The UKATA sponsored 'Asbestos the Truth 2012' event held in Birmingham in November provided up to date information on various asbestos related issues.

Last Updated on December 5, 2012 by

Further to our article, dated 22^nd October 2012, describing the UKATA sponsored ‘Asbestos the Truth 2012’ event, attendees have described it as a great success. The asbestos related event was held on 8^th November 2012 at the MacDonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham with attendees of both duty holders and industry professionals. The presentations were given by experts on asbestos in schools, social housing, ships, asbestos abatement, claim resolution and other asbestos related topics.

Opening the presentations was Michael Lee’s poignant look at the management of asbestos in UK schools. This is particularly important due to the Campaign for Asbestos in Welsh Schools (CAWS) heightened lobbying after a serious asbestos scare in a Welsh School.  Mr. Lee’s critically questioned whether asbestos can be effectively managed in schools, arguing that the Government should set a programme for the phased removal of all asbestos with a priority to those schools where asbestos is the most damaged.

Sarah Scott from Livin Housing then discussed the difficulties in managing asbestos in tenanted properties, highlighting Livin’s policy of sharing asbestos reports and management information with their tenants in order to educate, raise awareness and induce peace of mind. Phil Rozier from Lucion then illustrated the naivety of ship owners whom believe their vessels to be “asbestos free” when in reality they have purchased parts from around the world, most commonly in countries still using asbestos.

Journalist and photographer Neil Hodge presented insights into his ongoing documentary on international exposure to asbestos, highlighting cases of mesothelioma closer to home. Followed were presentations from consultants on the role of the asbestos abatement consultant, and the benefits of this to both the client and the contractor, and a legal look at the prevention and resolution of asbestos claims.

The day was chaired by Phillip Blond, Government Advisor and Director of ResPublica, who gave a talk on government spending and the influence of this on asbestos management in the coming years to the public sector. This was a thought provoking look at the UK’s current financial situation on GDP, debt and the shift of Government spending to the localities. He discussed the Public Services Social Value Act coming into force on 1st Jan 2013 explaining that from this date all public expenditure must have a local social, environmental and economic audit which will make local authorities commission differently.

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Published Dec 05, 2012