Welcome to our July 2010 newsletter from Environmental Essentials.

This Month

	Internal News
	Environmental Essentials Services
	Topic of the Month
	Diary: Open Asbestos Awareness Training
	Diary: Duty to Manage Training
	Diary: Open Non-Licenses Working Training
	News: Free tests help shoppers to breathe easier
	News: Britain's occupational cancer burden

Our Mission

It is our intention to provide accurate workplace solutions and impartial advice whilst maintaining an uncompromising level of quality and Commitment that is second to none

UKAS Accredited Surveys

All our surveying services are fully UKAS accredited and are carried out to the highest standards, providing you with a cost-effective and efficient service. Find Out More

Asbestos Removal

Our experienced consultants provide a comprehensive management service Find Out More

Free Asbestos Seminars

During 2008 and 2009 EE have delivered FREE monthly seminars for Duty Holders and contracting organizations throughout the UK. Find Out More

Other Training

IOSHH Working Safely (1 day course)
IOSHH Managing Safely (4 day course) Confined space entry/egress and breathing apparatus (1 day)

Internal News

Environmental Essentials are proud to announce that our UKAS review which was undertaken last month was passed with flying colours!

Environmental Essentials Services

In light of this audit it seems appropriate to update our subscribers and summarise EEL services:

EEL currently holds UKAS accreditation under ISO/IEC 17020 for conducting Asbestos Management and Refurbishment/Demolition Surveys in accordance with HSE guidance HSG 264.

Asbestos Surveys and Registers

A key stage in managing asbestos is to identify the location, type, condition and extent of any Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs). This can be achieved by conducting an asbestos survey. The survey should be in accordance with HSE guidance note HSG 264 which describes two types:

• Management Survey – A Standard Survey. It’s purpose is to locate as far as reasonably practicable, the presence and extent of any suspect ACM’s in the building which could be damaged or disturbed during normal occupancy, including foreseeable maintenance and installation, and to assess their condition.

• Refurbishment and Demolition Survey – A refurbishment and demolition survey is needed before any refurbishment or demolition work is carried out. This survey is used to locate and describe, as far as reasonably practicable, all ACMs in the area where the refurbishment work will take place or in the whole building if demolition is planned. The survey will be fully intrusive and involve destructive inspection, as necessary, to gain access to all areas, including those that may be difficult to reach. A refurbishment and demolition survey may also be required in other circumstances, eg when more intrusive maintenance and repair work will be carried out or for plant removal and dismantling.

• Re-inspections - Environmental Essentials can re-inspect any previously surveyed property and update the information, whether held electronically or as a hard copy. We will discuss your requirements and identify the frequency of visits and checks. Where necessary, we can handle discussions with the HSE on your behalf.

Asbestos Software

For a demonstration of the system please follow the below instructions:

• Log on to the internet and access our web-site www.environmentalessentials.co.uk
• Click on Client Login
• Username: DEMO
• Password: 194137
• Scroll down to: Reports
• Enter Chapel Street into building search box
• Select: Chapel Street Depot – you can now view the pdf or access the live asbestos register / non-asbestos register / plans
• Please note: If your firewall prevents access to this site please contact your IT department to allow communication on port 8080

Asbestos Air Monitoring and Four Stage Clearance

Environmental Essentials offers a full compliance monitoring service with detailed procedures to ensure that asbestos removal contractors are operating in line with regulatory requirements and their method statement.

Asbestos testing is conducted in accordance with HSG 248 and our in-house procedures. Documented evidence, which provides a full audit trail for the works, is maintained throughout the duration of the project.

• Compliance monitoring
• Background sampling
• Leak (enclosure check) sampling
• Clearance Indicator sampling
• Reassurance sampling
• Assessment of the suitability of respirator protection

Asbestos Consultancy & Project Management

We offer our clients a complete service for dealing with asbestos and its related issues including:

• Advising on the requirements for surveys, management systems and plans
• Providing advice on the most efficient method of managing asbestos in properties or portfolios
• Guidance on the preparation of control measures and the implementation of asbestos management procedures - a service that allows you to budget sensibly for future asbestos works while fulfilling your duty of care to staff and public
• Preparation of Scope of Works and Specifications on your behalf as part of the tender process
• Evaluation of contractor’s tender submissions and Method Statements

Asbestos Training

As IATP (Independent Asbestos Training Providers) registered members we can provide various training courses to assist in your compliance with Regulation 10 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006 which states Employers are required to ensure that employees who could foreseeably be exposed to asbestos products during their routine activities have appropriate skills and knowledge.

Courses include:

• Asbestos Awareness Training – This is mandatory for any employee “who are liable to come into contact with asbestos in the course of their work” (Reg 10, Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006). The course can be tailored to meet the requirements of Tradesmen, Managers, Directors and Contractors.
• Duty to Manage/P405 Training – This is mandatory for any “Duty Holder” as per Regulation 4 (CAR 2006).
• Non Licensed Work Training – This is mandatory for any maintenance workers or tradesman who may be required to carry out non-licensed works on asbestos containing materials.

Other services EEL provide include:

• Asbestos Management Plans & Policies
• Asbestos Tender Scope & Specification
• Asbestos Bulk Sampling & Analysis
• Air Monitoring and Four Stage Clearances
• Desktop Study
• Expert Witness

Topic of the Month

Blood test which could detect lung cancer earlier

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) welcomes news that a simple blood test to detect cancer five years earlier than is possible with existing tests has been developed by scientists at the University of Nottingham.

The pioneering test, which would save thousands of lives every year, has major implications for early detection of some of the most serious forms of cancer including; the lung, breast, ¬ovaries, colon and prostate cancer.

Lung cancer is the second most common cancer diagnosed in the UK after breast cancer, affecting almost 40,000 people each year. It is the most common cause of cancer deaths in Britain, killing almost 36,000 a year.

This new technique replicates the cancer proteins that trigger the body's response to the disease, as well as robotic technology to measure the response.

It is the first test to accurately identify signals sent out by the immune system as a cancer germinates. Research shows the test, using 10ml of blood, can detect signals five years before a tumour would be spotted by current methods such mammography and CT scans. Doctors can get the results back within a week, meaning they can intervene at the earliest possible moment.

Asbestos Seminars - HSG 264 Asbestos The Surveyors Guide

As detailed in previous newsletters, following the release of HSG 264 Asbestos The Surveyors Guide, which replaced the MDHS 100 on 29th January 2010 Environmental Essentials are running a series of seminars to provide a general overview of the requirements of this guidance, with particular reference to the duties placed on the Client. 29th July - Ramada, York 26th August - Crabwall Manor Hotel, Chester 30th September - Nottingham venue to be confirmed EEL’s Seminars cost just £35.25 per person and include refreshments. If you would like to book your place(s) or would like further information please contact Rosie on 0845 4569953 or email rgreer@environmentalessenitals.co.uk.

Seminar Itinerary

• 09.30 Arrive for coffee and registration
• 09.45 HSG 264 Seminar
• Why we Manage Asbestos: Christopher Jordan’s Story
• Background
• What is HSG 264? Why change from MDHS 100 to HSG 264?
• Duty to Manage
• HSG 264 – The Main Features
• Choosing a Competent Asbestos Surveyor
• 11.00 Coffee Break
• Planning your Asbestos Survey
• Management & Refurbishment / Demolition Surveys
• The Social Housing Sector and Asbestos
• Conducting the Asbestos Survey
• The Asbestos Survey Report
• Using the Report Effectively
• Questions…
• 13.00 Buffet Lunch

Who should attend?

These seminars are a must for duty holders & anyone who is responsible for asbestos management within their portfolio.

*Places will be limited to 50 and will be on a first come first served basis!

Diary of Events

Open Asbestos Awareness Training

Dates: 19 ^th July, 12^th August and 2^nd September 2010

Who should attend? ‘All employees whose work could anticipate exposure to asbestos' (Reg.10 - Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006), this course is aimed at all delegates from company directors, managers and supervisors to tradesmen, engineers and contractors. Places are charged at just £75.00 + vat per person and includes refreshments.

Duty to Manage Training

Dates: 12^th / 13^th July and 20^th /21^st September 2010

Designed for those with ‘duty to manage’ responsibilities for asbestos management within the workplace and specifically for duty-holders under Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The course provides comprehensive information on how to assess whether premises contain asbestos, how to assess the risks from asbestos and how to manage those risks. Places are charged at a reduced rate of £245.00 + Vat (Usually £295.00 + Vat) per person and includes refreshments and lunch.

Further dates are scheduled

Open Non Licence Working Training (category 2 training)

Dates: 8^th July, 18^th August and 17^th September 2010

Who should attend? Anyone who may be required to undertake minor work on ACMs during their working day. Aimed at personnel such as roofing contractors, demolition workers and general maintenance staff. Places are charged at just £150.00 + vat per person and includes refreshments.

For a full list of future course dates please click here.

For a bespoke quote for your company for any training please contact Liz on 0845 4569953 or email ladams@environmentalessentials.co.uk

News :

Free tests help shoppers to breathe easier
The Sentinel Thursday 10th June 2010

MORE than 150 shoppers took the opportunity for a free lung function test at a shopping centre.

The event was organised by charity Breath of Life and the Respiratory Department of the University Hospital of North Staffordshire.

Breath of Life spokesman Jon McVey said: "A lot of shoppers wandered by and took the tests as a sensible health precaution and to know that their lungs are performing well.

"Many other people had come specially to the event because they had concerns about their breathing often following a history of smoking, because they had worked in very dusty conditions or with asbestos or simply because they were breathless."

"Most were reassured their lung function was good. The investigations did identify a few people who needed further investigation and a doctor was on hand to talk about their anxieties and explain what further steps they should take."

The tests were staged at the Potteries Shopping Centre in Hanley.

Britain's occupational cancer burden

The burden of occupational cancer specifically on Great Britain has been determined for the first time.

A research project funded by the HSE aimed to produce an updated estimate of the current situation. The primary measure of the burden of cancer used in the project was the proportion of cases that would not have occurred in the absence of exposure (known as the attributable fraction, AF). This was then used to estimate the attributable numbers.

Estimation was carried out for occupational exposures classified by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) as group 1 (established) and 2A (probable) carcinogens.

Among the most significant findings were the following:

• 5.3 per cent (8023) of cancer deaths were attributable to occupation in 2005

• Asbestos, shift work, mineral oils, solar radiation, silica, diesel-engine exhaust, coal tars and pitches, occupation as a painter or welder, dioxins, environmental tobacco smoke, radon, tetrachloroethylene, arsenic and strong inorganic mists each contribute more than 100 registrations

• Industries/occupations with high cancer registrations include construction, metal-working, personal/household services, mining, land transport, printing/publishing, retail/hotels/restaurants, public administration/ defence, farming and several manufacturing sectors

• 56 per cent of cancer registrations in men are attributable to work in the construction industry (mainly mesotheliomas, lung, bladder and non-melanoma skin cancers), and 54 per cent of cancer registrations in women are attributable to shift work (breast cancer)

The HSE points out that owing to several sources of uncertainty in the estimates, including exclusion of other potential carcinogenic agents, inaccurate or approximate data and methodological issues, the estimates are likely to be conservative.

The full report can be viewed at www.hse.gov.uk/research/rrhtm/rr800.htm

Post-2010 asbestos bill could set councils back £436 million

Councils will face a £436 million bill to remove asbestos after the government’s 2010 decent homes deadline passes, new figures reveal.

Research for the Communities and Local Government department predicts that almost 70,000 homes will need work to remove the potentially deadly insulating material.

The cost of dealing with asbestos in each property is likely to be £6,250. Most of the affected homes were built between 1945 and 1964 or are of a ‘non-traditional’ type according to the Review of the major repairs allowance report.

The lion’s share of properties which fall below the decency standard in 2010 will be those that are most difficult to refurbish, the study adds. This is because landlords have put homes in need of most work at the back of the queue.

‘Although the Communities and Local Government is expecting only around 5 per cent of homes to be non-decent by 2010, a disproportionate number of these are likely to be problematic in this and other respects,’ the report states. Homes containing asbestos fall into this difficult category, it adds.

The researchers assumed that 10 per cent of all property types likely to contain asbestos remain untreated.

Gwyneth Taylor, policy director at the National Federation of Arm’s-Length Management Organisations, agreed that properties costly to refurbish were left to the end of decent homes programmes. Landlords had to balance whether it would be better to demolish and replace such properties, she added.

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