THE devastating effects of asbestos have been highlighted this week after a pensioner from Northamptonshire won compensation from a former employer after developing an asbestos-related illness.
Patrick Collier, a former painter and decorator, received compensation in the Royal Courts of Justice after developing pleural thickening. His illness meant that he had to give up work early after he started to experience problems with his breathing.
During the course of his career, Mr Collier says he believes he was regularly exposed to asbestos dust through his work preparing surfaces for painting.
Asbestos – education is key
At Acorn Analytical Services, we are committed to making sure everyone is aware of the hidden dangers of asbestos and we passionately believe that education is key.
With that in mind, we offer courses which are accredited by UKATA and run by our in-house team of experts.
We specifically target people in jobs which are most likely to put them into contact with asbestos. These include:
- Maintenance staff
- Electricians, plumbers and gas fitters
- Painters, decorators, joiners and plasterers
- Demolition and construction workers
- Roofing contractors
- Heating, ventilation and telecommunication engineers
- Fire and burglar alarm installers
- Architects and building surveyors
- Shopfitters
Our training aims to raise awareness of asbestos and reduce the risk of accidental disturbance which could go on to cause serious illness in anyone affected.
After the initial training session, refreshers should be carried out annually to ensure staff remain compliant. You’ll receive a UKATA training certificate within 24 hours of passing your course and our asbestos experts are always on hand to answer any questions you may have.
All of our trainers have at least ten years’ experience in the asbestos industry and are approved by UKATA.
What makes asbestos so dangerous?
Even though asbestos was banned from new buildings in the UK more than 20 years ago, it is a problem we all still live with.
Many buildings, including factories, schools and even hospitals contain the material which can cause mesothelioma if asbestos is fractured or broken releasing deadly fibres into the air. Unbelievably, 5,000 people still die from the effects of being exposure every year.
What’s particularly shocking is that many of us live in, work in and visit buildings which contain asbestos, and we don’t know it’s there. The only way to know for sure is by carrying out a survey, particularly before any repairs or building works take place.
If our team of experts find it, we can give you all the information you need to make sure it is managed safely and within the latest rules and regulations.
On site, air testing will help you to monitor the number of particles in the air, before, during and after work has been completed to ensure the safety of everybody nearby. We can also provide mobile laboratories to ensure you have immediate results.
At Acorn Analytical Services, we take our responsibility to educating the public about the dangers of this hidden killer extremely seriously.
Ultimately, we want to see it removed from all buildings, but until then, we will do everything we can to ensure people understand the risks and more lives are saved.
Don’t put yourself or your team at risk – if you think you may have a problem get in touch with the experts today.
Acorn is a professional consultancy helping organisations deal with asbestos compliance using surveys, air testing, and removal management.
Please call one of the team, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information or advice on asbestos and training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us
