareness of the dangers of asbestos, there are still buildings with undisturbed asbestos in locations that haven’t been subject to renovation or demolition in years. For many building owners, the cost of removing asbestos remains prohibitive and the reluctance to take immediate action has slowed down efforts to fully eradicate the material from older buildings. Looking ahead: What’s next for
the asbestos removal industry? As the industry moves into 2025, the asbestos removal market is expected to continue evolving. The key factors likely to drive the industry forward include advancements in technology, better regulatory enforcement, and an increased focus on sustainability and worker health.
As awareness about the risks associated with asbestos continues to grow, more resources will be dedicated to safe removal practices and government initiatives aimed at accelerating asbestos elimination in public spaces are likely to expand.
The continued development of safer, more efficient methods for removing asbestos will be critical in ensuring that the industry remains compliant with health and safety standards. Furthermore, as the industry adapts to these changes, companies that embrace innovation, prioritise worker safety, and adhere to regulations will be well-positioned for success in the years ahead.
Barrow Market Hall:
Millions in additional funds required for works
Millions of pounds is required to carry out more works to Barrow Market Hall after investigations found ‘additional asbestos contamination’.
Cabinet members for Westmorland and Furness Council recommended council to approve an additional £6 million in funding for the Barrow Market Hall levelling up scheme after the asbestos was found within the Market Hall.
This is in addition to the £17.5 million budget already committed to the scheme to reinvigorate the Market Hall, neighbouring arts and entertainment venue The Forum and the public realm that surrounds it.
Council documents said the existing budget was “not
sufficient” to carry out the required work to deliver the refurbishment works which include “significant asbestos” removal work.
Documents said the additional cost can be funded from already approved borrowing.
The additional council funding will support the delivery of “critical enabling works” including market trader relocations, asbestos removal and structural repairs to the Market Hall, documents add.
A report prepared for cabinet members says: “Additional funding is required to remove the asbestos in the Market Hall to enable the principal contractor to commence works in an asbestos free building.
“Asbestos removal works are due to commence before the end of the financial year following an initial phase of removal in the Mall where market traders from the Market Hall have now been relocated.”
According to council documents, additional surveys and intrusive investigations found asbestos contamination in areas within the ceiling void of the market hall, behind the column casings, above lower-level ceilings and in drainage ducts.
The report adds: “In areas of the Mall where asbestos coatings have been removed, further steelwork repairs have been identified as a result of water ingress into the building through the flat roof.
An impression of the new Barrow Market Hall and Forum (Image: Westmorland and Furness Council)
De Beers sued by 150 mesothelioma and asbestosrelated disease victims
De Beers is a familiar name to anybody interested in the diamond industry, but according to a class action lawsuit filed in Columbia, South Carolina State Court, it is also responsible for the mesothelioma and asbestosrelated illnesses and deaths of countless victims.
The company and 28 of its affiliates are accused of negligence and negligence per se; product liability – strict, vicarious and by breach of implied warranties – fraudulent misrepresentation; loss of consortium; and violation of the South Carolina Unfair Trade Practices Act. They’ve also been named in wrongful death claims.
The claim in US courts is titled Adams et al. vs. Cape PLC. Cape PLC is the US successor to International Asbestos Company, which is blamed for mesothelioma deaths as a result of supplying asbestos in the United States.
Virtual monopoly
According to the mesothelioma and asbestos-disease defendants’ representatives: “Cape and its related entities, by its own admission, sold more than 95% of the type of asbestos commonly used in industry and on US Navy ships for decades. That asbestos is responsible for untold death and despair among the workers of South Carolina and the nation.”
According to the claim, Cape was responsible for the sale of amosite asbestos throughout the United States, a material that has been blamed for thousands of mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer deaths. The lawsuit says that the company had a monopoly on the product and sold it throughout the United States, including in South Carolina, while aware of its dangers and keeping the risk to workers quiet.
The plaintiffs’ representative described the company’s volume
of asbestos supply across the nation as “breathtaking.” The company is accused of fleeing the country when lawsuits began being filed in the United States in the 1970s.
“No moral responsibility”
According to the complaint, Cape asserted that it had no “moral responsibility” to mesothelioma or asbestos victims and allowed default judgments to be filed against it but left the country.
The company is accused of failing to follow corporate formalities and creating a web of corporate entities to avoid public scrutiny, escape liability and maximise profits for the company’s overseas owners. It is also accused of destroying corporate records. The company is also the object of legal action by asbestos victims in the United Kingdom.
Why asbestos is still being found in some cosmetics
Asbestos, a notorious carcinogen, was in widespread use throughout the 20th century – from building materials to brake pads and even fake snow on film sets including The Wizard of Oz and White Christmas
In the 1960s, a link was established between asbestos exposure and mesothelioma, an incurable cancer that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect the abdomen and heart. As a result, asbestos as a product was banned in the UK – but not until 1999.
Exposure to asbestos is accountable for 80% of all mesothelioma cases. The development of asbestos-related mesothelioma after exposure is a complicated and decades long process lasting for around 30-50 years.
In the 21st century, some women are suing cosmetics companies for asbestos related mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure. In geological terms, asbestos is a whole group of minerals, but there are six
fibrous asbestos minerals that are known to cause mesothelioma; chrysotile (white), amosite (brown), crocidolite (blue), anthophyllite, fibrous tremolite and fibrous actinolite.
When observed using a microscope, these asbestos minerals are bundles of fibres, known as a fibrous asbestiform. The fibrous bundles are similar to rope; and, much like rope, an asbestiform bundle can fray and break up into smaller fibres. If a bundle of asbestiform fibres breaks up into smaller, microscopic, fibres, such as during deconstruction work, they can become dust particles that are easily inhaled. Once in the lungs, they can find their way to the mesothelium – a tissue membrane that lines the lungs, abdomen and heart.
Once an asbestos fibre is in the lung mesothelium it can remain there for decades, where it will cause microscopic scratches. The body recognises asbestos fibres as a foreign body. To heal the damage, immune cells are sent to the area to break down the asbestos fibres.
However, asbestos fibres are resistant to the immune attack. And the chemicals produced by the immune cells to break down the asbestos fibres attack the mesothelium, producing mesothelioma.
Asbestos in make-up
There are no records of asbestos being intentionally used in cosmetics – but there is a risk of low level asbestos contamination in talcum minerals.
From eye shadow to blusher and face powder, talc is a common ingredient in make up. Talc is incorporated into cosmetic formulas because it’s a moisture absorbent anti-caking agent, which makes products easier to apply.
As part of a BBC investigation in 2024, eight commercially available cosmetic samples containing talc were tested using transmission electron microscopy – an imaging technique used to view the smallest structures in matter. From this analysis, trace levels of asbestos were found in two of the samples.
Talcum rock is a solid mineral that’s mined from the earth and powdered to produce talc. The microscopic appearance of talc and asbestos fibres are dissimilar but they share other characteristics. They’re both formed in similar geological conditions and classified as silicate minerals, comprised of the same chemical elements: silicon, magnesium, iron, oxygen and hydrogen.
The different microscopic structure between talcum and asbestos is the product of the
arrangement of the chemical elements during the mineral formation. Like the difference between scrambled eggs and poached eggs – both are made from eggs, but the way the egg has been cooked results in a different appearance.
Due to the similarities between asbestos and talc, it is common for asbestos minerals to form within talcum minerals deposits. These deposits can range from microscopic deposits to large discrete zones of asbestos.
Consistent testing since the 1970s has found asbestiform fibres in some commercial talc products
Consumer risk
As of 2022, 7.3 million tonnes of talcum are mined per year. However, the talc industry has been resistant to regulation, voluntarily introducing a technique called X-ray diffraction to determine any asbestos content, which has limited detection ability.
This means there’s a possibility that some asbestos fibre contamination may have gone undetected in cosmetic talc products tested using this technique. Using talc based cosmetic products, then, may be risky – and, currently, little information is provided to consumers.
If the use of talc based cosmetics is to become a matter of consumer risk, similar to smoking, consumers must be made aware of the potential dangers.
Talc is powder, which increases the risk of airborne particulates – microscopic particles of solid or liquid matter suspended in the air. Powder cosmetics are usually applied to the face, which then increases the risk of inhaling any airborne particulates. If those particulates are asbestiform fibres, the end result is very likely to be asbestos related mesothelioma.
NDA group establishes innovative partnership to manage asbestos waste at legacy nuclear sites
The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), in collaboration with its subsidiary Nuclear Waste Services (NWS), has awarded two contracts to establish an innovative partnership for the enhanced management of asbestos waste
The Asbestos Innovation Partnership (AIP) will work with the NDA, NWS and the supply chain, to test and develop new solutions to treat asbestos waste, helping to deliver efficiencies and enable more effective waste management.
The NDA group is tasked with decommissioning the UK’s oldest nuclear sites safely, securely, and cost-effectively.
Given the age of these facilities, large quantities of radiologicallycontaminated asbestos waste must be managed.
Currently, non-nuclear contaminated asbestos waste goes to hazardous landfill, some contaminated asbestos is allowed in very small
quantities in the Low Level Waste Repository, and the bulk is designated for disposal in a future Geological Disposal Facility (GDF).
Nuclear Waste Services will now oversee the AIP to look at how legacy and future waste is managed in the most sustainable and efficient way, utilising innovation and technology development. It is projected that by utilising new techniques and reducing use of landfill, the partnership could help realise multi-million pound cost savings.
NDA Chief Commercial and Business Development Officer, Emma Ferguson-Gould, said: The development of the innovation
partnership for the management of asbestos waste is a huge milestone for the NDA group and is equally beneficial for the delivery of NDA’s mission and for the enhanced value this will deliver for the UK taxpayer.
Delivering this milestone highlights the benefits of working as one NDA group and our collective enduring commitment to our critical mission. I would like to extend my personal thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this to life.
NWS Director of Strategy and Integrated Waste Management, Paul Tuohy, said: “We see enormous opportunities to better manage asbestos waste across the NDA group.
“By establishing the Asbestos Innovation Partnership (AIP) we will work with the private sector to develop new and innovative treatment solutions, accelerating hazard reduction and realising significant cost savings.
“It is just one example of the collaborative working required to deliver our Integrated Waste Management strategy, in partnership with NDA Sellafield, NRS and our supply chain.”
Contracts have been awarded to two consortiums, which now make up the AIP:
• AminTech: Veolia Nuclear Solutions (UK) Ltd, Cyclife UK and Waste2Glass
• REACT-2: Galson Sciences and Thermachange
Establishing the AIP demonstrates the NDA delivering on commitments in its strategy in relation to Integrated Waste Management, namely to drive technology development to deliver a range of suitable treatment routes that enable the effective and optimal management of the variety of wastes in the NDA’s inventory.
It also marks the delivery of one of the key NWS strategy milestones to ensure that the right waste form, in the right package, is managed or disposed of at the right facility.
Innovation Partnerships are a new procurement approach for the NDA, providing new ways to harness the power and expertise of the supply chain from research and development through to deployment.
The AIP is already receiving recognition having been shortlisted ‘Innovative Commercial Project’ award at the Government Commercial Function (GCF) awards in November.
Fly-tipper convicted after dumping asbestos at cemetery
Bedford Borough Council’s Enviro Crime Team has successfully secured a 12-month custodial sentence for a man convicted of fly-tipping, following a determined investigation into waste dumping incidents at Foster Hill Road Cemetery, Bedford.
In the summer of 2022, the Enviro Crime Team deployed CCTV cameras at the cemetery after a series of fly-tipping incidents in the area, which were causing significant environmental damage and disrupting local residents.
On 1 July 2022 hazardous materials, including asbestos, were dumped in and around a burial skip. Footage retrieved from the CCTV cameras captured both a vehicle and a person responsible for the offence.
In a bid to identify the individual, images were released on the Council’s Caught on Camera webpage, appealing to the public for assistance.
An anonymous tip-off from a member of the public provided valuable information, and following further enquiries, the Enviro Crime Team identified the individual as Damien Barr. Barr was interviewed under caution and, during questioning, admitted to the offence of flytipping.
Given the severity of the crime, particularly the illegal disposal of hazardous waste, the case was referred to Luton Crown Court for sentencing.
On 22 October 2024, Barr was
sentenced to 12 months in prison for the offence.
Councillor Phillippa MartinMoran-Bryant, Portfolio Holder Housing and Regulatory services said: “This case sends a clear message that fly-tipping will not be tolerated in Bedford Borough. We take environmental crime seriously, and we are committed to holding offenders accountable for their actions.
“I would like to commend our Enviro Crime Team for their persistence and dedication in bringing this case to court. Their swift action, along with the valuable support of the public, helped ensure justice was served.
“The illegal dumping of waste, especially hazardous materials like asbestos, poses a significant risk to both public health and the environment. We will continue to use all available resources, including CCTV and public engagement, to tackle fly-tipping and protect our communities.”
Family of former Heathrow Airport security guard appeal for witnesses following asbestos-related death
The family of a man who worked as a security officer at Heathrow Airport for more than 30 years are appealing for information following his death from an asbestos-related disease
Thomas (Tom) Longhurst died in February 2022, aged 73, of mesothelioma, an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.
He had worked at Heathrow Airport, mostly in Terminal 3, from 1985-2016, where it is believed he came into contact with asbestos as a result of a significant programme of maintenance and construction works that was taking place.
The programme of works coincided with Thomas’ employment at Heathrow, particularly his earlier years during the 1980s and early
1990s. This resulted in him working near contractors who may have been disturbing asbestos materials.
Thomas was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2021, and sadly passed away a few months later. His family have since instructed industrial disease specialists Leigh Day to investigate.
Leigh Day would like to speak to anyone who worked in Heathrow Terminal 3 between 1985 and 2016 who can recall construction works going on, and may be able to provide more detail about the ways in which asbestos materials were disturbed and/or removed.
Thomas’ family said: “Thomas served many loyal, hardworking years at Heathrow. He was just starting to settle into his retirement with his family and was excited to meet his new grandchildren – who he sadly never met.
“Following his diagnosis, Thomas had just a few short months. He experienced a lot of pain and suffering. An otherwise fit and keen cyclist, sports fan and walker, Thomas’ decline was very quick and ultimately his life was
cut short too early.
“Our husband, dad and grandad is missed beyond measure, and we would very much appreciate any information received from anyone who can help.”
Louisa Saville, asbestos claims solicitor at Leigh Day, said: “We are hoping to help Thomas’ family by locating other people who worked at Heathrow Terminal 3 who can provide further details about the ways in which his asbestos exposure occurred.
“Our husband, dad and granddad is missed beyond measure and we would very much appreciate any information received from anyone who can help”
Dangers of “the new asbestos”
The widows of two stonemasons who died from a lung condition contracted during their work have warned of the dangers of “new asbestos”.
Paul Gray and Stuart Johnson, who worked for the same stone production companies in Bradford and Leeds, were diagnosed with silicosis caused by silica dust.
Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which secured settlements for their families after their deaths
in 2019 and 2021, has claimed that West Yorkshire is a hotspot for exposure to the dangerous mineral.
After an increase in reported cases of the disease, Irwin Mitchell has launched a national register for stoneworkers to record incidents of contact with the dust.
Mr Gray, from Shipley, who started working as a stone dresser in 1997, used power and hand tools to make paving slabs from
“Paul’s loss has been simply devastating, both for me and our son Daniel”
reclaimed quarried stone.
He was in good health before he began to suffer breathing difficulties in 2017, and he died four years later.
Joanne Gray said her husband and son’s father was “taken away” too early.
“Paul’s loss has been simply devastating, both for me and our son Daniel,” she said.
“We had to watch Paul slowly decline for nearly four years. You feel so helpless.”
Mr Johnson, also from Bradford, worked with Delph sandstone and gritstone, which is known for its high silica content.
He developed a persistent cough in 2013, but in 2017 he collapsed at work and never returned. He was diagnosed in 2018, 14 months before his death, having previously been “fit and active”.
Omega Environmental Services: The Power Station Power-House in Asbestos Removal
With decades of proven expertise, Omega Environmental Services has solidified its reputation as the go-to specialist for asbestos removal in power stations across the UK.
Our extensive portfolio of completed projects demonstrates our commitment to excellence, safety, and efficiency in undertaking some of the most complex asbestos removal tasks in the industry. With a total project value exceeding £100m+, Omega Environmental Services has consistently delivered exceptional results whilst prioritising safety and compliance with industry standards. Our capabilities and proven track record make us the “Power Station Power-House” in asbestos removal.
Flagship Project
Our current flagship project of 2024, Aberthaw Power Station, showcases our expertise in complex asbestos removal within high-risk environments. This site requires a meticulous approach to ensure the highest safety standards. This project demonstrates our excellent standing in the asbestos industry and our commitment to quality, safety, and contributing to safer environments across the UK.
Omega Environmental Services Overview:
• Specialists in safe and effective asbestos management across the UK.
• Decades of experience adhering to the highest industry standards.
• Excellent track record of project completion.
• Dedicated and reliable supply chain partners.
At Omega Environmental Services, we provide safe and effective asbestos management across the UK. With decades of experience, we uphold the highest industry standards to complete every project efficiently and responsibly.
Our strength in our people. Our dedicated team brings passion, skill, and experience to every project - from high-profile power stations to local residential work. We are proud to celebrate our achievements and our flagship project at Aberthaw Power Station this year, demonstrating our commitment to delivering the highest profile of projects.
Our Team: Major Projects 2024:
• Passionate, skilled, and experienced professionals.
• Capable of handling projects ranging from major power stations to local residential work.
• Celebrating achievements, setting industry benchmarks, and striving for continual improvement.
Midlands Office (Registered Office)
Suite 4, Eurohub Midlands, Birch Lane
Business Park, Birch Lane, Stonnall, Walsall, West Midlands, WS9 0NF
T: 01922 215 215
info@omega-enviro.co.uk
Aberthaw Power Station: £18m
Wilton Power Station: £4.6m
West Burton Power Station: £8.4m
Brabazon Hangers: £2.2m
Southern Office (Head Office)
Suite 1, Pirton Grange
Pirton Road, Shillington, Herts, SG5 3HB
T: 01462 410 255
info@omega-enviro.co.uk
Welsh Office
7 Endeavour Close, Purcell Avenue, Sandfields, Port Talbot, SA12 7PT
T: 01639 899 808
info@omega-enviro.co.uk
Asbestos and damp: Most common property issues missed by homebuyers opting
to not have
home surveys
Data from Legal & General Surveying Services, which interviewed 36 surveyors, shows that the most common issues that get missed by buyers forgoing a home survey are damp at 22%, asbestos at 18% and lack of building regulation approval for alterations and extensions at 12%.
These can not only cost homeowners thousands of pounds in unforeseen repairs, but also risk their health.
Around 14% of those surveyed said homebuyers skipped a home survey due to the perceived cost.
A Level Two survey costs around £400, but the cost of fixing rising damp and applying dampness treatment can be an average of £2,750 depending on severity.
The average asbestos treatment can be around £1,750 per square metre.
Over a quarter said they believe homebuyers skip home surveys as they do not fully understand their value and 14% are not aware that they need one or believe a lender valuation is sufficient.
However, more than twothirds said they were confident that homebuyers would act upon recommendations in a home survey.
Malcolm Webb, risk director at Legal & General Surveying Services, said: “Buying a home is typically the largest purchase a person will make in their lifetime, so it’s essential to ensure that the property is in good condition.
“It’s only natural that a homebuyer will look to reduce costs whenever possible, but skipping a home survey is often a false economy. Issues like damp and asbestos not only bite into your wallet, but they can also
have a significant impact on your health.”
He continued: “We found that those who do commission a home survey overwhelmingly value the insights and peace of mind provided. Any issues identified through a survey can also be reflected in the final purchase price if both parties agree to negotiate on the basis of expected repair costs.
“The issue isn’t with having a survey – it’s that many customers aren’t aware of the difference between a home survey and a lender valuation. Many lender valuations are now completed remotely, facilitated by sophisticated technologies like automated valuation models or desktop valuations, allowing surveyors to conduct their assessments without stepping foot inside a property.
“More needs to be done to clarify the importance of surveys and how they can safeguard buyers; we all have a role to play in improving consumer education, and brokers can play their part by highlighting the importance of home surveys when advising buyers.”
“More needs to be done to clarify the importance of surveys and how they can safeguard buyers; we all have a role to play”
S Roberts Group launches free online guide for asbestos to help homeowners
Award winning Somerset-based environmental company S Roberts Group has launched a free Asbestos in The Home Finder to help people identify where they might have the potentially dangerous materials in their homes.
The leading family-run Bridgwater company, which celebrates its 95th anniversary next year, says its online Asbestos in The Home Finder could help save lives.
Asbestos and Demolition Director, Vicky Owens, who is the granddaughter of the company’s founder Sam Roberts, explains: “Our Asbestos in The Home Finder could help protect people from the potentially hazardous material. It could also save people money when looking to buy a home built before 2000, as asbestos identified and priced for removal usually reduces the sale price, saving home buyers money and giving peace of mind.
“We’re qualified and HSE licensed experts when it comes to domestic and commercial asbestos removal and surveying.
“Once believed to be a useful building material, asbestos is in fact deadly and exposure to it may potentially lead to many serious health issues. We wanted to produce a guide, available on our website, to help homeowners get to grips with where asbestos may be within a home and to alert them to this potentially life-threatening risk.
“Asbestos can cause fatal
asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural thickening of the lungs. Sadly, unbeknown to most people, it’s often contained within the fabric of buildings that were built before 2000.
“It’s a threat to members of the public but also to those tradespeople employed to work on homes and commercial properties that may contain the material. Asbestos still kills approximately 5,000 workers each year and around 20 tradespeople die each week because of past exposure.
“Any building, domestic or commercial, built more than 24 years ago is at risk of containing asbestos. Our free online Asbestos in The Home Finder helps people identify where they may have the substance within their homes.
“However, it’s crucial that individuals do not try to remove it or tackle the problem themselves, as it could be dangerous to their health to do so. They should seek the help of an experienced expert in this field, who can advise them if they do have asbestos and help remove it safely.”
Anyone buying a home built before the year 2000 should have an asbestos survey carried out by an experienced, specialist surveyor to check if there are asbestos containing materials within the property. Asbestos identified and priced for removal usually reduces the sale price, saving home buyers money and giving peace of mind.
Asbestos and Operations
Director Sam Lawson explains:
“It’s important to check before you buy or sell a house, as asbestos, identified by a surveyor as being within a building, can impact on the transaction. It may be best to have it removed professionally before a house is put on the market, so as not to put anyone at risk and to facilitate a smooth sale.”
Based in Bridgwater, Somerset, S Roberts Group is a thirdgeneration family firm run by Vicky and her sister Beccy Roberts, who took over the business from their father, Terry, in 2004.
The dedicated and friendly team work closely in partnership with clients to ensure health and safety standards are maintained and to deliver an efficient and environmentally conscious service.
S Roberts Group holds its environmental considerations and solutions at the core of its business and adheres to these when advising and making decisions on the management of waste, resources, emissions and transport.
The company also offers skip, tipper and plant hire, bulk earth moving, grab hire, recycled aggregates, topsoil and demolition services for domestic and commercial clients across the south-west.
www.srobertsandson.co.uk 01278 422521
CONTRACTOR CHECK-IN
Tom Heath, MD of Flair Environmental
Ben Chambers
So, when did Flair start out?
Tom Heath
Flair officially started in November this year.
BC
A very new business. So let’s go straight into you. Tell me about your career, particularly within the asbestos industry.
TH
I came from a banking financing compliance background and was given an opportunity to undertake some work at a company called AMS management, which was very prominent in the consumables section of the industry under Rob Steele. When I actually had my interview, I thought that I was there to work on the consumable side, so it came as a surprise when they said that the role was actually within the asbestos management side and it involved overseeing a team of surveyors undertaking asbestos surveys UK-wide for various clients.
To be honest, asbestos wasn’t something I had much knowledge of, so it was a bit of a baptism of fire, telling surveyors how to do their job. I had my challenges, but I managed to muddle through the first 18 months of my career, then beyond that started to get a better grasp of the services that we need to be providing for the clients and how to manage their expectations and ensure that they were compliant.
BC
That’s the role that got you into asbestos for the first time. How long ago was this?
TH
I started that role in 2014 and I worked at AMS management until 2017, when the company was purchased as part of a purchase of Rob’s consumable business. So it was a French company called ProTech, and we then merged in with a very large company, Tersus, so I started working out of the Rainham office, with a daily commute into Essex, and I’ve only
just found my way out of doing that commute.
BC I believe you went to work at Spectra at some point.
TH
I’d been at Tersus for three or four years, from 2017 to 2021, and around 2021 I had an opportunity to speak with the owner of Spectra, Perry Winch and we talked about the ongoing progression of Spectra and the modernisation that was required to help them compete in the industry, with regards to turnaround times and survey reports.
So I was part of bringing in the Teams Software asbestos package into Spectra, which meant a bit of a challenge for people that had been used to doing things in certain ways, but the software got mobilised and is operational and successful, offering a lot of our clients quick turnarounds, the ability to see our diary, our accessible portal 24/7, so I was really pleased that that was successful, and brought in some long standing clients.
BC
Would that be your biggest success, the clients you brought on board for Spectra, and presumably income as well?
TH
Yeah, I have had success with regards to the contracts that I’ve brought on board, the infrastructure to service the clients as well with the relationships that I’ve had in the industry, that included bringing on surveyors as and when required. I think at the busiest that we got to, having started with three surveyors but then dropping down to two, we were actually up to 12 or 13 at one point. So that was really positive.
BC
That was your last employed role. What was your thinking behind this setting up Flair? What is Flair all about?
TH
I had been in the industry a long time and was reviewing what my future might look like and how I wanted to get there. I had the idea that I had existing relationships and over a long period of time, had managed to have a successful career in providing services for clients as and when required, but also looking at other facets that I was interested in, such as fire and Legionella. So taking into account my knowledge, which was predominantly asbestos, I considered that my long term goal was to have my own business and I went away to try and make that work.
Over the period of a few months of gardening leave, when, although I’d have taken another position elsewhere, I actually made the decision that it was the right time to try and ensure that I was in a position to provide the services for clients. I’ve done a lot of work such as creating my own website but it’s like anything when you’re running your own business, especially at the start, you’re wearing multiple caps, including finance, accounting, websites, SEO, everything.
You say you want to own your own business so you can do what you want, when you want, but we all know that realistically, you’re more tied than ever because the success is down to you. I’m very much aware of that. I’m fortunate that I’ve got a supporting partner who is also a director and shareholder in the business. Molly is assisting me with the progression of the business, so as we grow, there’ll be more duties for her to take on.
BC
What are the services that you provide?
TH
I would say one of my strengths in asbestos is operations and my communications with clients. I am contactable 24/7 and I am able to mobilise and service contracts or clients’ needs UK-wide. We have the ability to undertake a next-day
survey in, I would say 95% of the UK, with the existing clients and surveyors that I have.
I had a job come in last night at about 7.30 that was required in Coventry, and we had a surveyor there at nine o’clock this morning.
BC What personal asbestos certifications do you hold?
TH
I have P402 for asbestos surveying. I hold a P405 and I am just about to do my Cap B, non-licensed training. The long-term plan isn’t for me to be on the tools, but ensuring that I have the right certifications for as and when required. We have a recently obtained Constructionline and SafeContractor, verifying our health and safety and policies and procedures in place. The long-term plan would be to achieve ISOs 9001 45008 1801 and also the long term goal of the business is to achieve UKAS accreditation for inspection.
BC Would you look to join any of the associations in future?
TH
Absolutely. We are insured for nonlicensed asbestos removal and that is very much part of our focus in serving servicing for clients. At this stage it’s fairly new, but absolutely, we would be interested in joining some of them.
BC
You’ve got a decade of experience within the industry, which you’ve put into Flair Environmental. What’s Flair’s USP?
TH
I would say we are very forward thinking. We operate with the leading asbestos software. We’re able to offer our clients a web portal and we are a family run business with the ability to service the UK. And we have a service level agreement, which would generally be a three-day turnaround time on all surveys. That means that from instruction, generally, the reports
will be back three to four days, depending on when we get on site.
BC
Who are you tailor made to work with? What sort of companies are you looking at?
TH
Anyone in the industry from a refurbishment point of view with regards to office fit-outs, then we’ve also got the ability to service people who require works to be covered UK wide. So rather than dealing with multiple contractors that are hard to manage, we can be a single point of contact.
Anyone who’s got multiple buildings that wants to streamline their compliance, especially with a web portal and the ability to manage all of their assets online on a single web portal whereby they can update any actions following inspections, particularly for the asbestos survey side of things.
BC What software is that web portal?
TH We’re on TEAMS Software.
BC
What’s a day in the life of working at Flair for you?
TH Generally, the first thing I would do is log in and review any existing reports or surveys that clients are requiring. I will then have an update with some of my administration, that may be providing risk assessments, method statements, sending quotations from inquiries we’ve received. And then if I have asbestos surveys in the diary, holding a P402 I’m in a position where I can service it, but where possible that work is with my surveying team.
I have a responsibility to ensure that our results are received, so once we have sent samples to a third party UKAS-accredited laboratory, those samples will need to be uploaded and the reports
need to be quality checked, along with drawings such as CAD that we provide for our clients.
And once that’s done, my job is to ensure that those reports are sent; sometimes we update the clients with a phone call to give them a heads up to highlight high risk things they may need to deal with urgently.
BC
So communication is vital to you and how you run your business.
TH
Absolutely. We are fully contactable whenever our clients need us, but we would also like to stress that we hold the experience in the asbestos industry.
Our clients have the service requirement, but we are the ones with the knowledge. So where possible we’d like to guide them, and to be honest, give them an indication of the cost that they’re likely to pay for the licensed jobs that we’re not accredited to do. If they have that knowledge it enables them to make an informed decision, so when they receive a quote, it sits right with them for what the market rate is.
BC
How do you envisage Flair growing in the next 5 to 10 years? What do you feel is achievable in that time period?
TH
The first point would be to achieve UKAS accreditation for surveying, for inspection and possibly in the future going down the testing route. I’m not completely decided on that, however, because using a third-party laboratory for sample analysis and things like that allows some independence. I want a commercial premises with a fulltime staff of at least five or six, and to achieve a turnover of £1m within the five years.
BC
We’ve mentioned growth – there’s only you and Molly at the moment. Having established yourselves and
“My long term goal was to have my own business and I went away to try and make that work”
achieved a degree of stability, what would be the perfect trip that you would take yourself and Molly on?
TH
I don’t know, to be honest, I’d have to ask her.
BC
Ok, so on a more personal note, what’s your bucket list activity?
TH
You know what? No one’s really ever asked me that and I’ve never really thought about it.
The big thing for me is having freedom and flexibility. So while I’ve made the point that being a business owner you don’t actually get as much of that as you’d like, I think it’s just having the ability to make a decision for you and your family that next week you could all go and stay in sunny Spain for
“Being a business owner you don’t actually get as much freedom as you’d like – but it’s just having the ability to decide that you and your family could all go to sunny Spain next week”
a week without any ties, without having to book the time off.
So I think that’s probably my main goal, as a family being able to decide what we want to do and when we want to do it.
BC
In another career, what would you be doing right now?
TH
I think every man would probably say football, but I wasn’t that great, so maybe a football manager.
BC
Who’s your team?
TH
I’m an Arsenal fan.
BC
They should have done it last year. What would you do to change things?
TH
With regards to Arsenal, we lacked depth and maybe had a bit too much trust in players at the wrong time and struggled with player fitness.
I think Liverpool are probably well on the way to winning it this
year, which is a great achievement considering it’s Arne Slott’s first year in charge, and credit to Jurgen Klopp for leaving him in a good position.
What about you?
BC Palace.
TH
That’s quite a nice little trip for you from near Brighton. Although, isn’t there a bit of rivalry where you are?
BC
Very much so. My Palace pin badge comes off when I get on the train. Are you into any other sports?
TH
I’ll generally watch anything that is competitive – football, golf, darts, rugby.
I’m actually off to the darts on the 22 December – my eighth year in a row. The tickets are getting so hard to get hold of. If you sign up to be a member of the PDC, you do get access a little before other people, so it gives you a slightly better chance of getting tickets, but it gets harder every year. We’re not convinced we’re going to be able to get the tickets next year.
BC
Two last quick questions; what’s your cuisine of choice?
TH
I think I’ll probably go for a Chinese.
BC
And finally, off the cuff, give me your elevator pitch for Flair environmental.
TH
You’ve got me there…
So, we are a new business that is well positioned to service clients UK wide. We have vast coverage and the ability to turn reports around very quickly. So for clients that are in need of something urgently, please feel free to reach out.
Our reports are really easy to understand. They are mapped out really easily with an asbestos register so that they can see exactly what the requirements are. And we offer our clients some really detailed floor plans, which I think are important because some of the floor plans on some of the surveys are not great, I have to say.
We are well positioned, we have a web portal that clients can access anytime, we’re ready for anyone’s requirements. And as I say, I’ve got some really good relationships with some licensed contractors, so if clients are looking to get a job quoted, I may well be able to lean on my relationships to save them some money.
BC
And how can people get in touch with you?
TH
We are fully contactable on our landline, email and website, and on WhatsApp 24/7 so we can get back to people really quickly.
Anglian bolsters Asbestos division
Norfolk based multi-service contractor Anglian, has bolstered its Asbestos division with the return of Asbestos Contracts Manager Richard Lambert. New team members have also been recruited, bringing Anglian’s Asbestos division to a total of 10 staff.
With a background in property repair and firefighting. Richard first got into the asbestos industry looking for a career change. Having found his niche, he began to thrive, achieving fast career progression by achieving an ARCA Level 4 Management Diploma qualification. Richard originally joined Anglian in 2013 where he worked until spring 2024 before going to assist one of Anglian’s subcontractors, working on site across a range of Anglian projects. His 11-year career has seen him undertaking some of the most challenging highprofile projects including hospitals, education facilities, airfields and military installations.
Richard’s return also coincides with the recruitment of three new asbestos team members including experienced local supervisor, Ashley Petley. Anglian’s Asbestos division now totals 10 staff, including three surveyors.
Richard Lambert said: “After six months away on site, I am delighted to be fully back at Anglian. We have built a great and highly experienced team here within our Asbestos division and I am looking forward to getting to work on a vast range of projects to ensure safe, compliant removal for all manner of clients.
A member of the Asbestos Removal Contractors Association (ARCA), Anglian recently received a gold site award, recognising its high performance on site. To gain this award, asbestos removal companies need to achieve Grades A to C, with an average of at least a B Grade, on all unannounced site audits, across two consecutive
membership years. In the past four years, Anglian has consistently achieved Grade A on all audits.
A multi-service contractor, Anglian’s divisions include Anglian Demolition & Asbestos, Anglian Scaffolding, Anglian Earthworks & Remediation and Anglian Waste Recycling.
The asbestos ban: Where
are we 25 years on?
Asbestos, once hailed as a miracle building material for its fire resistance and durability, was officially banned for use in construction and other industries in the UK in 1999.
The prohibition marked a significant step in protecting public health from the dangers posed by asbestos exposure, which had been scientifically proven to cause diseases such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
Why was asbestos banned?
Asbestos was used widely in construction in the 20th century in commercial and domestic properties, particularly in insulation, interior walls and roofing.
However, as early as the 1960s, there was mounting evidence that inhaling microscopic asbestos fibres could cause irreversible damage to lung tissue, often leading to fatal diseases that developed decades after initial exposure.
Public outcry and a growing awareness of asbestos-related health issues prompted the UK government to take action. By 1985, the most dangerous forms
of asbestos, crocidolite (blue) and amosite (brown) were banned. In 1999, chrysotile (white) asbestos – the most commonly used form – was also prohibited. This comprehensive ban applied to the importation, supply and use of all asbestos types in any construction.
Has anything changed since 1999?
The ban on asbestos has undoubtedly reduced new exposure risks, but the legacy of asbestos in buildings constructed before 1999 continues to pose significant dangers.
Over the past 25 years, regulatory frameworks have evolved to manage and mitigate risks associated with existing asbestos. The Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 consolidated earlier laws and outlined strict duties for those responsible for managing non-domestic buildings. These regulations require building owners and managers to identify, assess, and manage asbestos risks to prevent harmful exposure.
Despite these measures, asbestos remains a concern.
According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), asbestos-related
diseases cause approximately 5,000 deaths annually in the UK. However, as it can take years between exposure and symptoms, quite often lung cancers and other diseases are not correctly attributed to asbestos exposure, so the figure could be much higher in reality.
In 2024, it was reported that doctors diagnose around 2,700 new mesothelioma cases and 2,400 deaths in the UK annually – 94% of which are considered preventable. Those people most at risk are plumbers, electricians, carpenters, maintenance contractors, roofers, plasterers, decorators and, more surprisingly, teachers as many school buildings were built before 1999 and still contain asbestos. In
Sam Savage, Acorn Analytical Services
fact, the HSE estimates that there are still between 200,000 and 400,000 buildings in the UK that contain asbestos today.
What needs to be done?
Ensuring compliance with asbestos regulations and safeguarding the health of building occupants and workers requires a proactive and thorough approach. Companies and facilities managers should take the following steps:
1. Conduct asbestos surveys
An asbestos survey is a legal requirement for non-domestic buildings constructed before 2000. Depending on the building’s use and planned activities, a management survey or a more detailed refurbishment/demolition survey may be necessary.
2. Create and maintain an asbestos management plan
If asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are identified, facilities managers must develop an asbestos management plan (AMP). This document outlines procedures to manage the risk, including monitoring the condition of ACMs, training staff and detailing actions to prevent accidental disturbance.
3. Engage licensed professionals
Handling or removing asbestos requires specialist expertise. Only licensed contractors should undertake work involving highrisk ACMs. These professionals have the training, equipment and certifications to ensure safe and compliant asbestos management.
4.Train employees
Awareness training is crucial for workers who may come into contact with ACMs. This includes tradespeople, maintenance staff and contractors. Training ensures they can recognise asbestos hazards and understand appropriate safety measures.
5. Communicate clearly Facilities managers must ensure all building occupants and contractors are informed of the presence
of asbestos and the steps taken to mitigate risks. Clear signage and communication can prevent accidental exposure.
6. Regularly review and update plans
Asbestos management is an ongoing process. Regular inspections and reviews ensure that ACMs remain in a safe condition and that management plans address any changes in building use or regulations.
Moving towards a safer future
While the 1999 ban was a pivotal milestone, asbestos is still present in older buildings, which means the UK’s fight against asbestos-related risks is far from over.
Acorn Analytical Services’ Managing Director, Sam Savage, has worked in the asbestos industry for 22 years. He remembers working in the asbestos industry as a trainee back in 2002, not long after the ban, and feels that little has changed.
He says: “I remember taking calls from people saying that someone has started work and they think they may have ‘found asbestos’. This is a scenario that, astonishingly, continues to unfold more than two decades later.
“2024 has seen a tremendous amount of publicity on asbestos, particularly around the recording of asbestos information and the push to eradicate asbestos from public buildings.
“While I wholeheartedly support the swift removal of asbestos, this does not address the ongoing risks posed by individuals inadvertently disturbing it.
“In my view, the path forward lies not merely in eradication but in education and immediate efforts should be spent on prioritising preventing disturbances of asbestos.”
Sam also recommends that the following simple, yet impactful measures should be implemented: Individuals in roles that may have to deal with asbestos in buildings, for example, facilities managers, estate managers,
project managers etc, must be legally mandated to hold the Duty to Manage Asbestos Training certificate.
Asbestos training should be free and paid for by the government.
The HSE must invest more time in ensuring that adequate training is established, that thorough surveys are conducted prior to refurbishment, and that significant penalties are levied against those who violate asbestos regulations. The fines currently imposed often fail to reflect the severity of crimes.
Mandate that all tradespeople present an asbestos awareness certificate prior to securing business insurance. Many tradespeople, including builders and electricians, do not routinely obtain asbestos surveys for the work they carry out.
Sam continues: “Recently, Acorn Analytical Services engaged in lengthy correspondence with the HSE concerning a management plan for a school. We spent weeks refining the document to meet the requirements. However, if the recipients of this plan lack a fundamental understanding of asbestos, its implications, risks and how to navigate its presence, our efforts are ultimately futile. This time could have been more effectively spent on education in my opinion.
“When I began my journey in this field, I was often told that asbestos would soon be a relic of the past. Yet, at this rate, it seems likely to persist until my grandchildren reach retirement age – a rather disheartening prospect, especially as I do not yet have grandchildren.”
As we commemorate this significant anniversary, it is imperative that we not only recognise the progress made since the ban but also confront the challenges that remain in protecting future generations from the dangers of asbestos.
www.acorn-as.com
+44 (0)1604 936 436
Asbestos in UK schools and the risks to tradespersons
Asbestos remains present in many public buildings including schools and hospitals. This poses significant health risks to tradespersons working in these environments. Understanding the prevalence of asbestos in educational institutions and its potential consequences is crucial for ensuring safety.
Prevalence of asbestos in schools
Despite being banned in 1999, asbestos is in many public buildings across the UK. Data from 20 of the UK’s largest local authorities showed that schools accounted for nearly a quarter of all public buildings identified with asbestos.
A 2019 Department for Education survey revealed that approximately 81% of primary and secondary state schools in England contain asbestos. This is due to the extensive use of asbestos-containing materials in construction during the mid-20th century.
Many of these schools were built during the 1940s to 1970s, a time when asbestos use peaked. While the material is generally safe if left undisturbed, the natural wear and tear of ageing buildings, combined with renovations or maintenance work, increases the likelihood of fibre release. This
places tradespersons and building occupants at risk of exposure.
Health risks of asbestos exposure
Asbestos fibres, when disturbed, can become airborne and inhaled, leading to severe health conditions. Diseases associated with asbestos exposure include:
• Mesothelioma – A rare and aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
• Lung Cancer – Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk, especially among smokers.
• Asbestosis – A chronic lung disease causing scarring of lung tissue, leading to breathing difficulties.
Asbestos-related diseases often take decades to develop after exposure. For instance, mesothelioma typically appears 20 to 50 years post-exposure. This delayed reaction means that individuals may remain symptomfree for many years, unknowingly harbouring life-threatening conditions.
Tradespersons, such as electricians, plumbers, and construction workers, are at heightened risk due to the nature of their work, which often involves disturbing asbestos-containing
materials. Without proper precautions, they can inhale fibres, leading to long-term health issues.
It’s not only those working directly with asbestos who are at risk. Secondary exposure can occur when asbestos fibres are brought home on work clothes, shoes, or tools. Family members and others living in the same household can unknowingly inhale these fibres, putting them at risk of developing asbestos-related diseases.
Safety measures and management
To mitigate these risks, strict adherence to safety protocols is essential.
Identification and assessment
• Asbestos surveys – Before any renovation or demolition, conduct a thorough asbestos inspection to identify asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs). This involves inspecting building materials and, if necessary, testing to confirm the presence of asbestos.
• Asbestos register – Maintain a detailed record of all identified ACMs within a property, noting their location, condition, and type. This register should be regularly updated and accessible to all relevant personnel.
Regulatory compliance
• Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (UK) – These regulations mandate that duty holders manage asbestos in non-domestic properties, ensuring that ACMs are properly maintained to prevent exposure. They also require appropriate training for anyone who may come into contact with asbestos during their work.
• Licensing – Only licensed contractors are permitted to undertake high-risk asbestos removal work, ensuring adherence to safety standards.
Safe work practices
• Risk assessment – Evaluate the potential for asbestos disturbance during planned activities and implement control measures to minimise fibre release.
• Controlled removal: Use methods such as wetting ACMs to suppress dust, employing negative air pressure units and sealing work areas to prevent contamination
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Workers should wear appropriate PPE, including respirators and disposable coveralls, to reduce exposure risk.
• Mandatory training: Provide comprehensive training
for all employees who may encounter asbestos, covering safe handling, emergency procedures, and use of protective equipment.
Waste management:
• Proper asbestos disposal: Dispose of asbestos waste in sealed, labelled containers at licensed facilities to prevent environmental contamination.
• Transportation: Follow strict protocols for transporting asbestos waste to minimise the risk of fibre release during transit.
Legal and regulatory framework
In the UK, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) controls asbestos management. Regulations mandate that duty holders in schools must:
• Identify Asbestos-Containing Materials by conducting surveys.
• Maintain an asbestos register by keeping detailed records of the location and condition of ACMs.
• Implement management plans by developing strategies to manage and mitigate asbestos risks.
• Provide training, ensuring that staff and tradespersons receive appropriate training on asbestos awareness and safety procedures.
Non-compliance can lead to legal penalties and, more importantly, endanger the health of workers and building occupants.
Safe asbestos removal
The presence of asbestos in UK schools highlights the critical need for vigilance, safety, and professional management when dealing with this hazardous material. Tradespersons, educators and even children face significant health risks if asbestos is disturbed and improperly handled. Ensuring compliance with legal regulations and employing certified professionals is essential to safeguarding health and wellbeing.
TLC Environmental Services Ltd stands out as a trusted partner in asbestos management. With their expertise in asbestos surveys, removal and safe disposal, they provide the peace of mind that only trained professionals can offer. Whether you need assistance with compliance, risk assessments, or complete asbestos abatement, TLC Environmental Services Ltd ensures a safe, efficient, and fully compliant approach to handling this dangerous material.
tlc-environmental.co.uk
info@tlc-environmental.co.uk
01206 240440
“You need to take this seriously”
Mum-of-three’s plea to healthcare professionals
November 2024 marked 25 years since all forms of asbestos were banned in the UK, but despite a quarter of a century passing, asbestos remains a significant threat, with around 5,000 people per year in the UK dying from asbestos-related conditions.
In light of the anniversary and to raise awareness around its pressing dangers, leading online training provider High Speed Training, conducted a study to understand the levels of knowledge around asbestos and its dangers amongst tradespeople and the general public.
As part of the research, High Speed Training spoke with 56-year-old Sue Farrall and 41-year-old Emily-Jane Scandrett, both of whom have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, to help tell their stories and raise awareness of the dangers it poses.
Sue’s story
Originally from Yorkshire, Sue lives in the West Midlands with her husband and son, and was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma two years ago.
Sue explains where she came into contact with asbestos and how she learned she had an incurable cancer: “My exposure to asbestos happened around 20 years ago, just from going to work. There was a refurbishment of the store I worked in, which entailed moving the dispensary from one side of the store to the other, removing the lining board in the process.
“There was no PPE, no evidence to tell us that there was asbestos in the building. A later survey proved that the board that was removed was asbestos, not wood chip panelling, as first reported. Then two years ago I had COVID-19, which I never really recovered from, experiencing coughs and breathlessness. I went to my GP and was kind of fobbed off and told to get on with it.
“Instead, I took myself to the hospital and quite quickly they realised something was wrong. Six months later I had a CT scan and then a biopsy, which confirmed
Mesothelioma. I questioned why it had taken so long as I presented with classic symptoms of the cancer and the consultant actually said to me ‘We weren’t looking for it. You’re female, 56 years of age and this is a disease which normally affects men in their 70s.’
“I don’t really think that the public are aware of the dangers of asbestos; most people think that because asbestos is banned in this country that it’s safe or that it’s not there but that’s simply not true. Everyone needs to be asbestos aware and don’t be naive about what asbestos can do to you.”
Sue Farrall with her husband, son and daughter-in-law at Disneyland
Emily-Jane’s story
A mother of two young sons and a young step-daughter, Emily-Jane, who lives in the West Midlands, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in October 2023, after suffering with misdiagnosed pain for more than 17 months.
Emily shares her journey to diagnosis, which started when she was five weeks pregnant: “My diagnosis of mesothelioma took 17 months. I was five weeks pregnant when symptoms first started, and my baby was nine months old when I was finally diagnosed with terminal cancer. I went to my GP numerous times, was in and out of A&E and was admitted to hospital several times during my pregnancy. Each time I was sent home undiagnosed; they didn’t know what was wrong with me at all and made me feel like a hypochondriac.
“What led to my diagnosis was an appointment with an on-call paramedic at my local surgery and he referred me to the hospital because I’d had such a long period of time in pain. When I got to the hospital, they did an X-ray followed
by a CT scan. I later received a letter to see a respiratory doctor at another hospital and contained within this letter it stated that the thickening in my right lung had increased significantly.
“I went to this appointment with my husband on his birthday and the consultant said I think that you have cancer and we need to send you for some CT guided lung biopsies. The results came back and I was told I had cancer but they didn’t know what type.
“On 31 October 2023, when my son was nine months old, I had pains in my chest so I went straight back to the
On the run for Meso UK: Emily-Jane Scandrett and Sue Farrall
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local hospital to A&E and was found by one of the lung specialist nurses, who took me into a side room and said that the cancer I had was called mesothelioma and it was terminal. I was by myself.
“Through this campaign, I hope to raise more awareness, not only to the general public but to healthcare professionals too. You need to take this seriously. Asbestos is deadly, it causes aggressive cancer. It’s absolutely harrowing being told you have terminal cancer. At the age of 40 when I was diagnosed, with young children it was the worst thing I have experienced.
“But I am still here, almost a year later, and I just want to give that hope to other people as well.”
In light of the study and in support of all those that have been affected by a lack of training, asbestos authorities have come together to call upon the government to make asbestos awareness training a mandatory requirement for those entering the trades.
The open letter, signed by asbestos authorities and charities, calls for asbestos training to be incorporated into the curriculums of trades courses at college, as well as apprenticeships.
The requests include:
• Incorporating specific modules on asbestos, including its use, where it is commonly found and how to identify potential exposure situations.
• Practical training on correct practice, including the safe identification, removal and disposal techniques and the correct PPE needed to safely handle asbestos.
• Awareness of long-term health risks, for themselves, their families and the general public. The aim of the open letter is to improve the understanding and awareness of asbestos and the dangers associated with it, to reduce the impact of the material on future generations of tradespeople, as well as their families and the general public.
Dr Richard Anderson, Head of Learning and Development at asbestos training provider High Speed Training, says: “A quarter of a century after all forms of asbestos were banned in the UK and 100 years since the first recorded death, asbestos remains a deadly problem that shows no signs of being solved.
“As older buildings built using asbestos deteriorate and are
demolished, exposure to asbestos will only continue to become more of a problem for tradespeople, their families and the general public. It is vital that future generations are properly equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves and others from the dangers of this deadly material.
“We call upon the government to expand the training requirements around asbestos for those seeking to enter the trades, helping to reduce exposure to asbestos, and prevent further increases to deadly conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis that already claim upwards of 5,000 UK lives per year. This is a public interest issue, and a problem that will not be solved by choosing to ignore it. Action must be taken to save lives.”
To find out more about the campaign and read the open letter, please visit: www.highspeedtraining.co.uk/ campaign/asbestos-knowledgebase
Emily-Jane Scandrett with her husband
Worsening crisis in women’s workplace health: Updated report by BOHS calls for urgent action
A year after issuing a critical call for change, the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS), the Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection, is issuing an updated version of its analysis of the “UK’s Hidden Crisis in Women’s Workplace Health”. Despite a call to action, received and supported by some, the report finds work-related illness among women is facing a worsening crisis that continues to be inadequately addressed.
Since BOHS’s initial report, the proportion of women experiencing work-induced illness has grown significantly. The latest analysis raises critical questions:
• Have health outcomes for women improved over the past year? The BOHS report indicates that, despite more awareness, the health crisis among women in the workplace has worsened. Long-term sickness rates for women have reached nearly 35%, overtaking men for the first time. An estimated 1.5 million women are currently off work due to ill-health.
• Which groups are most affected? Data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) Labour Force Survey shows that workplacerelated illness impacts an estimated 936,000 women compared to 806,000 men, with women experiencing consistently worse outcomes in most exposure categories,
including MSDs and mental health.
• Are employers sufficiently aware of female health issues? According to Fawcett Society research, a significant proportion of women feel uncomfortable raising health concerns at work. Additionally, 40% report that health issues related to gender have negatively impacted their career prospects, while over 60% believe work has worsened their health.
• Emerging cancer risks linked to work: Breast cancer, often associated with night shifts, remains the Health and Safety Executive’s (HSE) highest predicted cancer risk. Recent studies reveal that night shift work is increasingly common among women, with high correlations to breast cancer, premature menopause, and miscarriage.
The report also highlights ongoing challenges in addressing reproductive health risks, workplace sexual violence, and under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses. Despite calls for improved data collection, issues remain, such as the lack of RIDDOR requirements to address mental and physical harm from sexual violence.
BOHS CEO, Professor Kevin Bampton, said: “The lack of progress on protecting women’s
“Workplace exposures continue to disproportionately affect women, with increased risks across a range of health conditions”
health in the workplace is truly inexcusable. The absence of research, scientific knowledge, data analysis, policy focus and proactivity is forcing women out of work and into ill-health. In tandem with the absence of a strategy on reproductive health and the workplace, this is a disaster for the UK.”
Key findings from the updated report:
• Underreporting of workrelated illness among women remains a significant issue.
• Rising long-term sickness among women, with female sick leave rates now higher than those of men.
• Workplace exposures continue to disproportionately affect women, notably in the 35-45 age group, with increased risks across a range of health conditions.
• Sexual violence and harassment reporting
mechanisms remain inadequate, calling for RIDDOR policy updates to account for the mental and physical impacts of workplace abuse.
BOHS is calling on policymakers, the HSE, and employers across all industries to prioritise women’s workplace health as part of national equality policy. The society is urging the implementation of improved data collection, monitoring, and regulatory measures to ensure that women’s health in the workplace is protected.
Councils’ asbestos management to be assessed during inspection campaign
Hundreds of inspections at council buildings will be carried out by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to check councils are managing the risk of asbestos properly.
HSE inspectors will visit the head offices of dozens of councils across the country to ensure asbestos risks are being managed effectively to keep people safe. Each council visit will see inspections take place at several different sites within each local authority’s property portfolio. This work continues previous inspection campaigns that targeted hospitals and schools.
The inspections will assess how local authorities are managing the risks from asbestos within their buildings and meeting the ‘duty to manage’ (DTM) requirements under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 (CAR).
The duty to manage asbestos covers a wide range of buildings, some regulated by HSE and others regulated by our colleagues in local authorities. These visits will look at asbestos management in public buildings, including libraries, museums and leisure centres.
People who visit or work in
these buildings will not be exposed if asbestos is properly managed. But it can become dangerous when disturbed or damaged.
HSE launched The Asbestos –Your Duty campaign in January 2024 to reach those responsible for maintenance and repair of nondomestic buildings built before the year 2000 to raise awareness of the legal duty to manage asbestos in buildings.
Helen Jones, HSE’s Head of Health and Public Services Sector, said: “Local authorities have a hugely important role to play in keeping people safe.
“They can do this through the maintenance of their property portfolios and in their role as a regulator.
“To keep people safe from its harms, a culture of safely managing asbestos is needed in our building industry and among those responsible for buildings.
“Asbestos exposure in Great Britain is still the single greatest cause of work-related deaths due to exposures decades ago.
“Together, we must protect people in the workplace and reduce future work-related ill health.”
“Those responsible for the maintenance of buildings must do everything to comply with the law and prevent exposure to this dangerous substance, which was widely used in postwar construction before it was completely banned in 1999.”
Premises built before the turn of the century, and especially those between 1950 and 1980, when the use of asbestos in construction was at its peak, must carry out the necessary checks, understand their legal responsibilities and actively manage any asbestos they are responsible for.
HSE will check how asbestos is managed when visiting a range of buildings across council stock ensuring they have the right arrangements in place.
HSE inspectors, will contact the local authority before visiting to arrange a suitable date and time for the inspection.
Background
What should local authorities (LAs) do to prepare for these inspections? In advance of the inspections, LAs may wish to review their current arrangements and check that they are meeting their duties under CAR, which includes requirements to:
• Take reasonable steps to find out if there are asbestoscontaining materials (ACMs) in their buildings, and if so, the amount, where it is and what condition it is in,
• Presume materials contain asbestos unless there is strong evidence that they do not,
• Make, and keep up to date, a record of the location and condition of any ACMs – or materials which are presumed to contain asbestos,
• Assess the risk of anyone being exposed to fibres from the materials identified,
• Prepare an Asbestos Management Plan (AMP) that sets out in detail how the risks from these materials will be managed,
• Take the necessary steps to put the plan into action,
• Periodically review and monitor the plan and the arrangements, and act on the findings, so the plan and arrangements remain relevant and up to date,
• Provide information on the location and condition of the materials to anyone who is liable to work on, or disturb them.
200 asbestos experts gather at Asbestonomy 2024
After London and Brussels, the Asbestonomy event stopped in the Spanish capital on 19 and 20 June. The five conferences covered detection, management, asbestos removal, and waste, with a spotlight on Spain’s current situation. This year, many testimonies from around the world were presented. On stage, various perspectives were represented, including those of Ehi Iden (President at OSHAfrica), Manuel Saba (Professor at the University of Cartagena, Colombia), and Kevin Bampton (CEO of BOHS). A meeting with a journalist who made a documentary on asbestos in India was also offered at the opening evening.
French expertise was highlighted through regulatory insights from the Directorate General of Labour. Thomas Colin, Head of the Asbestos Department (CT2) at the Directorate General of Labour in France, emphasised: “We considered our participation in this event important to be able to talk specifically about the use of meta-analytical techniques within French regulations.”
Twenty-one speakers and sixteen companies exhibited
or sponsored the event, with representation from fourteen nationalities (Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Switzerland, etc.) during these two days. The podcast of all speeches will soon be available on Spotify. The question on delegates’ lips as they left was: “Where will Asbestonomy be held next year?” The answer can now be revealed opposite.
Asbestonomy 2025: A new chapter in Berlin
The much-anticipated fourth Asbestonomy is set to take place in Berlin, a city renowned for its strategic importance and forward-thinking approach. Mark your calendars as the global hub for asbestos risk management professionals heads to the German capital in 2025.
Why Berlin?
Berlin, located at the crossroads of Central and Eastern Europe, offers an unparalleled opportunity to convene a diverse, international audience. Its central position makes it an accessible meeting point for experts and stakeholders from across the continent and beyond. Moreover, Germany’s recognised leadership in asbestos management – from stringent regulations to innovative practices – ensures a wealth of expertise to share during the event.
What to expect
True to its mission, Asbestonomy continues to explore new regions, promoting awareness, fostering dialogue and encouraging the adoption of best practices in asbestos risk management. The 2025 edition in Berlin will include:
• European Regulation Insights: With asbestos regulations undergoing significant changes, the conference will provide indepth discussions and updates to help professionals navigate this evolving landscape.
• Knowledge Exchange: Renowned German experts and international leaders will share case studies, innovations and strategic approaches to managing asbestos effectively.
• Networking opportunities: From panel discussions to interactive workshops, attendees will connect and collaborate with peers from across the globe.
Looking ahead
Asbestonomy’s commitment to raising awareness and advancing asbestos risk management practices remains unwavering. Berlin, with its dynamic spirit and rich history, promises to be the ideal setting for meaningful exchanges and groundbreaking ideas.
Stay tuned for dates and further updates. We can’t wait to welcome you to Berlin for what promises to be the most impactful Asbestonomy yet.
