The HSE stays firm on the control limit

The UK isn’t lowering its control limit to match the EU’s occupational exposure limit. Nick Garland explains why, with the EU tightening its ship, the HSE’s decision raises questions.

The value of the FAAM conference

Nick Garland reflects on three speakers at the FAAM Conference, and how what they’re seeing in the figures might paint a concerning picture of the way we understand asbestos risk.

Why use Assure360?

What makes Assure360 different from other asbestos-removal solutions? Nick Garland explains why nearly a quarter of the industry has already made the switch.

Planning for effective enclosure air management

Airflow management in the enclosure is still causing head scratching among some professionals, but it’s a critical part of controlling risk. Nick Garland explains how our new, free spreadsheet tool can help.

An update from the Technical Working Group

The Asbestos Network’s Technical Working Group has met for the first time this year. Nick Garland has an update on the guidance it’s considering for review.

Returning to the HSE’s HAVS calculator

Last year the Health and Safety Executive re-released their helpful hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) calculator. Since then, despite new guidance, writes Nick Garland, it’s still best used with caution.

The HSE consults on the Control of Asbestos Regs

The Health and Safety Executive has launched a major consultation on the Control of Asbestos Regulations. In a joint article, Nick Garland and Jonathan Grant examine the proposals.

Why supervisors love Assure360 Paperless

We use our own software every day, but what do our customers think of it? Nick Garland asks supervisors what it’s like to use the Assure360 Paperless app.

Asbestos in the water – an infrastructure timebomb?

It’s a little-known fact that many of the world’s drinking water pipes were made from asbestos, and many are still in use. As Nick Garland explains, these ageing pipes could now present a major hidden health risk.

Enclosure airflow – the tests we do, and the ones we should be doing

With a focus on measuring airflow, using tests that are at best inconsistent, HSE inspectors could be helping push LARCs down an unhelpful rabbit hole. Nick Garland looks at what we should be measuring to ensure enclosures do their job.

FAAM Conference 2025 – new dates, same quality

This year’s FAAM Conference moved from its customary autumnal slot to new dates in spring. That didn’t stop it being a truly brilliant event, as Nick Garland explains.

Leak testing is back on the menu!

Why did we stop leak testing? The guidance hasn’t changed, and yet tests have become the preserve of nuclear sites and only the best-run NHS trusts. Nick Garland looks at what happened, and what the HSE is doing about it.