Bishopsgate, have introduced a two tier training programme to increase crew’s awareness of the dangers of asbestosis.
Asbestos is a silent killer. It is made u
p of six naturally occurring silicate minerals and is known for its amazing sound absorption and fire resistant properties.
The word Asbestos is from Greek meaning ‘unquenchable / inextinguishable’.
Asbestos was first found to have been used 4,500 years ago in cookware due to its strengthening and heat resistant properties and was mined as long as 4,000 years ago. In history Asbestos was woven into cloth which allowed the cloth to be placed in fire for cleaning as with the napkin of Parviz the King of Sassanian (531-537).
The use of Asbestos in the UK started during the early 18th century but became more widespread during the industrial revolution when it was used within buildings.
Asbestos is present in drywall & joint compounds, plaster, gas mask filters, vinyl tiles, adhesives, roofing tars/felt/siding/shingles, countertops, pipes, fireproofing/clothing/internal fire doors, brake pads, stage curtains, fine filters, thermal insulation. In fact you would be amazed how many things do contain Asbestos.
As Asbestos became widely used it is believed that some factory owners may have noticed that some of their employees were suffering health issues, although no direct link to Asbestos was made at the time and the first case of Asbestosis was not officially diagnosed until 1924. The ban on Blue & Brown Asbestos in the UK was passed in 1985 which followed with the ban of White Asbestos in 1999. Asbestos only becomes a health issue if airborne so in 2012 the Control of Asbestos Regulations came into effect. All non-domestic buildings have to manage the Asbestos present within their buildings. All companies (mainly construction industry) who have operatives that may come into contact with Asbestos must provide training to their employees.
Tim Bloch, Bishopsgate MD says, “It is a part of our everyday business to install and to remove safes and ATMs. It is essential that our crews have a greater understanding of the risks involved before working in any area of risk. This comprehensive training programme ensures that our crews are fully aware and protected”.
