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The draft guidance on safety in the decontamination unit contains solid directions, but the Asbestos Network’s remit stops at gas and electrical safety.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.

Relicensing, and the importance of external audits

Any healthy auditing system should comprise a balance of internal and external audits, but with a limited budget, the HSE is increasingly reliant on audit evidence to back up its electronic licensing system. We look at the importance of audits, and the need for more quality independents to enter the fray.

The Contamination Expo, and the long road to events as normal

We were looking forward to the Contamination Expo, and Nick giving his talk on the four-hour time-weighted average, but Covid had other plans. Here’s our roundup, with another chance to see the virtual presentation.

Events – Update Autumn 2021

Covid-19 is still with us, but with few restrictions in place, most in-person events are back.

“It’s only an asbestos enclosure” – why temporary works are a problem

Everything a licensed asbestos contractor builds or installs comes under the temporary works guidance, but there’s little understanding of what this means in practice. Nick Garland explains how to keep within the rules.

Probing the subtleties of the new Analysts’ Guide

We’ve already covered many of the big changes in the HSE’s updated Analysts’ Guide, but look long enough and you’ll spot other, subtle changes with surprisingly big effects. Nick Garland continues his analysis.

The four-hour time-weighted average – a deeper dive

Anyone who’s worked out a four-hour time-weighted average will know they can be confusing. Nick Garland has more help on calculating them, and explains why we’re making Assure360 do it all for you.

Stay safer with Assure Incident 2.0

Construction is a dangerous business, but accidents rarely come entirely without warning. The trick is to identify the trends and blind spots that precede them, and act before someone gets hurt. Here’s how Assure360 can help.