The headlines have once again been dominated this week by stories of high street premises which have been affected by asbestos.
In November, Acorn Analytical Services shone a spotlight on the growing epidemic in towns and cities across the UK and urged companies and shop owners to put the safety of their staff and customers first by ensuring they are aware of the dangers and fully compliant with the latest rules and regulations.
Now, two major high street projects have hit the headlines after the discovery of asbestos led to the projects being put on hold.
Buildings ‘riddled with asbestos’
In Wakefield, plans to create a new library and museum inside a former BHS building have been delayed.
The Yorkshire Post has reported that the project will be put back by at least six months while the material – which can cause deadly mesothelioma – is removed. Work to remove the asbestos from the building is set begin next month and should be complete by April.
Meanwhile, a row has erupted over plans to demolish the M&S store in Marble Arch, London which the CEO of Marks and Spencer, Stuart Machin, claims is ‘riddled with asbestos.’
In an article in Retail Gazette, Mr Machin says he believes the only workable solution is to demolish the building – a plan which has angered campaigners.
Both projects demonstrate that asbestos continues to be a widespread problem on our high streets – more than 20 years after the substance was banned in new buildings.
Time to go back to basics
There is no doubt that asbestos can be a complicated business, but the good news is it doesn’t have to be.
You should always put it right at the top of your health and safety agenda – not doing so could prove to be a costly mistake.
A good way to start your journey is by getting hold of a copy of our book, Asbestos: The Dark Arts.
The book, which gets a five-star rating on Amazon, explains why asbestos is so dangerous and the steps you can take to keep up to date with the latest regulations.
We’ll help you cut through the red tape and offer you helpful advice about how to make asbestos management much simpler.
Our podcast, Asbestos: Knowledge Empire also offers a useful introduction into Acorn Analytical Services and the work we do to support businesses, charities and organisations across the UK.
Our team can help
With offices in Birmingham, Cleckheaton, Northampton and London – and clients across the UK – Acorn Analytical Services is here to help you.
As well as management surveys, we can offer a whole programme of services including asbestos removal management and air testing and full construction, design and management (CDM) support if you are a contractor.
We also work hard to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos and have joined to together with leading charities, Mesothelioma UK and ActionMeso to ensure we get the health awareness messages across.
Our surveys are the very best way to protect yourself and those around you from the dangers of asbestos with our consultants inspecting your building thoroughly to check for its presence
You’ll receive your results quickly and efficiently and ensure you have all the detail you need to make informed decisions about effective management.
Acorn is a professional consultancy helping organisations deal with compliance using surveys, air testing, and removal management.
Please call one of friendly team of advisors, or use the online form to obtain your free quotation. If you would like further information, help or advice on asbestos training, contact the team on 0844 818 0895 or Contact Us
