Asbestos, construction and safety events calendar

Our events list highlights the best industry events for asbestos and construction safety professionals taking place in the next 12 months.

Positive changes to improve personal safety in the DCU

Colette Willoughby’s powerful talk on the safety of female analysts stunned many of us who heard it. I’m pleased to see that it continues to make an impact, and that our industry is beginning to make the changes that our female colleagues demand and deserve.

The Work and Pensions Committee asbestos report: five key recommendations

The Work and Pensions Committee has published its report on how the HSE manages asbestos in the UK. It’s full of well-balanced recommendations - here we look at the details, and focus in on five recommendations that could transform UK asbestos management for the better.

The HSE’s new risk assessment guidance, and where it misses the point

The HSE is issuing new guidance on risk assessments. But the current text seems to be missing the point about what they’re for, and how to translate them into safe working environments. Read our analysis.

Nominations open for the FAAM Committee

The Faculty of Asbestos Assessment and Management (FAAM) recently decided to expand its Faculty committee with the addition of five new members. Nick Garland reminds us what FAAM does, what the committee’s role is, and why he’s honoured to have been put forward for election.

The European Asbestos Forum (EAF) conference returns

Later this year, the European Asbestos Forum (EAF) conference returns after a Covid-enforced hiatus. As Nick Garland explains, it’s a welcome return for this unmissable event.

When to visual in the four-stage clearance

The Analysts’ Guide clearly states that analysts shouldn’t enter a ‘live’ enclosure, but this sensible instruction is leading to misunderstandings with big cost and program repercussions. While it may seem confusing on the surface, Nick Garland explains what it actually says, and why.

A look ahead to 2022

It’s a new year and, hopefully, one in which we’ll finally learn to master the pandemic. With the promise of things returning closer to normal, here’s what we’re looking forward to in 2022.

There’s more to DCU safety than gas and electrics

The draft guidance on safety in the decontamination unit contains solid directions, but the Asbestos Network’s remit stops at gas and electrical safety. While we’ve got the opportunity, shouldn’t we be adding guidance relating to other issues such as personal safety?

Female analysts and four-stage clearance testing – the need for change

Does the asbestos industry have a problem with women? Colette Willoughby’s FAAM talk was a powerful and - frankly - shaming indictment of the everyday sexism and serious incidents that still happen today.

FAAM conference review – useful, compelling, and more thought-provoking than ever

Despite running virtually for the second year running, the FAAM asbestos conference managed to reach new highs - and uncover new lows. Immensely interesting, thought-provoking - and ultimately disturbing - we look at the highlights.

FAAM conference preview – don’t miss it!

This year’s FAAM Conference will - like last year - be fully virtual. But with a two-day programme bristling with quality speakers, it’s still unmissable. Here, Nick picks out his highlights.