Asbestos in soils courses showcased at SHE in June

17 May 2017

Asbestos Association set to see SHE focus on soil in 2017

The UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) will use its fourth attendance at the Safety and Health EXPO (SHE) held at ExCeL in London from 20-22 June 2017 to turn the spotlight on Asbestos in Soils. Visitors to stand S165 will be able to learn about the launch of two major new courses on Asbestos in Soils; an area of growing significance in a world focused on the development of brownfield land.

Delegates will also be informed of the Association’s plans for the 2017 Train Safe, Work Safe, Keep Safe campaign (1 September–31 October), which provides free asbestos training for those who most need it but the asbestos in soils courses will dominate the agenda, with so many unaware of the significance.

“The message on Asbestos in Soils will unearth surprises for many,” said Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA. “As brownfield development is targeted to resolve the UK housing crisis, two new UKATA courses will ensure safety in line with all relevant health and safety legislation. Traditionally seen as an airborne hazard, only now is Asbestos in Soils beginning to be treated seriously.”

The SHE Expo, organised by UBM EMEA, is the leading annual exhibition for the Health and Safety industry, run with the support of IOSH, RoSPA and the BSIF. This year, the line-up of inspirational speakers includes rock star physicist Professor Brian Cox OBE; double Olympic gold medallist, Dame Kelly Holmes; and Falklands War veteran, Simon Weston OBE. These three keynotes will take place in addition to over 60 dedicated health and safety sessions and educational programmes and the natural place to discuss asbestos safety.

“As part of UKATA’s educational mission, SHE remains an important date in our calendar,” added Craig. “Land remediation has been on the radar for some time, and cases have already come to court. Soil composition, moisture content, weather and land use all need to be considered when assessing the risk of asbestos fibre release and training is going to be essential when confronting this hidden killer.”

With government committed to building a million new homes by 2020; the two new courses from UKATA reflect emerging reality. While full details can be found here, the courses will assist employers in meeting legal obligations; highlight how to avoid risks from Asbestos Containing Materials (ACMs) in soil, provide an understanding of actions to be taken in the event notifiable and/or non-notifiable ACMs are identified and explains the procedures to be implemented in the event of on-site ACM escaping control.

“For those with understandably furrowed brows when it comes to Asbestos in Soils and made ground, these courses deliver an answer,” added Craig. “Around 5,000 people die every year in the UK as a result of breathing in asbestos fibres and no one wants to see these figures increase as we embark upon significant land remediation projects across the country. SHE is the place to start to deliver the message.”

UKATA exists to set and verify standards and to emphasise the importance of best practice in training when it comes to the safe handling, removal and disposal of asbestos. Tasked by the HSE in 2008 for taking-on, managing and developing the list of training providers for licensed asbestos work in the UK, UKATA is now the leading authority in all levels of asbestos training in the UK. A full list of Training Providers can be found by visiting:  http://www.ukata.org.uk/training-provider-directory/

About the keynotes:

Dame Kelly Holmes, presenting 20th June, 11.30 – 12.30 and joining a panel debate 12.30 – 13.15 is best known for her success in the 2004 Olympics, where she won two golds and became only the second woman in history to claim the 800m and 1500m titles for British athletics. Prior to her success on the track she served almost 10 years in the military and was awarded an MBE for her services to the British Army. What many people may not know is that she has also battled with depression, and at Safety & Health Expo, following her keynote speech, Dame Kelly has agreed to share her struggles on the show’s mental health panel discussion. This will immediately follow her speech on ‘having the passion, compassion and courage to succeed’ on 20^th June.

Professor Brian Cox OBE, presenting 21st June, 11.30 – 12.30 is one of UKs most famous (and dare say favourite) physicists, having made the world of science so engaging and accessible to the masses. He has played a key part in the ATLAS and CERN Large Hadron Collider projects, whilst still finding time to take part in TV programmes such as ‘Wonders of the Universe’ and ‘Wonders of the Solar System’, which have been viewed around the world by millions. Many will also know him from his keyboard-playing days in ‘D:Ream, the pop band behind the 90’s hit single, ‘Things Can Only Get Better’. Professor Cox will be ‘Exploring the Universe’ with us on 21^st June.

Simon Weston CBE, presenting 22nd June, 11.30 – 12.30 was aboard HMS Sir Galahad with the Welsh guard regiment when it was bombed by Argentinean planes during the Falklands War. The horrific burns he suffered required a series of operations that continue to this day. Despite his injuries and the physical and mental suffering, Simon’s life is an example of great personal triumph and courage. He is a true role model for positive mental attitude and overcoming hardship. Simon will share his very personal story about ‘turning adversity into opportunity’ on 22^nd June.

Safety & Health Expo is part of UBM EMEA’s Protection & Management Series, the UK’s largest event dedicated to protecting and managing property, people and information. The series incorporates major events Safety & Health Expo, Professional Clothing Show, IFSEC International, FIREX International, Facilities Show and Service Management Expo, which attract more than 45,000 attendees annually over three days to ExCeL London, with 1,600 suppliers showcasing their latest products, and 150 hours of seminars, workshops and keynote speeches.

To register to attend Safety & Health Expo and hear from these incredible speakers, plus much more, please click here.

For further information on UKATA, visit www.ukata.org.ukor call 01246 824 437.