Thursday 14 October 2010

Asbestos in Schools Survey Highlights Failings

A HSE survey of asbestos management in “system built” schools has shown widespread improvements are necessary. Industry experts however doubt that even this survey goes far enough to show the true extent of the problem.

The survey has resulted in 42 local authorities being inspected, 18 improvement notices, 1 prohibition notice and further advice being given to 32 other local authorities.

ATAC the UK’s leading association for Asbestos testing and consultancy specialists have published a report on their website explaining the findings of the HSE survey following a similar survey carried out by ATAC in February.

It also highlights some concerns that the HSE survey has not gone far enough to show the true level of the problem, a problem which is no surprise to ATAC.

The ATAC Chairman has previously stated “These are not minor problems that have crept in over recent years; rather they are fundamental problems that are endemic in schools in the UK.”

To read the full ATAC release, please
click here.

The BBC has also covered the HSE survey results on the Radio 4 programme “You and Yours”. To listen to this programme please
click here.

If you need help in managing the risk from asbestos, please
contact us and we will be very happy to help.

Riverside Environmental Services Ltd provide high quality exposure assessment and monitoring services nationwide. Including; Asbestos, Legionella, COSHH, Air Testing, Occupational Health, Noise and Vibration. See our full list of services for details.

For more information please contact us.
0870 950 0161

Tuesday 5 October 2010

Legionella – South Wales – Source Tests Negative

Four sites tested as potential sources for the recent Legionnaires Disease outbreak have come back negative.

All four sites in Merthyr Tydfil have been told they are safe to re-open as no live legionella bacteria were found.

Over a hundred properties have now been visited in addition to 28 cooling tower sites. Investigations continue.

The outbreak area is a 7.5mile corridor between Abergavenny and Llandarcy.

Public Health Wales warn that it is likely that more cases of Legionnaires’ disease will emerge before the source is found. Anyone concerned should contact their GP.

Legionnaires’ disease is a potentially fatal form of pneumonia that is contracted by breathing in infected water droplets. Common sources include cooling towers, showers and hot and cold water systems.

The risk from Legionella bacteria is present in any building containing water systems and should be managed according to the guidance in HSE document ACoP L8. This document details a programme for control based on a 2 yearly risk assessment and an on-going monitoring regime.

If you need assistance ensuring you have the risk from legionella under control, please
contact us and we will be happy to assist you in controlling this risk.


Riverside Environmental Services Ltd provide high quality exposure assessment and monitoring services nationwide. Including; Asbestos, Legionella, COSHH, Air Testing, Occupational Health, Noise and Vibration. See our full list of services for details.

For more information please contact us.
0870 950 0161