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Independent Training News (ITN) Competence is key: Ensure asbestos surveyors are qualified for the job Asbestos surveys are only effective if competent surveyors are employed to do them… That’s one of the key messages being promoted at road shows to help explain new guidance devised for those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos. ‘Asbestos: The survey guide’ (Ref: HSG264) which was featured in an article by Mr M Lopacki NATAS (National Asbestos Training and Accreditation Scheme) in last months newsletter is aimed at those who commission asbestos surveys, the surveyors who carry them out and those who use them such as architects and demolition or removal contractors. The new guide stipulates that clients and duty holders only engage a surveying organisation that is competent. This can be demonstrated either through the organisation being accredited and/or individual surveyors having their own certification. The guide strongly recommends the use of UKAS accredited or ABICS certified surveyors for asbestos surveys Said Dr Martin Gibson, author of the guide and a Principal Specialist Inspector for HSE says:-
“Ensuring that contractors are competent to do asbestos surveys should be a top priority for those responsible for managing the risks from asbestos. “Those organisations or individuals without accreditation will find it more difficult to demonstrate that they are competent, so by employing a contractor with accreditation and/or certification, dutyholders can better meet their legal requirements.” Added Martin Stear, Chair of the ABICS certification scheme:“ABICS certification is a new scheme which certifies individuals, and has been introduced to expand the options for demonstrating competency. Clients engaging certificated surveyors can be assured that surveys will be undertaken by competent people”. Said Rob Bettinson of UKAS:“UKAS accreditation for surveying companies is a well established scheme. Accredited organisations can demonstrate that not only do they have competent surveyors but they are also working within a well defined management system that provides confidence in the surveying procedures that are
used. Clients can have confidence that accredited surveyors will provide a quality service.” The British Occupational Hygiene Society, in partnership with Asbestos Training & Consultancy (ATaC) have organized a series of seminars aimed at building surveyors, asbestos accredited inspection bodies and clients who want to find out more about the new HSE guidance on asbestos with events scheduled for Cardiff (19 May), Birmingham (16 June) and London (30 June). For more information and details of cost visit the ATaC website at www. atac.org.uk or by phoning 01332 250713. “Asbestos, the survey guide” (HSG264) Available from HSE books (ISBN 9780717663859) for £10.95
or downloaded at http://books.hse.gov.uk/hse/public/home.jsf
HSE MYTH OF THE MONTH The reality We’ve said it all before, but there are still too many reports that HSE and health and safety law are responsible for all sorts of bans – cheeserolling events, knitting in hospitals and even toothpicks! In reality HSE has banned very little outright, apart from a few high-risk exceptions like asbestos, which kills around 4000 people a year. Too often health and safety is used as a convenient excuse, but it’s time to challenge this and remind people to focus on the real risks – those that are still causing people to be killed, injured or made ill at work. Challenge the myths, tackle real risks! http://www.hse.gov.uk/myth/apr10.htm
PO BOX 180, CREECH ST MICHAEL, TAUNTON, SOMERSET, TA1 9GX. E: iatp@live.co.uk E: christine@iatp.org.uk W: www.iatp.org.uk 0800 211 8498
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Independent Training News (ITN) Sorting Out the Horror of Asbestos HSE “JOINING TOGETHER OF PARTNERS” MEETING FEEDBACK London, Central Hall, Westminster, 13th April 2010
Sorting out the horror of asbestos was the main aim of this partnership meeting. Steve Coldrick emphasised how important the partnership was and said that it was not an HSE meeting but a joining together of partners. He said that it was really a model system for the HSE and that the success lay in the members bringing their own contributions to the partnership, no matter how large or small all were highly significant when added together. The “Gold dust” of the meeting would be in the ability of members to network with each other. To begin with Steve announced the sad death of Chris Morgan a few weeks ago. His widow Jean attended the last meeting and at present is happy for the videos relating to her and Chris’s life continue to be used. But, this is early days yet and the HSE are in close contact with Jean and if she should express the wish to discontinue the use of those videos, then the HSE request that everyone respects her wishes. Other news announced was that Tom King is still alive but he is the only person featured in recent HSE mesothelioma videos who is still alive. Finally Steve announced his own retirement and said that Sarah Mallagh would be taking over the chair for future meetings.
I received an extremely good reception from Steve Coldrick and all of the HSE people present. They were all very keen to have a meeting with common purpose. For the future the HSE will be working with the vocational sector targeting 16 to 19 year olds. 8 or 9 colleges have agreed to participate in a pilot. Mike Johnson, reported that the HSE are engaged with the main suppliers of PPE to make sure that people who are likely to come across asbestos in their jobs have access to the correct PPE especially FFP3 face masks. Sarah Mallagh, reported that on the Duty to Manage, they had instigated discussions with other stake holders namely: The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors; the British Retail Consortium; and the Law Society. The situation appeared to be that surveys were being carried out but not management plans. RICS had agreed to produce a best practice lease code with guidance notes. Property leasing was a new area for the HSE and they had to get up to
speed in understanding how systems work. Inspectors had been asked to make this a priority on all company visits. The HSE had secured funding for direct mailing to businesses on their Duty to Manage. I reported to the meeting a summary of the data received by IATP from our members and said that for the future we were extending our interests into e-learning. I received confirmation that fit testing was required for all face masks and that this was really important to ensure protection. I requested that this be made clearer in HSE publications. Editorial Contributed by Mr. Roger Kevern. Representing IATP Independent Asbestos Training Providers
ACTION MESOTHELIOMA DAY 2ND JULY 2010 Mesothelioma is a terminal chest cancer that develops between 15 and 60 years after exposure to asbestos. The British Lung Foundation campaigns to raise awareness of mesothelioma and to improve the treatment and care of people who are affected by this cruel cancer. This campaigning culminates each year on Action Mesothelioma Day, which will take place this year on Friday 2nd July 2010. BLF http://www.lunguk.org/media-and-campaigning/campaigns/actionmesothelioma
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Independent Training News (ITN) Is the asbestos industry ready for e-Learning? Believe it or not, the Internet or World Wide Web (www) as we know it today has been with us for 36 years having been first presented at a UK networking conference in September 1973. The origins go back even further to the 1950’s and 60’s and the Cold War period when the US Military and US Space programs first developed networked communication systems to combat and compete with the former USSR. These days we take the Internet for granted and it has become a fundamental part of modern life, indeed, the loss of the Internet today would render massive damage to economic and social systems. Just imagine; no email, no Google, no online banking, no Facebook! While some would relish the thought of cyber silence I figure we would all be suffering withdrawal symptoms after about 1 week. What’s the first thing you do after coming back from your holidays? Apart from making a cup of tea most will open their post and check their online bank balances to see if they have any money left and check their emails if indeed they had not taken their Blackberry away with them. So what about eLearning? Wikipedia defines e-Learning as a general term used to refer to a form of learning in which the instructor and student are separated by space or time where the gap between the two is bridged through the use of online technologies. e-Learning is the modern day version of the “Distance Learning Courses” pioneered by such institutions as the Open University where students would enrol at a distance onto courses. Study materials and resources were posted to the students who would complete the course and assignments and send them in for assessment. As PC’s became popular the course materials were provided on CD or floppy disc and the concept of computer based training (CBT) evolved. Some consider CBT as eLearning but CBT was originally a term used to describe using personal computers to view
presentations and undertake training courses on a stand alone PC or internal company network. CBT was a forerunner to digital distance learning; it is less popular today as the e-Learning industry has developed exponentially over the last 10 years or so due to advancing technologies, the ever improving provision of Internet services (broadband capacity, development software, media services etc) and economics. The latest e-Learning technology involves online training courses and programmes which are accessed live via web based learning management systems (LMS) where the learner enters a “virtual classroom” and undertakes courses while being in communication with others, including tutors, administrators and other students. Live broadcasted classes can even be taken via “Webinars” (Web based seminars) and online meeting networks such as “Webex”. e-Learning is not new to the UK Health and Safety training market, there are several providers all of whom have been developing their own versions of training courses and programmes and each interpret the market needs and user expectations in varying ways. A wide range of courses and qualifications are available and acceptance of both the concept of eLearning and the resultant certificate or qualification is well established by employers, clients and regulatory authorities. The Health & Safety Executive themselves use varying forms of e-Learning, for instance the latest safety campaigns such as Hidden Killer, Shattered Lives and Work at Height use web-based interactive features to impart knowledge and improve awareness to the viewing audience. As far as the asbestos training market is concerned there is a place for eLearning in the provision of certain information and
instruction. It cannot totally replace faceto-face training, especially where practical instruction and practice is required but it can certainly deliver fundamental theoretical information such as asbestos awareness and compliment other face-to-face and practical training. There are undeniable benefits of eLearning and many employers and users experience such benefits, often mixing face-to-face with eLearning in a “blended learning” package to meet their needs. Obvious benefits include such aspects as convenience; the ability to learn at the users own pace and place; low cost compared to face-to-face (training fees, travel, accommodation, down time, lost production etc); consistency of content, messages and information; consistency of assessments and marking; traceability and auditing of records; security of confirmed users identity via secure logins (which is not currently the case on face-to-face courses where candidates usually walk in, sit down, sign a register then leave without any need to prove their identity). There is a certain level of scepticism of e-Learning within the asbestos training arena and this is understandable to a degree due to the fact that eLearning is a relatively new development, at least within the asbestos industry, however there is a thin line between genuine concerns due to unfamiliarity with the concept of e-Learning and resistance to change based on commercial threat. Commercial interests must not override educational benefits. So I do believe that the asbestos industry is ready for eLearning and we should embrace the benefits of technology as we all strive to educate the working population to the risks of asbestos exposure. Max Lopacki Natas
PO BOX 180, CREECH ST MICHAEL, TAUNTON, SOMERSET, TA1 9GX. E: iatp@live.co.uk E: christine@iatp.org.uk W: www.iatp.org.uk 0800 211 8498
To Be Continued Next Issue
Independent Asbestos Training
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Independent Training News (ITN) Asbestos Awareness Campaigning Across the World Greetings from the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) As I collect my thoughts for my annual newsletter to you, I find myself summing up in my mind the achievements (and trials) of the last year, and looking to the future. And then it strikes me: the relationship between IATP and ADAO is a vivid example of what’s up ahead. Ours is truly a 21st century bond -- a bond made possible only because of the internet. It was over the internet that we first connected: Laurie Kazan-Allen, a mutual friend, thinking we’d make a good match, introduced me to your communications and marketing, via email. Laurie was right: we are a perfect pairing. We share a common goal – to educate the public about the dangers of asbestos -- and a deep admiration and respect for one another; for the past few years via the internet , we have been in frequent contact. And yet, in true modern fashion, we have never met! Christine and I stay in close contact through email, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Without ever having the pleasure of meeting one another face-to-face, we nevertheless see eye-to-eye. Thanks to the power and efficiency of the internet, we are able to partner, cross-publicize, share resources, cross-pollinate, and synergize, constantly pushing forward towards our common purpose – sharing with the public the truth about “the deadly dust.” At ADAO, we are energized by all the possibilities 2010 offers – particularly in the areas of web technology. Much of our efforts in 2010 will be directed towards fully harnessing these tools, putting them to work for our cause. If you have not yet established an internet presence for your business, or explored the vast universe of the World Wide Web, I encourage you to make that a resolution this year.
Whether you’re an internet novice or a seasoned “surfer,” we hope that each of you will meet us in cyberspace this year, both by joining ADAO’s Facebook family, and visiting our virtual ‘office’ at www.adao.org. Our new website is launched; please check in regularly and make use of the varied resources there. Of specific interest to IATP newsletter readers: the numerous videos in our online library, including ADAO’s two-minute slideshow, “Asbestos Kills.” Industry professionals often show this piece ahead of safety and training sessions, to bring home the harsh realities of asbestos. In addition, you can view presentations from our 2007, 2008 and 2009 annual conferences, and hear from international experts in the field about a wide variety of asbestosrelated issues. If you, or someone you know, have been personally affected by asbestos, we hope you’ll participate in our website’s new “Share Your Story” feature, an opportunity for asbestos victims to document their tales of courage and strength. As is our tradition, ADAO shares these narratives with policymakers, personalizing, and bringing a much-needed sense of urgency to, the fight against asbestos. Also available on our website is the EIA/ADAO Chrysotile Asbestos Fact Sheet, the result of 2009 collaboration between ADAO and the Environmental Information Association. This document refutes the asbestos industry’s latest fallacious claims that chrysotile is the “one, safe form” of asbestos. ADAO was borne out of the pain and anger of personal tragedy. My co-founder, Doug Larkin, lost his father-in-law to mesothe-
lioma, the same disease which took my husband, Alan. In 2004, reeling from the devastating toll asbestos had taken on our lives, our families we founded ADAO. We were determined to help asbestos victims turn their anger into action, and to combat the paralyzing sense of isolation which comes with asbestos-related disease. Our mission was to be “the voice of the victims.” Our goals: to increase public awareness about the risks of asbestos, to push for ban legislation, and to further research into, and treatments for, asbestos-related diseases. In the past year, the efforts of so many worldwide have helped move us closer to these goals. For the first time in U.S. history, the Surgeon General’s office publicly acknowledged that all asbestos fibers are a risk to public health. And the American Public Health Association adopted its Asbestos Resolution, calling on Congress to “pass legislation banning the manufacture, sale, export, or import of asbestoscontaining products, including products in which asbestos is a contaminant.” As we journey through 2010, my optimism is renewed by these milestones, and we remain motivated by our unwavering belief that, by continuing our work together, we will create positive change. Many thanks to IATP for extending to us this opportunity to share our reflections and news. We wish you peace, prosperity, and – most of all – happiness and health in 2010. If we can ever be a helpful resource, please feel free to contact us. Over email, of course. Linda Reinstein Executive Director and Co-Founder Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization Linda@AsbestosDiseaseAwareness.org
PO BOX 180, CREECH ST MICHAEL, TAUNTON, SOMERSET, TA1 9GX. E: iatp@live.co.uk E: christine@iatp.org.uk W: www.iatp.org.uk 0800 211 8498
Independent Asbestos Training
Demonstrating Auditing and Regulatory Requirements for
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Independent Training News (ITN) ADAO Website: www.adao.us Twitter: http://twitter.com/Linda_ADAO LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/lindareinstein Facebook: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/186339?m=6d54c0aa&recruiter_id=16509429
Linda Reinstein
ADAO newsletter: http://visitor.constantcontact.com/manage/optin?v=0012iKnLLe-neLqk43O-NuvXitT2-pTWD2e Chrysotile Asbestos Fact Sheet: http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/eLibrary/Educational_Materials/EIA_ADAO_ChrysotileFactSheet.pdf U.S. Surgeon General’s statement http://www.surgeongeneral.gov/news/pressreleases/pr20090401.html http://www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org/eLibrary/PressReleases/APHAResolution11.10.09.pdf
NEW
New support group for asbestos victims in the North East & Cumbria A new organisation is being launched to provide support and advice to victims of asbestos and their families in the Northern Region. The Northern Asbestos Support & Campaign Group will be launched on Worker's Memorial Day on April 28, 2010. http://www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/tuc-17881-f0.cfm
Independent Auditing
Chapter 4 of HSG247 states: Auditing 4.39 Training courses should be audited in some way to establish that they meet the course criteria set out in this guidance and that the syllabi have been delivered effectively.’ In order to comply with this obligation of HSG247 and the requirement of the HSE website to ‘demonstrate compliance with these standards’, all asbestos training providers listed with IATP have signed a statement declaring that independent external audits are carried out on their training courses. In addition to this, the site lists when the last satisfactory audit was completed for each asbestos training provider, and which organisation conducted the audit.
Disclaimer
The Independent Training News is published by IATP. Reproduction of any item may only be undertaken with prior agreement from IATP. Contributions included within the newsletter are at the sole discretion of IATP Published editorials are the opinions of the authors and are not necessarily those of IATP
PO BOX 180, CREECH ST MICHAEL, TAUNTON, SOMERSET, TA1 9GX. E: iatp@live.co.uk E: christine@iatp.org.uk W: www.iatp.org.uk 0800 211 8498
80Twenty Projects Limited T: 0800 043 8020 E: enquiries@8020projects.co.uk W: www.8020projects.co.uk
Environmental Essentials T: 0845 4569953 E: jriley@environmentalessentials.co.uk W: www.environmentalessentials.co.uk
AASH Training Limited T: 0141 771 0402 E: aashtraining@btconnect.com W: www.aashtrainingltd.co.uk
1st Fire Coral Ltd T: 01179 140498 E: admin@firecoral.co.uk W: www.firecoral.co.uk
aaa training company limited T: 01787 313137 E: aaatrainingcoltd@aol.com W: www.aaa-training.com
FJN
ABP Associates Limited T: 02380 866888 E: info@abp.uk.com W: www.abp.uk.com Artisan Surveyors Limited T: 02380 982598 E: office@artisansurveyors.co.uk W: www.artisansurveyors.co.uk Assure Training T: 07709 496903 E: nick.garland@assurerm.co.uk W: www.assurerm.co.uk Award Health and Safety Limited T: 0845 2573158 E: info@awardhealthandsafety.co.uk W: www.awardhealthandsafety.co.uk Bainbridge Asbestos Services T: 01604 588547 E: stephenbainbridge@yahoo.co.uk BRE Group T: 01276 677149 E: AllderS@bre.co.uk W: www.bre.co.uk Brian Gill & Company T: 01379 674273 E: briangillco@aol.com Chorus Group Limited T: 020 8275 0000 E: Maurice.burton@chorusgroup.co.uk W: www.chorusgroup.co.uk cnm training solutions limited T: 01325 401876 E: train@cnmtraining.co.uk W: www.cnmtraining.co.uk CWE Training Limited T: 0845 8387107 E: info@cwetraining.co.uk W: www.cwetraining.co.uk DMW Environmental Safety Limited T: 01902 791565 E: info@dmwsafety.co.uk W: www.dmwsafety.co.uk
FJN Environmental Consultants T: 01773 875770 E: fjnconsultants@ntlworld.com G & L Consultancy Limitd T: 01823 443898 E: mark.skinner@gnl.org.uk W: www.gnl.org.uk GMPSSC E: brian@gmpssc.co.uk Howard Hughes Solutions Limited T: 0845 8647322 E: chughes@hhsltd.co.uk W: www.hhsltd.co.uk JB Asbestos Management Limited T: 01606 841805 E: jeff@jb-asman.co.uk W: www.jb-asman-training.co.uk MacBrac Business Safety T: 01952 456494 E: info@macbrac.com NATAS T: 08707 511880 E: info@natas.co.uk W: www.natas.co.uk Pattinson Scientific Services Limited T: 0191 2261300 E: enquires@pattinsonscientific.com Safety Advisory Services Limited T: 01270 584552 E: services@sas-ltd.co.uk W: www.sas-ltd.co.uk Three Spires Safety Limited T: 02476 712244 E: rob@threespires-safety.co.uk W: www.threespires-safety.co.uk UK Asbestos Specialists Limited T: 0800 6122035 E: info@ukasl.co.uk W: www.ukasl.co.uk XL Hazmat Ltd T: 07515 336124 E: enquires@xlhazmat.co.uk W: www.xlhazmat.co.uk
PO BOX 180, CREECH ST MICHAEL, TAUNTON, SOMERSET, TA1 9GX. E: iatp@live.co.uk E: christine@iatp.org.uk W: www.iatp.org.uk 0800 211 8498