News

23 Mar - Asbestos critic was “pursuing a vendetta” against HSE

Tuesday, 23 Mar 2010

The High Court has struck out a claim for slander brought by a high-profile asbestos surveyor against the HSE. The claim related to alleged remarks made by an HSE inspector against Professor John Bridle, of Asbestos Watchdog, during an inspection at the University of Wales Lampeter in 2008. The inspector… Read more

26 Feb - Right to damages for pleural plaques ruled out

Friday, 26 Feb 2010

People with pleural plaques – small, symptomless areas of fibrosis found in the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos – will not be able to claim compensation, the Government confirmed today (25 February). A Law Lords’ ruling in October 2007, which upheld a Court of Appeal judgement that the existence… Read more

22 Feb - Asbestos danger 'in many schools'

Monday, 22 Feb 2010

Some British schools are not meeting a legal duty to protect their pupils from potentially deadly asbestos, a snapshot survey of 16 schools suggests. The report by the Asbestos Training and Consultancy Association said none of the 16 schools was meeting health and safety rules on managing the substance. Teaching… Read more

18 Feb - Fire at Maldon heating firm raises asbestos fears

Thursday, 18 Feb 2010

A fire in a warehouse building containing heating equipment in Essex has raised fears of asbestos being released in to the surrounding area. Police are advising residents living close to the building in Galliford Road in Maldon to keep their windows closed. Inflammable gas canisters are believed to be on… Read more

15 Feb - Boy falls through asbestos roof in Birmingham

Monday, 15 Feb 2010

A teenage boy was taken to hospital after falling at least 4.6m (15ft) through an asbestos roof in Birmingham. Emergency services had to force their way into the disused building in Bristol Road, Selly Oak, on Saturday. A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokeswoman said the injured 15-year-old was inside the… Read more

12 Feb - Pavilion closed over asbestos scare

Friday, 12 Feb 2010

Safety officials in Denbighshire have closed the Corwen Pavilion after concerns over asbestos. Denbighshire council, which owns the site, said it took the step after a leak in a heating duct. The described the move as a precautionary measure while investigations take place. The pavilion is a popular venue for… Read more

1 Feb - Asbestos: The survey guide

Monday, 1 Feb 2010

This heavily illustrated publication replaces and expands on MDHS100, Surveying, sampling and assessment of asbestos-containing materials. It is aimed at people carrying out asbestos surveys and people with specific responsibilities for managing asbestos in non-domestic premises under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2006. The book covers competence and quality assurance… Read more

1 Feb - A Birmingham factory is ruined in a 'suspicious' fire

Monday, 1 Feb 2010

An asbestos-roofed factory in Birmingham has been almost completely destroyed in a "suspicious" fire. Fire crews were called to Rea Street in Digbeth at 0825 GMT, where they found the 40m (131ft) by 25m (82ft) fabrics factory fully ablaze. Surrounding streets have been closed and are not likely to reopen… Read more

28 Jan - Bristol landlord fined for asbestos exposure

Thursday, 28 Jan 2010

A Bristol-based company has been fined for putting its workers at risk of asbestos-related diseases while working on a property in the city. Frank Bruce and Company Ltd, of St George, Bristol pleaded guilty at Bristol Magistrates in relation to refurbishment work at Lawrence Hill Industrial Park in the city… Read more

26 Jan - ASBESTOS RISK: THE SINGLE BIGGEST CAUSE OF WORK-RELATED DEATHS

Tuesday, 26 Jan 2010

Tragically asbestos remains the single biggest cause of work-related deaths in the UK. The risk may be alive but more than 4,000 people continue to die each year from asbestos-related diseases¹. And that number, according to Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is predicted to increase to peak around 2016. The… Read more