FAAM News - Issue 1 - 2020

NEWS ISSUE 1

2020

A DAY AS AN ASBESTOS SURVEY MANAGER

ALSO INSIDE THIS ISSUE Registrars welcome Newsdesk features Events in pictures Meet the member

An official publication of

NEWS Welcome to ISSUE 1

2020

As I write this article at the start of March 2020, COVID-19 virus is a common feature of all news bulletins currently, with concerns for the UK population growing by the day. Sales of hand cleanser, hand wipes and face masks are on the increase as individuals seek to minimise the risk to their health. There are also reports of the public stocking up on food supplies, although I cannot understand why. It looks set to get worse, even if only in public perception and reaction, before it gets better, it may indeed be worse by the time you read this article.

I recently attended a football match at the Etihad Stadium (home of Manchester City) and passed two fans wearing surgeon type masks and 50,000 plus who were not. These masks offer no protection against the virus so wearing them is pointless, unless these individuals had the virus and were trying to protect the many.

Why I am discussing this, with members of the asbestos profession?

CONTENTS 02 Registrars welcome 04 Newsdesk 06 Meet the member Phil Sloan 08 Events in pictures LEV photo roundup 10 Linda Reinstein 12 A day as an asbestos survey manager - by Rob Letman AFAAM 16 AIRMON 2020

It strikes me as a lesson in how people understand and assess risk. A little bit of knowledge or information can sometimes be dangerous.

For some, they won’t leave the house without a mask but for others, they (as with a friend of mine), return from Northern Italy, develop a sniffle a week later and decide its no more than the common cold. The same divergence of attitudes rests with asbestos and how persons perceive potential or actual exposure from asbestos containing materials (ACMs). Tackling risk knowledge and

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FAAM News understanding goes to the very heart of what we want to achieve as a profession, although is something that is not always dealt with well.

I have become aware since taking on the position of Registrar that many asbestos analysts, surveyors and consultants whilst having a reasonable or basic understanding of asbestos and risk, would benefit from greater appreciation. I am not necessarily suggesting that such persons attend training courses or attain further qualifications, but at least seek to develop better understanding through reading key references and attending conferences.

It matters to know more than asbestos is dangerous, crocidolite is the worst and the highest exposures are the worst etc. It matters because as asbestos professionals we are regularly challenged with risk perception and awareness. In the same way the two football fans perceive a high risk from COVID-19 when going to a football match in Manchester, many in the asbestos sector perceive a high risk from very low or trivial asbestos exposure. It is our job, at least for asbestos, to explain the real risk rather than the perception of risk.

There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos, yet we dismiss the ‘one fibre theory’. Hodgson and Darnton (2000), “The Quantitative Risks of Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer in Relation to Asbestos Exposure”, helps to explain this and what is meant by significant risk, such that it materially increases risk. This is one example of a study that asbestos professionals should be aware of and understand, albeit not to the extent a medical professional or epidemiologist would. Understanding risk and what exposure means for mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening, helps one reassure a customer who calls and fears for their health when, for example, they find asbestos is present in their Artex ceiling and recall disturbing this. It helps rationalise what actions are necessary

FAAM NEWS

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2020

when maintenance workers find out the plant room they have just worked in has asbestos residues to walls and pipes.

It also helps when it comes to advising whether a brick wall should be further cleaned and/or painted, when an analyst or surveyor says I cannot guarantee it to be asbestos free. Fundamentally, as asbestos professionals, we are about risk assessment and the need for commensurate control measures.

The need for continual professional development regarding understanding of risk assessment has very much been at the heart of the Asbestos 2018 and 2019 conferences, and will be at Asbestos 2020. Some of presentations have been quite detailed involving levels of information and detail that an asbestos professionals will not need to deal with on a daily basis. Nevertheless, the more we learn and discuss, the better we will become. Risk assessment is at the heart of everything we do and the more we know and the more we educate dutyholders and the public, the better they will become at managing risk and prioritising risk. What more should be done about asbestos in schools? Should we do more electron microscopy testing?

Should we ever swab test? When can we walk away and say enough has been done, no need to manage anymore? It all comes down to risk assessment.

The FAAM committee is actively developing strategies to increase profile and influence, beyond what has already been achieved. Membership of FAAM and its importance is to be referred to in the revised HSE ‘Analysts Guide’.

FAAM is also represented on various relevant committees (eg HSE’s Asbestos Leadership Group and UKAS’s Technical Assessors Committee) and presented at various conferences in 2019. But there is still much to be done and working groups have and are being set up on matters such as membership growth and stakeholder partnerships. The FAAM Committee is keen to do more with the

Martin Stear Registrar of FAAM

thousands of UK dutyholders, whether through membership, communications and awareness.

Following the successful Asbestos 2019 conference, we also now have working groups on asbestos clearance testing and asbestos surveying. For all these working groups, the FAAM committee would like volunteers, which will be advertised in the future. This is an exciting time for FAAM, the UK’s first ever home for asbestos professionals. Being a FAAM member is very much about being part of the UK’s home for asbestos professionals but it is also about doing what you can, with your knowledge, training and experience, to help shape the management of ACMs in the UK and to ultimately rid the UK of its asbestos risk or at least to rid it of anything more than a trivial risk.

The FAAM Committee will also be seeking reviewers of Professional Experience Portfolios (PEPs), for candidates seeking membership at Member grade. Details will be published shortly.

Finally, I would like to welcome

Sam Lord (HSE) on to the FAAM Committee and to thank Dr Martin Gibson (HSE) who has now stepped down after many years of support, both before and after launch. FAAM is moving more and more to a fully elected Committee but it will retain the ability to co-opt persons who are in key roles and/or who have key skills. With Martin on the Committee, FAAM had influence and direction from HSE and now with Sam, this continues. This all again goes to FAAM’s desire to be at the centre of influencing asbestos risk assessment and management in the UK.

Martin Stear Martin Stear Registrar of FAAM 03

NEWSDESK

UPDATES FROM THE FAAM COMMITTEE

FAAM CPD UPDATE Thank you to all who have completed your CPD submission for 2019, I don’t even think we’ve had any late submission charges (yet) so this is a great response to your first (proper) year as FAAM members.

We are currently working towards the CPD audit which means a few of you will be randomly selected to submit evidence of your CPD points.

This is nothing to worry about and just a routine compulsory audit. If we do contact you, all you have to do is send over proof of your CPD point claims, we will walk you through it.

While we have you thinking about CPD points, don’t forget it’s always best practise to submit your points as and when so there’s no danger of being caught short! Check out below a short list of what you can claim points for: ❙ Actively involved in the industry 4 points. ❙ Attendance at a BOHS event - 1 point per day. ❙ Self-study (reading of journals, technical papers, blogs) - 1 point. ❙ Legal and forensic work - 1 point. ❙ Staff training - 1 point per day (Max of 4 points).

If you do want any information or guidance, make sure you check out the CPD guidance document through your online account or drop an email to cpd@bohs.org where we will be happy to help!

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HSE ANALYSTS’ INSPECTION PROGRAMME: The report of this study has now been published by HSE. The study examined the nature and range of activities undertaken by asbestos analysts. In particular, the study assessed the standards and practices of a range of analyst organisations performing site clearance certification (i.e. 4-stage clearances).

The findings from the study provide the basis for many of the changes in the forthcoming new version of the Analysts’ Guide. The report can be found at https://www.hse.gov.uk/ asbestos/assets/docs/asbestosanalysts-project-report-2015.pdf

ASBESTOS IN MARBLE HSE has produced this information sheet for those supplying, working with, or using marble or other natural stone products. The sheet provides an overview of naturally occurring asbestos in such products. The sheet explains: ❙ the risk to health ❙ the actions to be taken to comply with the law

ASBESTOS AND RIDDOR HSE is often asked about reporting asbestos exposures and incidents under the RIDDOR requirements. General information regarding dangerous occurrences can be found at https:// www.hse.gov.uk/riddor/dangerousoccurences.htm.

It notes that ‘Several types of dangerous occurrence require reporting in circumstances where the incident has the potential to cause injury or death.

This assessment does not require any complex analysis, measurement or tests, but rather for a reasonable judgement to be made as to whether the circumstances gave rise to a real, rather than notional, risk.’

There is a specific section on asbestos incidents. It can be found at https://www. hse.gov.uk/asbestos/faq.htm.

❙ a staged approach to identify any possible naturally occurring asbestos in the stone.

This document is published at https:// www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/am1.pdf There are drop-down pieces on: ❙ When does inadvertent exposure to asbestos constitute a reportable incident under RIDDOR? ❙ I may have been inadvertently exposed to asbestos. What should I do?

MENTORS NEEDED!

BOHS is developing a new mentoring program to facilitate development and create leadership opportunities for our members.

Before launch, we are creating a database of members who would like to sign up as mentors.

Sign up as a mentor today.

WHY? It is a great opportunity for you to provide advice and feedback to someone who can use your help.

It is also a chance to learn new things and improve your leadership and management skills.

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WHO? Any active BOHS member can become a mentor regardless of their experience.

HOW? Follow the below link to log into your account and tick the box to register your interest.

www.bohs.link/become-a-mentor

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MEET THE MEMBER

Phil Sloan MFAAM 1. What was the first job you got when you finished fulltime education?

I started off working for Hampshire scientific services for Hampshire County Council within the Occupational Hygiene department and found the asbestos side of things most interesting.

2. When and why did you join FAAM? I became a full member last year and really like the idea of a professional body in the Asbestos industry and met some very interesting people at the conferences as well as some fantastic presentations.

Howard, tasks involve overseeing large projects, training, audits and maintaining equipment. So, I keep myself quite busy during the day

4. How did you get your current job?

I started out as a surveyor and gradually obtained my BOHS P modules which went onto achieving the CCP and from this I was then made Technical manager which I find challenging and really enjoy.

5. What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?

I love to travel and see the world and I love Scuba diving

3. Describe a typical day in your work.

6. Where did you last go on holiday?

I like to start the day with a nice cup of tea before getting to grips with my very varied but interesting role here at Gully

Cyprus, diving the Zenobia and looking at the Troodos asbestos mine‌..

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7. Favourite food?

Curry

8. Favourite film?

Starwars (Empire)

9. Favourite book?

Lemmy from Motorheads Biography

10. What was the first/last music album you bought?

Guns and Roses - appetite for destruction Cannot remember the last album purchased, however last listened to pyromania by Def Leopard although I do like a bit of Taylor Swift!

I visited the former asbestos quarry situated on Troodos mountain on Cyprus

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EVENTS IN PICTURES

LEV Photo roundup On 25 February 2020, the British Occupational Hygiene Society (BOHS) and the Institute of Local Exhaust Ventilation Engineers (ILEVE) held their fifth joint event ‘LEV- Extracting the Best Practices’ for anyone involved in the local exhaust ventilation (LEV) space.

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Asbestos: From Pain to Prevention Partnerships

By Linda Reinstein

Most people think asbestos is a thing of the past and disregard the risk of exposure to this deadly chemical.

Many Americans assume that asbestos was banned decades ago, like it was in the United Kingdom.

This is a deadly misconception.

Asbestos is still legal and lethal in the United States, and, even after a country has a ban in place, like the UK does, asbestos still presents a deadly public health threat, a fact I know all too well.

In 2003, I was married to Alan, the love of my life, raising our 10-year-old daughter together in sunny California. Alan had developed a slight, persistent cough, and had notably lost some weight. Intuitively, I thought something was wrong. I was devastated when I found out I was right.

I co-founded the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organisation (ADAO) that same year, fuelled by the grief and anger of losing Alan to a disease that was entirely preventable. Our mission is simple: to prevent asbestos exposure, eliminate asbestos-related diseases, and protect asbestos victims’ civil rights through education, advocacy, and community initiatives.

Alan had no idea when he was exposed

It took two years of tests, as Alan’s

to asbestos: he never knew that it could

breathing and cough worsened, before

be found in our homes, schools, or his

our doctor definitively diagnosed Alan

workplace. Like many other asbestos

with mesothelioma, a cancer only

victims, there was no indication of how

caused by asbestos exposure. I had

often, when, or where he’d encountered

never heard of it. I couldn’t pronounce

the carcinogen until it was too late.

it. And worst of all, I learned it was incurable. Our lives took a sharp and

Even with an asbestos ban in place,

ill-fated turn that year, down a path, I

the United Kingdom still suffers from

learned only after, too many others have

high rates of asbestos-related death

been forced to travel.

and disease, due to the monumental amount of “legacy” asbestos left behind

Alan underwent chemotherapy and

in older buildings that were constructed

radical surgeries, including the removal

before asbestos was banned. When

of a lung, in hopes of buying more time

disturbed, whether it is through routine

with us. Watching the vibrant, active

maintenance, ageing, or even a natural

father and husband I had loved for 20

disaster, asbestos fibres become deadly

years deteriorate before my eyes was

sources of exposure. In the UK, exposure

utterly unbearable. Alan changed forever,

to asbestos kills more than 5,000 people

and so did we. He spent the last year of

every year through mesothelioma, lung

his life tethered to oxygen 24 hours a

cancer and asbestosis.

day as mesothelioma ravaged his body.

In 2006, just three years later, Alan died,

There were 2,526 mesothelioma

sharing his final moments with me and

deaths in Great Britain alone in 2017

our daughter by his side.

and the Health and Safety Executive projects that there will continue to

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It is particularly disturbing that more than 75 percent of British schools contain asbestos, putting children, teachers, and school staff in danger of harmful asbestos exposure.

be around 2,500 deaths per year for the rest of this current decade. And it won’t end then. It is particularly disturbing that more than 75 percent of British schools contain asbestos, putting children, teachers, and school staff in danger of harmful asbestos exposure.

The best defence against asbestos disease is prevention. Compliance, enforcement and education are essential to preventing more deaths from this deadly carcinogen. I invite you to join me and others in the international conversation about how we can end asbestos-related disease and illness during the 16th Global Asbestos Awareness Week from April 1-7.

Together we can raise awareness and expand the understanding of the threat to public health from asbestos. We can collaborate across borders and maximises the sharing of the educational resources used in the field today so one day soon, no family, anywhere, has to suffer the death of a loved one from a preventable asbestos-related illness ever again.

To learn more about our work and how you can help visit us at www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org or join the conversation online by using #2020GAAW on social media.

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A DAY AS AN ASBESTOS SURVEY MANAGER

by Rob Letman, AFAAM

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A DAY AS AN ASBESTOS SURVEY MANAGER

A normal day working as an asbestos survey manager within the asbestos industry can sometimes be challenging, interesting and very varied. My career started back in 2007 when I was 19 years old. I was a trainee asbestos operative, with no experience of asbestos and the materials used. I soon progressed onto an asbestos supervisor, supervising a team of four plus people in all types of jobs, such as small domestic dwellings up to large scale industrial licensed removal with over 20 operatives.

As my experience grew, I gained my contracts manager qualifications. I knew I wanted to slightly change my career path but wanted to stay within the asbestos industry. I then realised that there was a gap in our company

for surveying, so I started advertising and pushing our surveying part of the company, whilst still being involved within the day to day running of the licensed asbestos removal side of the company I’m still working for now.

As many surveyors know, there is so much to learn about asbestos and its uses, where it is, and also the signs of a poor removal from years ago- and I’d be lying if I said I know everything. I think personally there is only so much a course can teach you about asbestos, you need hands on experience before you can say you are ‘competent’, and my personal thoughts are my experience from removing all types of asbestos material helps.

In my current position within the company, I meet/quote works for clients; undertake surveys; schedule works for our other surveyors and inspect our other surveyors’ work after they have finished on site for quality purposes. I also write my own surveys up and quality check

other surveyors’ work. Whilst doing this, I also help plan with the asbestos removal contracts and manage larger contracts.

Thinking back over 2019, I personally have surveyed over 450+ buildings, three motor cycles, a tractor and (my favourite) a celebrity’s house in Oxford -this person is well known for his car series!

Over many surveys I’ve completed, I tend to find damaged material, lack of understanding from the duty holder and members of staff as to what asbestos is, the products which can contain asbestos and the regulations which must be followed.

The photograph below is taken from a hotel I surveyed in the early part of 2019.

The material is an asbestos insulating board in a very poor condition, which the lab confirmed the presence of amosite fibres (brown asbestos). Following on from the survey, clear indication on what steps to take next were told to the duty holder, however I believe that these comments were ignored.

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Another scenario unfolded when I was called by a domestic home owner to take a sample of a material after the heating engineer had removed part of the ceiling to install a new gas pipe and other services. When arriving on site I could see a trail of white/grey material going up the foot path then it just stopped, after talking to the lady she said the plumber hasn’t returned since doing this, I wonder why? See picture 2.

I have recently undertaken a management survey to a school in Gloucestershire, which has had a UKAS accredited company undertake an asbestos management survey. The school then had a visit from the HSE who checked their survey. The HSE told them their current survey was not sufficient, and a new one must be undertaken in the next school holidays. I attended the site and was awarded the contract for bringing their asbestos documents up to standard.

Whilst undertaking the survey, I was horrified to what I found, such as in the old survey there was one skylight with an asbestos insulating board (AIB) to the science block as identified by the old survey document. I found another four 14

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lined with AIB, and all of the windows were lined with asbestos insulation board. Whilst inspecting above the suspended ceiling, there were beams cladding with further unsealed insulation board, no labels nor picked up from the previous survey, and then a large pile of damaged AIB sat above the ceiling tile as per picture 3 above.

The material in image 4 is asbestos pipe insulation to an old world war two flight simulator building. From the picture, you can see bundles of crocidolite asbestos fibres (blue asbestos). This pipe was found during an asbestos refurbishment survey.

A DAY AS AN ASBESTOS SURVEY MANAGER

construction line etc. I have recently renewed the company’s memberships to various schemes, and there are other policies such as drug policies, environmental policies etc. which you must have to gain the accreditation’s.

However, there was nothing to do with asbestos or any type of policy? I think that something as simple as this could make a change within the construction industry, for instance, and may help make more employers and employees think about the dangers of asbestos and the importance of an asbestos survey undertaken by a competent person/ company.

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The material in image 5 (right) is chrysotile paper (white asbestos). The paper lining was found on straw board surrounding a cold-water tank in a loft whist carrying out a demolition asbestos survey. The cold-water tank lid was asbestos cement sheeting I feel that there is still a lack of understanding as to how dangerous asbestos can be and more awareness and stricter punishment should be enforced. I regularly meet contractors who say to me that white asbestos is ‘safe’ and various other statements like this. They then remove the material, and a couple of days later we have a phone call to see what they have done.

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Normally they have contaminated the area that the material was located in, and other spaces surrounding it as a minimum. I believe that people don’t think that there is that much of risk from asbestos, as there will be no instant injury caused, unlike an exposed electrical cable sparking for instance.

However, as we all know, the damage doesn’t come straight away. It can catch up with you, your family and your friends later on in life.

I believe that there should be some kind of accreditation scheme, which all companies must be part of to be able to gain the memberships from the likes of Safe contractor, CHAAS,

I would like to hear any other people’s thoughts about an accreditation scheme for companies, or any other ideas that may help. If you would like to follow me and see some more of my updates whilst I’m out surveying and what I find, I am on LinkedIn, Rob Letman AFAAM please feel free to connect.

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BRISTOL UK The 10th International Symposium on Modern Principles of Air Monitoring and Biomonitoring Bristol Marriott City Centre Hotel 6 – 10 September 2020

Abstracts & Bookings Open Abstract Deadline 6 March 2020 This symposium is the leading international forum at which recent progress in workplace, residential and environmental exposure assessment strategies and associated analytical air sampling and biomonitoring methodologies can be discussed. The symposium is supported by a consortium of European and International Institutes of Occupational and Environmental Health and Safety, from whom, members of the scientific committees are drawn.

An exciting programme is planned which combines thought-provoking keynote presentations with accompanying oral presentation sessions. Practical workshops and presentations for hygienists will be included.

Full details and abstract submissions tiny.cc/airmon2020

To enquire about exhibition and sponsorship packages contact conferences@bohs.org

Conference Rates Delegate Type

Full Conference

Early Bird*

Day Rate

Full Conference Non Member

£675

£625

£225

Full Conference BOHS Member

£575

£525

£225

Full Conference Speaker Rate

£450

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-

Student/ Developing Country

£300

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-

All rates are subject to UK VAT currently 20%. *Early Bird rates available until 29 May 2020.

Student & Developing Country Rates If you would like to enquire about the Student or Developing Country rates, contact conferences@bohs.org Cancellations received after 29 May 2020 are NOT entitled to a refund but delegate name changes are allowed up until the conference date.

The Chartered Society for Worker Health Protection

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