We've been reminded of the value of a detailed risk assessment this week after it was revealed SSE Hornsea Ltd allowed 13 employees and contractors to be exposed to asbestos fibres.
Hornsea runs a natural gas storage facility on the East Yorkshire coast and tasked a team of maintenance staff with removing a non-return valve from a compressed air distribution system. In order to remove the sealing gasket material, they fitted a wire brush to an electric drill. That worked, but filled the workshop with dust.
It turns out the dust contained chrysotile (white) asbestos, which 13 people had then come into contact with over the course of two days before the danger was revealed and the workshop closed.
The Health and Safety Executive decided to prosecute SSE Hornsea. Not only had the risk assessment failed to identify the asbestos risk, but the records held regarding the non-return valve were inadequate. Also, the maintenance team leader had not undergone asbestos awareness training.
As well as the potential impact this dust could have on the future health of the 13 exposed people, Hornsea now has to pay a £300,000 fine and £12,670.72 in costs. The company pleaded guilty to breaching Sections 2 (1) and 3(1) of the Health & Safety at Work etc, Act 1974.
It should go without saying: train your staff! We carry out a range of training courses including asbestos awareness. Please get in touch if you would like to learn more or book places.
Source: HSE
Showing posts with label asbestos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label asbestos. Show all posts
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
Tuesday, June 20, 2017
Young tradespeople receive an important warning from 61-year-old carpenter
John Jackson is a 61-year-old carpenter who has spent his life working at a range of carpentry firms. He has also been diagnosed with mesothelioma, which he can trace back to working with asbestos in the 1960s and 70s. After discovering through the Health and Safety Executive that 20 people a week die from asbestos-related problems, he wants to get the word out to younger generations.
Mr Jackson explained:
"Most tradespeople will know the use of asbestos is illegal, however the ban only started in 1999. This means many older buildings still contain it and many younger tradespeople will not have worked directly with it and may be unfamiliar with what it looks like and where it can be found. Alarmingly it seems tradespeople are now being exposed to asbestos through a lack of training and ignorance of the dangers.
I now face an uncertain future and am concerned family members who came into contact with asbestos from my work overalls may also be at risk. My aim, whilst I am well enough, is to educate fellow carpenters and other tradespeople to the potential dangers of asbestos exposure."
He now hopes that with the help of Anglia Asbestos Support Group, sponsored locally by solicitors Ashtons Legal, he can get the word out and young tradespeople gain access to the knowledge they need to spot asbestos in its many forms and react accordingly.
Here at C&D Consultancy we share Mr Jackson's concerns, which is why we offer regular training slots for asbestos awareness. If you would like to learn more, or know a young tradesperson this training would benefit, please email Stuart who'll answer any questions you have.
Source: Norwich Evening News
Mr Jackson explained:
"Most tradespeople will know the use of asbestos is illegal, however the ban only started in 1999. This means many older buildings still contain it and many younger tradespeople will not have worked directly with it and may be unfamiliar with what it looks like and where it can be found. Alarmingly it seems tradespeople are now being exposed to asbestos through a lack of training and ignorance of the dangers.
I now face an uncertain future and am concerned family members who came into contact with asbestos from my work overalls may also be at risk. My aim, whilst I am well enough, is to educate fellow carpenters and other tradespeople to the potential dangers of asbestos exposure."
He now hopes that with the help of Anglia Asbestos Support Group, sponsored locally by solicitors Ashtons Legal, he can get the word out and young tradespeople gain access to the knowledge they need to spot asbestos in its many forms and react accordingly.
Here at C&D Consultancy we share Mr Jackson's concerns, which is why we offer regular training slots for asbestos awareness. If you would like to learn more, or know a young tradesperson this training would benefit, please email Stuart who'll answer any questions you have.
Source: Norwich Evening News
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
C&D helping 20 young people find employment
Here at C&D we are very happy to be helping 20 young people find employment with the help of Groundwork Greater Nottingham and support from the Big Lottery-fund Talent Match programme.
Full details of our involvement in the project can be found over at our sister site Demolish & Dismantle.
Full details of our involvement in the project can be found over at our sister site Demolish & Dismantle.
Tuesday, January 17, 2017
Booking now open for Spring CPD: Asbestos and Lead
The Association for Project Safety (APS) has opened bookings for its Spring CPD: Asbestos and Lead.
As the APS website explains:
This series is made up of two half day seminars over one day: The duty to manage asbestos in the morning, and Construction lead (paint & dust) hazards training in the afternoon. Both are from the CDM Duty Holder's perspective.
This CPD series will cover two topics over one day:
Prices range from free to £230 depending on which sessions you would like to attend and your APS membership status. Dates and locations are available from February 1st through to May 4th. Please check the APS website for further details.
As the APS website explains:
This series is made up of two half day seminars over one day: The duty to manage asbestos in the morning, and Construction lead (paint & dust) hazards training in the afternoon. Both are from the CDM Duty Holder's perspective.
This CPD series will cover two topics over one day:
- Morning Session: The duty to manage asbestos. Speaker - Michael Doherty, Bell Safety (Support Services)
- Afternoon Session: Construction lead (paint & dust) hazards training . Speaker - Tristan Olivier, Lead Paint Safety Association
Prices range from free to £230 depending on which sessions you would like to attend and your APS membership status. Dates and locations are available from February 1st through to May 4th. Please check the APS website for further details.
Wednesday, June 15, 2016
"Take home" asbestos causes yet another tragic death
On our asbestos training courses, run in conjunction with the NDTG, we emphasise that should you ever come into contact with asbestos containing material you should never go home until you have been fully decontaminated, or go home in the clothes you were wearing when contaminated and this is why. Another death from washing contaminated clothing:
www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Woman-s-death-caused-washing-asbestos-covered/story-29381771-detail/story.html
If there is any possibility that you MAY come into contact with asbestos, then you need an awareness course as a minimum. So why not book onto one now by emailing stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Woman-s-death-caused-washing-asbestos-covered/story-29381771-detail/story.html
If there is any possibility that you MAY come into contact with asbestos, then you need an awareness course as a minimum. So why not book onto one now by emailing stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
Monday, December 14, 2015
Free Asbestos Awareness Training Sessions January/February 2016
C&D are delighted to announce that we are, with the backing of NDTG, running free asbestos awareness training courses in Wolverhampton in 2016.
Designed for small builders, electricians, and tradesmen (who are most at risk) the training is being run via the HSE WWT campaign.
Please download the flyer for full details of the training.
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Free guide to non-licensed work with asbestos containing materials available to download
The NFDC has made available a feee downloadable guide, entitled, "Industry guidance for non-licensed work with asbestos containing materials within a demolition or refurbishment environment."
Here's the scop of what the guidance covers, taken from the above document:
In response to recent changes to the control of asbestos regulations and to explain the additional administrative requirements for NNLW, (Notifiable non-licensed work) the NFDC has produced this guide in order to ensure industry best practice by clarifying and where necessary, highlighting generic methods of operation. In using this guide, it should be recognized that all generic methods of working are subject to a site survey and should be adapted to suit the site in question by preparation of a method statement and risk assessment.
The information contained within this guidance is for non-licensed work with asbestos containing materials only. Licensable work with asbestos containing materials is to be carried out by an HSE licensed asbestos removal contractor employing fully trained operatives holding a current medical certificate. For work with any type of asbestos it is recommended that the HSE publications L143 and HSG247 should be consulted.
The table of contents for the guide is as follows:
1. Scope of Guidance
1.1 Scope of Guidance
1.1.1 Nature, applicability and status of guidance
1.1.2 Limitations of good practice guidance
1.2 Objectives of guidance
1.3 Responsibilities
1.4 Safety legislation
2. Management procedures
2.1 Training
2.2 Operative requirements
2.3 Site requirements for work with NNLW
3. Work methods
3.1 Wet & drop i.e. roofing and side sheeting
3.2 Cut & lower
3.3 Vinyl floor tiles
3.4 Textured coatings
4. Summary
4.1 Setting up safely - RPE
4.2 Monitoring
4.3 Decontamination
4.4 Waste disposal
Appendix 1 - HSE Asbestos decision flowchart
Appendix 2 - Asbestos Work Categories
Please download the guide for free.
A guide is helpful, but it can only reinforce, not replace training, Book one of our CAT B asbestos removal courses for 2016 as dates are going fast. Contact stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk for more information.
Monday, December 7, 2015
Open to all Demolition & Asbestos Awareness Course (16th January)
Following many requests for a Demolition and Asbestos Awareness Course in the West Midlands on a Saturday, we are pleased to announce that our next course will be Saturday, 16th January.
The venue is still to be decided, but we expect it to be at our Darlaston training centre. The cost will be at the standard NDTG rates.
To reserve places, and be aware that they will go quickly, please email stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
The venue is still to be decided, but we expect it to be at our Darlaston training centre. The cost will be at the standard NDTG rates.
To reserve places, and be aware that they will go quickly, please email stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
Wednesday, November 18, 2015
NDTG clarify the requirements for CAT B training
Following some confusion in the industry over the requirements for CAT B training, the NDTG have issued the following statement. Please note that as C&D are NDTG trainers our courses are run to the same rules.
The NDTG is a member of the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) and as such follows the same procedures for membership.
This means that Category B training for the removal of non-licensable asbestos containing materials will have a contact time of no less than 9.5 hours and will consist of Asbestos Awareness training (Cat A – 3.5hrs), Non-licensable Removal Theory (3hrs), and Non-Licensable Practical (3.5hrs) where these times being a suggested minimum.
However, the NDTG recognise that not every operative requires awareness training on every Cat B program, as they may well have undertaken this as a separate training course previously, so as we are represented at board level with UKATA, it has been lobbied that demolition operatives would be able to undertake Cat B training in 1 day (6 hours minimum) if they had conducted Cat A awareness training by recognised reputable organisations in the 12 months preceding.
If an operative is sent for Cat B training without Cat A Awareness in the previous 12 months, no certificate will be issued from the NDTG.
There has also arisen issues over refresher training. No candidate can attend a refresher course without having carried out the initial training program in the topic concerned. This is for all types of training scheme not just asbestos training.
It is not the responsibility of your training provider to check these details in advance, however many do, this is to eliminate delays and uncertified operatives after courses have commenced. I urge you all to clearly identify your operatives exact training requirements and discuss these needs with your preferred training provider prior to booking?
N.B. The NDTG does not recognise E-Learning certificates at the present time. This is due to not being able to guarantee who actually completed the training scheme on the computer. With fraud being very much in the public eye at the moment we cannot proceed down this route. If the security of the scheme improves in the near future, this will of course be reviewed.
The NDTG is a member of the United Kingdom Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) and as such follows the same procedures for membership.
This means that Category B training for the removal of non-licensable asbestos containing materials will have a contact time of no less than 9.5 hours and will consist of Asbestos Awareness training (Cat A – 3.5hrs), Non-licensable Removal Theory (3hrs), and Non-Licensable Practical (3.5hrs) where these times being a suggested minimum.
However, the NDTG recognise that not every operative requires awareness training on every Cat B program, as they may well have undertaken this as a separate training course previously, so as we are represented at board level with UKATA, it has been lobbied that demolition operatives would be able to undertake Cat B training in 1 day (6 hours minimum) if they had conducted Cat A awareness training by recognised reputable organisations in the 12 months preceding.
If an operative is sent for Cat B training without Cat A Awareness in the previous 12 months, no certificate will be issued from the NDTG.
There has also arisen issues over refresher training. No candidate can attend a refresher course without having carried out the initial training program in the topic concerned. This is for all types of training scheme not just asbestos training.
It is not the responsibility of your training provider to check these details in advance, however many do, this is to eliminate delays and uncertified operatives after courses have commenced. I urge you all to clearly identify your operatives exact training requirements and discuss these needs with your preferred training provider prior to booking?
N.B. The NDTG does not recognise E-Learning certificates at the present time. This is due to not being able to guarantee who actually completed the training scheme on the computer. With fraud being very much in the public eye at the moment we cannot proceed down this route. If the security of the scheme improves in the near future, this will of course be reviewed.
Thursday, November 12, 2015
Craft project aims to raise awareness of asbestos-related disease
Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team charity volunteers have decided to make a patchwork banner made up of stories about mesothelioma sufferers. The banner will be launched at the charity's conference in Derby this month. It is hoped displaying the banner will help raise awareness about the disease.
The charity, setup in 2002, focuses on supporting those who suffer with mesothelioma across the East Midlands, and worryingly they are seeing an increase in new cases recently.
Margaret Bailey, ambassador for the charity, said the patchwork will be a "poignant reminder" of the impacts the disease.
Source: Derby Telegraph
Wednesday, November 4, 2015
HSE produces list of hundreds of materials that contain asbestos
The image you see above is the start of a rather long list compiled by the Health and Safety Executive detailing all the known materials that contain asbestos. The list has well over 100 entries and is clearly marked as "not an exhaustive list." It certainly makes you realize just how much asbestos has been used in the construction industry, and in so many different ways.
Ultimately it's the demolition industry that ends up dealing with this material in all its forms, and it's therefore very important your employees are trained to both spot and deal with it in the correct way.
Why not book your asbestos awareness course now by emailing stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk and ensure asbestos doesn't cause you any problems whatever form it takes.
Wednesday, September 9, 2015
Local man died from asbestos-related disease brought on by working in the demolition industry
Barry Ellis (66), from Pattingham and Clive Alister Brogan (72), from Telford had their deaths ruled as due to industrial disease by a coroner recently. In both cases it was due to exposure to asbestos.
In the case of Mr Ellis, a postmortem revealed pneumonia and lung disease from asbestosis. His exposure was traced back to working at three different firms including Willenhall-based Swinnerton & Miller where he worked as an explosives and demolition engineer (1969-72).
Such deaths no longer need to happen. We know the risks and we know how to avoid exposure. Don't be one of the 4,000 people who die in the UK each year from an asbestos related disease - book your asbestos awareness course now by emailing stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
Source: Express & Star
In the case of Mr Ellis, a postmortem revealed pneumonia and lung disease from asbestosis. His exposure was traced back to working at three different firms including Willenhall-based Swinnerton & Miller where he worked as an explosives and demolition engineer (1969-72).
Such deaths no longer need to happen. We know the risks and we know how to avoid exposure. Don't be one of the 4,000 people who die in the UK each year from an asbestos related disease - book your asbestos awareness course now by emailing stuart@demolishdismantle.co.uk
Source: Express & Star
Wednesday, July 8, 2015
ARCA ILM Leadership & Management course gets positive feedback
ARCA launched a Level 4 Certificate in Leadership & Management earlier in 2015 as a way of supporting the next generation of leaders in the field of asbestos. And so far it has received very positive feedback according to ARCA.
Here's the details of the course, a more detailed breakdown of which can be found on the ARCA website:
Who is the course for?
The ARCA ILM Leadership and Management qualification has been designed for new and aspiring managers working in a business environment within the asbestos removal industry. The course aims to develop the skills and knowledge to be effective leaders enabling them to improve the performance of their workforce and business.
Why take this course?
Managers can improve their leadership and management skills to support both, the business and workforce, as well as further their own development.
Shaun Wilson, Lead Trainer for ARCA, commented about the course that:
“It is fantastic to see individuals taking this opportunity to support their business, and also further their own development and standing within the industry. As well as the principles of leadership and management we also cover the practicalities of how to include these in their role, and are on hand to support them with the course assignments.”
Source: ARCA
Here's the details of the course, a more detailed breakdown of which can be found on the ARCA website:
Who is the course for?
The ARCA ILM Leadership and Management qualification has been designed for new and aspiring managers working in a business environment within the asbestos removal industry. The course aims to develop the skills and knowledge to be effective leaders enabling them to improve the performance of their workforce and business.
Why take this course?
Managers can improve their leadership and management skills to support both, the business and workforce, as well as further their own development.
- Develop the management skills to succeed in a challenging industry
- Build knowledge on how to coach and motivate staff to meet the business goals
- Develop the skills to lead people by example and inspire trust
- Analyse communication methods to provide purpose and improve effectiveness
- Learn the core skills to manage staff’s performance and development
- Gain experience by working alongside other managers
- Fulfil personal development
Shaun Wilson, Lead Trainer for ARCA, commented about the course that:
“It is fantastic to see individuals taking this opportunity to support their business, and also further their own development and standing within the industry. As well as the principles of leadership and management we also cover the practicalities of how to include these in their role, and are on hand to support them with the course assignments.”
Source: ARCA
Monday, June 1, 2015
Asbestos Awareness failings at Chester firm result in court ruling
The importance of raising asbestos awareness both in the workplace and in practical environments cannot be disputed with deaths from the dangerous fibres still resulting in 4,000 deaths a year.
A Cheshire-based contracting firm have landed themselves in court for failing to adhere to the right regulations.
In July 2012 during refurbishment work for a local school’s science block, the sub-contractors were guilty of failing to take proper precautions when removing a wall and channelling the floor. As a result, they accidentally released asbestos and caused a risk of exposure to those in the vicinity.
Facing prosecution at a Magistrates Court earlier in May, it was discovered that the firm had not invested in a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey: a requirement for such a project by law.
After pleading guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 with four different misdemeanours, the company was fined a total of £34,141.
HSE Inspector David King said following the ruling:
“Failing to take action to identify asbestos while planning work, and to ensure that any contractors who may disturb asbestos are aware of the location and type of asbestos present, and not taking appropriate measures to protect the health of others, is totally inexcusable.”
A Cheshire-based contracting firm have landed themselves in court for failing to adhere to the right regulations.
In July 2012 during refurbishment work for a local school’s science block, the sub-contractors were guilty of failing to take proper precautions when removing a wall and channelling the floor. As a result, they accidentally released asbestos and caused a risk of exposure to those in the vicinity.
Facing prosecution at a Magistrates Court earlier in May, it was discovered that the firm had not invested in a Refurbishment and Demolition Asbestos Survey: a requirement for such a project by law.
After pleading guilty to breaching the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 with four different misdemeanours, the company was fined a total of £34,141.
HSE Inspector David King said following the ruling:
“Failing to take action to identify asbestos while planning work, and to ensure that any contractors who may disturb asbestos are aware of the location and type of asbestos present, and not taking appropriate measures to protect the health of others, is totally inexcusable.”
Wednesday, April 29, 2015
Extra training dates added
Due to high demand C&D are adding extra dates for our ever popular Demolition and Asbestos courses. At our Halesowen venue near Birmingham we will be running a total of three courses on the 18th and 19th of May.
May 18th will be Demolition Awareness and Asbestos Awareness – Costs for both courses £70 for NDTG member companies, £80 for others, or single course £50 NDTG member companies and £60 for others.
May 19th Category B Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course- £80 for NDTG member companies, £90 others.
Book soon as places are going fast.
May 18th will be Demolition Awareness and Asbestos Awareness – Costs for both courses £70 for NDTG member companies, £80 for others, or single course £50 NDTG member companies and £60 for others.
May 19th Category B Non Licensed Asbestos Removal Course- £80 for NDTG member companies, £90 others.
Book soon as places are going fast.
Thursday, January 29, 2015
Demolition & Asbestos Awareness course full
This is just a notice that our Demolition & Asbestos Awareness course on Friday, 30th January in Birkenhead is now FULL. If you missed booking places, but would like to discuss this, or any other training, then please get in touch.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Weekend training becomes a regular occurrence
New weekend NDTG Demolition & Asbestos Awareness dates throughout 2015. Following our trial of weekend training dates in Chiswick we have decided to run courses on one weekend every month throughout 2015.
The new dates are as follows:
- Saturday 21 February
- Sunday 22 February
- Saturday 21 March
- Sunday 22 March
- Saturday 18 April
- Sunday 19 April
- Saturday 09 May
- Sunday 10 May
- Saturday 13 June
- Sunday 14 June
- Saturday 11 July
- Sunday 12 July
- Saturday 15 August
- Sunday 16 August
- Saturday 12 September
- Sunday 13 September
- Saturday 17 October
- Sunday 18 October
- Saturday 14 November
- Sunday 15 November
- Saturday 05 December
- Sunday 06 December
The new dates are as follows:
- Saturday 21 February
- Sunday 22 February
- Saturday 21 March
- Sunday 22 March
- Saturday 18 April
- Sunday 19 April
- Saturday 09 May
- Sunday 10 May
- Saturday 13 June
- Sunday 14 June
- Saturday 11 July
- Sunday 12 July
- Saturday 15 August
- Sunday 16 August
- Saturday 12 September
- Sunday 13 September
- Saturday 17 October
- Sunday 18 October
- Saturday 14 November
- Sunday 15 November
- Saturday 05 December
- Sunday 06 December
Monday, January 26, 2015
Due to demand, second Demolition/Asbestos Awareness course being run January 30th
New date added for Demolition/Asbestos Awareness in Birkenhead. Owing to unprecedented demand for places, the course on Saturday 31 January is now FULL so we are running a second course on Friday 30 January at the same venue.
To book your place just email margaret@demolishdismantle.co.uk
To book your place just email margaret@demolishdismantle.co.uk
Friday, January 9, 2015
Simply The Best
As one year finishes and another starts there is the inevitable rush by the media to produce articles and programmes with top ten, fifty or even one hundred “best in 2014” in the title. I’m sure, like me, you are all sick and tired of them by now. But, not to be outdone, C&D are proud to present our top ten most popular training courses in 2014, soon to be repeated on Dave!
So in reverse order we have:
10 – Site Management Safety Training
9 – Banksman Reversing Vehicles
8 – Fire Safety Awareness
7 – Fire Marshall
6 – Working at Height
5 – Manual handling
4 – Abrasive Wheels
3 – Asbestos Category B
2 – Demolition Safety Awareness
And at number 1 that old favourite - Asbestos and Demolition Safety Awareness.
In all seriousness, with the way the industry is at present many of you reading this will be in the very happy position of starting 2015 having healthy order books for the foreseeable future. This has many consequences, not least the need for more and better qualified employees. Remember your training responsibilities and let us help you with our comprehensive, (not just the above ten) training courses to suit all companies and your requirements.
Further information can be found at:
http://demolitiontraining.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/training-courses.html
So in reverse order we have:
10 – Site Management Safety Training
9 – Banksman Reversing Vehicles
8 – Fire Safety Awareness
7 – Fire Marshall
6 – Working at Height
5 – Manual handling
4 – Abrasive Wheels
3 – Asbestos Category B
2 – Demolition Safety Awareness
And at number 1 that old favourite - Asbestos and Demolition Safety Awareness.
In all seriousness, with the way the industry is at present many of you reading this will be in the very happy position of starting 2015 having healthy order books for the foreseeable future. This has many consequences, not least the need for more and better qualified employees. Remember your training responsibilities and let us help you with our comprehensive, (not just the above ten) training courses to suit all companies and your requirements.
Further information can be found at:
http://demolitiontraining.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/training-courses.html
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