Asbestos Knowledge Empire

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the ever so increasing casual approach to asbestos risk and asbestos management.

In this episode Neil and Ian announce their FREE Asbestos Management Training available at  https://www.acorn-as.com/asbestos-management/ . This training is for anyone who works in and around asbestos at their sites and for anyone who has to manage asbestos.  The training includes information on: Desktop study Surveys Assess the risk Asbestos Management Plans Action Plan & Asbestos Works Asbestos...

In this episode Neil and Ian talk through some of the basic points that should be included in an asbestos surveyor's plan of works.

In this episode Neil and Ian talk about some of the weird locations and uses of asbestos that they've encountered over the years.

In this episode Neil and Ian provide some tips on how you should be planning your next asbestos refurbishment survey.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the underlying issues which may be present with asbestos surveying companies and asbestos removal companies that are under one roof.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the problems and issues surrounding the removal of asbestos floor coverings.   There are a number of different asbestos floor coverings some include: Vinyl, Thermoplastic, Paper backed linoleum, Screeds, Bitumen, Adhesives, Damp proofing on floors.  Some of the key issues include: Modern coverings over the top / layers and layers stuck on top of the asbestos fl...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss what do you do if you don't have the budget to sort out your asbestos. Briefly you'll need to Assess the risk first Can you isolate the asbestos are / lock off areas. Prevent people getting near to the asbestos Put procedure in place the control access and works. No go and permit to work areas. Put a plan in budget for next year Get an asbestos consultant on bo...

In this episode Neil and Ian talk about asbestos inspections in confined spaces. A confined space is a place which is substantially enclosed (though not always entirely), and where serious injury can occur from hazardous substances or conditions within the space or nearby (e.g. lack of oxygen). Some examples of confined spaces include: Boiler rooms, Ducts, Under Croft's, Silos, Basements / Cellars...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the 3 important things that highlight you may have the wrong asbestos consultant on board. You may have the wrong asbestos consultant if... You have to babysit them They've got their own interest at heart They don't know you or your systems

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss what do you do if you don't have the budget to sort out your asbestos problems? If you haven't got the budget, here's some points to consider: Assess the risk Can you lock off / isolate the areas Restrict all access and permit to work areas Plan removal / remedials in budget for next year Get an asbestos consultant on board early to help in managing ongoing Und...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the 3 things you need to know that highlight you've hired the wrong asbestos consultants. You may have hired the wrong asbestos consultant if… You have to babysit them They've got their own interest at heart They don't know your systems

In this episode, Neil and Ian interview Cassandra Fernandez who is a Senior Hazardous Materials Consultant based in Sydney Australia. Cassandra shares here views and experiences surrounding the asbestos industry in Australia.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the requirements surrounding non asbestos trades entering asbestos enclosures. From time to time there may be a requirement for other trades to enter asbestos enclosures to complete works. This could be in an emergency to or to repair services to enable the asbestos works to be completed. These trades will be required to be satisfactory competency to complete t...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss how you can take advantage of the potential slow down face by the corona virus.

In this week's episode, Neil and Ian answer the question... Can the protective equipment you use for asbestos works be used for Coronavirus? And the answer is no, but why to be use the equipment we use with asbestos. In summary they cover: Under the law, RPE is the last line of protection. HSG53 Respiratory protective equipment at work specifies Employers have a legal responsibility under all the...

Nick Garland: Neil & Ian Interview asbestos and health & safety expert Nick Garland. With nearly thirty years' experience under his belt, Nick provides health and safety management advice, asbestos audit, expert witness testimony, competence and compliance systems to the asbestos and construction industry. He holds a post graduate degree in health, safety and environmental management from Portsmou...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of thinking about asbestos first before purchasing a property. Asbestos should be top of your due diligence list whenever considering the purchase of a property. This will not only help you consider if the property is fit for your use, but could also save you thousands if identified at the right stage of the process. Find out what you need to kno...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the issues surrounding asbestos works which involve working in hot environments. Hot working Examples: Boiler rooms, ducts and confined spaces, Attics in summer, Working outside in summer e.g. polyethene enclosures next to glazing, Issues around enclosures failing (falling down) Additional hot risks within:  steam pipes, heating pipes which also bring a risk of...

To mark the 50th episode, Neil and Ian look at some of the key points from the last 50 episodes. Covering all the key elements of asbestos management. Highlight episodes include: Asbestos Emergencies - What to do Specifications for asbestos removal works, what's the point? How do you get the right asbestos contractor? How do you get the right asbestos surveyor? Asbestos Management Surveys Asbestos...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss is PVA a suitable material to use as an encapsulant? What is PVA? Polyvinyl Acetate - best known as wood glue, white glue, carpenter's glue, school glue. A number of microorganisms can degrade polyvinyl acetate. Most commonly, damage is caused by filamentous fungi—however algae, yeasts, lichens, and bacteria can also degrade polyvinyl acetate. Find out the reas...

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss points surrounding the risks and highlight points to consider when undertaking asbestos removal works within lofts. Points to consider: Occupants below Decanting during the works or for longer periods, issues the client faces for rehousing office workers Risks carrying out the work Working tethers Fall arrest systems Restrictions in gaining access e.g. if the t...

In this episode Neil and Ian talk through the information required between the asbestos surveyor and Client. Covering: Information the surveyor needs from the client Details of buildings or parts of buildings to be surveyed and survey type(s). Details of building(s) use, processes, hazards, priority areas. Plans, documents, reports and surveys on design, structure and construction. Safety and secu...

In today's episode Neil and Ian talk through the asbestos management journey. If you're a Property Manager or Duty Holder who needs to get a grip of your asbestos, this is the episode for you. The principles of the asbestos management journey covered: Desktop Surveys Assess Risk Management Plan Actions Inspect & Review This episode has been filmed and is available on Youtube.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the current issue surrounding Brexit related to the asbestos industry. With the slowdown in the economy they've identified that some clients are holding off sending money on sorting out their asbestos problems.