Explore every episode of the podcast Asbestos Knowledge Empire

In this episode, Neil and Ian summarise the findings presented in the recent National Audit Office report on the condition of school buildings.

They explore the startling reality that many school buildings, particularly those beyond their estimated initial design life, contain asbestos.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in public health, education policy, and the ongoing challenge of asbestos management in the UK.

Read the full report - https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/condition-of-school-buildings.pdf

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode, Neil and Ian discuss the findings presented in a recent report produced jointly by ATaC & NORAC two organisations representing the asbestos surveying sector.

The report contains some startling statistics. Neil and Ian discuss the implications of this data, shining a light on the alarming quantity of damaged asbestos especially given that the Duty to Manage regulations aim to maintain asbestos in good condition.

 To view the report: https://www.atac.org.uk/news/first-annual-data-analysis-report-into-asbestos-in-uk-buildings-published

 Get help with asbestos: https://www.acorn-as.com/

In this episode, Neil and Ian speak to Charles Pickles who provides his in-depth opinion on the current asbestos management requirements and what should be changed.

Charles Pickles is a renowned figure in the field of asbestos consultancy with a career dedicated to campaigning for pragmatic solutions to asbestos issues. He co-founded Lucion Environmental in 2002, which became the UK's largest asbestos consultancy by the time of his exit in 2019.

Since leaving Lucion he's been an active campaigner for improvements in asbestos management including:

• Airtight on asbestos campaign
• European Asbestos Forum
• Asbestonomy
• Written evidence to parliamentary committees 

Charles Pickles - https://www.linkedin.com/in/charles-pickles-05889032/

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode, Neil and Ian sit down with Robin Bennett. Robin is a renowned figure in the asbestos software industry.

Today, Robin will share his insights on a groundbreaking report that analyzes a massive data set of 3 million asbestos samples. Gathered through their state-of-the-art software, Alpha Tracker, this is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind.

Alpha Tracker-  https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/

Damage Report: https://alpha-tracker.co.uk/damage - people can order a printed copy of the report. 

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode, Neil and Ian are joined by Liz Darlison MBE who is the Chief Executive Officer of national charity Mesothelioma UK. Liz shares her unique insights and experiences in helping people deal with the negative health effects from asbestos exposure.  

Liz has enjoyed over 37 years of clinical practice at the University Hospitals of Leicester, and it was from there she established Mesothelioma UK, a national charity for mesothelioma. Currently, she is a Consultant Nurse at University Hospitals Leicester and is also CEO at Mesothelioma UK.   

Liz has Honorary university positions in both Leicester and Sheffield, is very research active, keenly promotes nursing as a career and engages in pre and post graduate education.  

In the 2019 Queen Elizabeth's Birthday honours list Liz was invited to become a Member of the British Empire (MBE) in recognition of her services to patients and cancer research.  

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

Join Neil Munro on the Helen Blaby BBC Radio Northampton show. Raising awareness of Gobal Asbestos Awareness Week and discussing the current asbestos problems faced today.

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of doing your asbestos due diligence before purchasing a property. Whether that is a domestic or commercial property, asbestos should always be looked at BEFORE exchanging money.

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the topic can asbestos removal works be carried out in an occupied office? Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the subject of “what does asbestos mean to me? Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss all the various equipment an asbestos surveyor should have when undertaking an asbestos survey. Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss how do you manage asbestos if it’s left in place. What should you do and what you need to consider when leaving asbestos in place. Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss how to decide if asbestos works are licensable? What criteria determines if certain works require the use of a licensed asbestos contractor.

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com/

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the worrying increase of asbestos imports into the US and what that could mean to the UK. Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com

In this episode Neil and Ian launch Acorn Analytical Service free to use asbestos review surgery.

If you're not sure or think there may be gaps in your asbestos management and compliance, then book your FREE asbestos review surgery with our asbestos expert Ian Stone.

This is a free 30-minute video call where you get the opportunity to discuss and diagnose your current asbestos compliance status.

https://calendly.com/ian-stone/asbestos-review-surgery

In this episode Neil and Ian highlight the importance of thinking about asbestos as we all look at returning to our places of work.

In this episode Neil and Ian are providing you with the 4 essential questions you should use to check if your workplace, school or any non-domestic property is asbestos safe. The purpose of this is to help raise awareness of asbestos and effective asbestos management and to give non industry related people the knowledge to start raising this issue in their community.
 
The following should be in place in any non-domestic property. This could be a school where your children go, an office or warehouse where you work or even your place of worship.

1. Do you have an asbestos management plan and if so, please provide a copy?
All non-domestic premises built before the year 2000 must have an asbestos management plan.

2. Has asbestos been identified at your site? Please provide up to date records.
Asbestos that's identified is usually detailed in an asbestos register.

3. Are all asbestos containing materials in a good condition? Please provide evidence.
Asbestos in a good condition means that it is being managed properly.

4. Has the risk of people being exposed to asbestos been assessed? Please provide a copy of these assessments.
This usually comes in the form of a priority risk assessment. These assessments look at the risk of people being exposed to asbestos and not just the asbestos material itself.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the recent news of a pupil kicking a hole in a wall which was found to contain asbestos. In 2021 how can this be a sudden accident?

In this episode, Neil and Ian are joined by Mavis Nye and Paul Cook representing ActionMeso.

#ActionMeso is a campaign that brings together the diverse mesothelioma community with a single voice.

It is the first time that so many patient support groups and charities have joined forces to raise awareness of mesothelioma.

Their aim is also to get the rest of the mesothelioma community on board including patients, carers, healthcare & legal professionals together with the asbestos removal firms and the construction industry.

Paul Cook - Bio

"In 2017, I was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma. At that time I was running a business, was fairly active nut then got pneumonia and my lung collapsed. I was then informed that I had terminal cancer. During various treatments including chemotherapy, surgery to remove the lining of my lung and radiotherapy I decided that, if I made it through, I would start a charity dedicated to find raising funds for research into a cure or at least maintenance of this terrible illness.

Since starting Erase Meso along with my wife, Jill and the other Trustees we have come into contact with some amazing people including mesowarriors, carers, supporters or people within the medical profession. We believe we can make a real difference as mesothelioma research is dreadfully underfunded.

My best moment so far was cycling over 900 miles across the UK last year. The support was incredible and so many people helped me get there. In 2020, I am excited that we will be making our first grant which will be the start of many!"

https://www.erasemeso.org/

Mavis Nye - Bio

"My journey with Mesothelioma began as so many Patients find with the day I couldn't breathe.
I was rushed to A&E and they had found a bed for me,where they drained 7ltrs of fluid. So my lung had collapsed, and my diaphragm had bent.
They found Mesothelioma cells when testing the fluid. And I was given a 3 months Prodgnosis.
After going to Guys hospital, where I had a pleurodesis, I came home with a drain.
The Bi-op that had been carried out at the same time confirmed the Diagnosis.

4 Years of Chemotherapy then followed with shrinkage then regrowth 4 times within those years. I became too toxic and I was told there was no more treatment.
I had already made it known I was interested in any trial and Immunotherapy was just being investigated.
MSD had this trial at the Royal Marsden and I was referred there on my request as Dean Fennel thought it would suit me. Prof De Bono agreed, and I was one of 3 patients to start MK3475-28.
I had complete response. It was only because I had Sepsis right at the end of the 2 year trial that I didn't get that result included in the final figures in  time so I'm under the heading of ongoing. That was disappointing.

I had 2 years freedom but then last March new growth showed. The old Meso was still in remission though. The new growth was bi-oped and it was found it was full of PDL1 whereas I only had 1% before.
I became the first patients in the world to re-challenge the drug. Within 4 infusions it shrunk 14% and then stopped.
It is growing again very slowly, not enough to bi-op yet. The Royal Marsden have matched my DNA to a drug that they can use to boost Pembro and maybe kick it in to work again. That is in the future.

I keep busy raising awareness of Asbestos and the dangers to Health and Safety today as the tradesmen work where the asbestos is hiding and the awareness of how important it is to use the right mask and to have Face/Fit training.
Also the Awareness of Mesothelioma and how we need to talk to each other. I run the Social Media as well as My Charity The Mavis Nye Foundation."

https://www.mavisnyefoundation.com/

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Ian deep dive into looking at what contractors should do when attending sites. They cover what should happen with planned works as well as reactive works. Contractors should be assessing all risks including asbestos. How can you help to prevent people from being exposed to asbestos when instructing contractors to carry out works on your site?

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com/ 

In this episode, Neil and Ian highlight the importance of reviewing your entire asset register so it includes all possible locations which may contain asbestos.

Your asbestos register should include all everyday use buildings but also all non-used buildings, structures and equipment.

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com/ 

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss a recent case where a hotel owner was fined for delaying essential asbestos removal works.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-55329069

Get help with asbestos - https://www.acorn-as.com/ 

In the episode Neil and Ian are joined by fellow Acorn Director Paul Knights to discuss UKAS accreditation and its importance for asbestos companies?

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the case of Bernard Jones against Richard Branson and Virgin records. Mr. Jones claims he was exposed to asbestos whilst working at the company's London stores in the 1970s.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the recent pardoning of David Rowland for violations of the Clean Air Act by removing asbestos without a valid license.

In this episode Neil and Ian are excited to announce the release of The Asbestos Epidemic. A new 4-Part documentary series for people with asbestos problems. A must-see for every person who needs to master asbestos management which prevents exposure, prevents prosecution and keeps you and your building occupants safe.

Here the trailer in this episode.

To watch the full series, go here

https://www.acorn-as.com/watch-the-asbestos-epidemic/

Join Ian and Neil in this live recording of a CPD for architects and building consultants. In this CPD they cover:

• Asbestos products and uses
• Asbestos survey types and what to expect
• The survey process and annual requirements
• Surveyor & Contractor competence and how to check
• Survey report expectations
• Regulation main points
• Creating Asbestos Management Plans

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss issues and points to consider with asbestos, boilers, plant and M & E.

In this episode Neil and Ian talk about the recently released government guidance - Asbestos management in schools. Guidance for school leaders, governors, local authorities and academy trusts about managing asbestos in schools and colleges.

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/asbestos-management-in-schools

In this episode Neil and Ian raise the point that it’s time to get rid of your paper signing in sheets for a more qualified asbestos register acknowledgement system.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of ensuring your premises is Covid secure.

In this episode Neil and Ian highlight the issues when high risk asbestos materials are discovered and what actions you should consider immediately.

In this episode Neil and Ian talk about the issues with using asbestos databases, the roll out of them and implementation of them.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of asbestos management audits. Why are these audits so vital for effective asbestos management?

In this episode Neil and Ian share their views on the recent ResPublica policy paper - Hazardous Homes To Let: Protecting Renters from Asbestos

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the worrying and significate downturn in asbestos training which has occurred during the Covid 19 pandemic.

In this episode, Neil and Ian highlight the 10 essential features your asbestos database should include.

1. Zero cost
2. 24/7 access to your data any time anywhere
3. Live up to the minute data
4. Store unlimited amount of data / reports
5. User friendly reporting systems on your asbestos information
6. Data exporting facilities
7. Geolocations of sites across your portfolio
8. Unlimited logins for all your contractors, customisable by you
9. Client storage facilities for all your compliance needs
10. Customisable dashboards & asbestos data reports

In this episode, Neil and Ian introduce you to the UK'S only fully documented and systemised asbestos management process – The Acorn Asbestos Antidote ©

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of true independence when employing your asbestos analyst.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss decontamination units and what they should contain.

In this episode Neil and Ian talked through the types of hazardous which are identified during a hazardous materials survey.

A hazardous material survey can include items such as:

• Asbestos
• Lead in paint
• Anthrax in plaster
• Water testing and analysis including Legionella, Total viable count, E.coli / coliforms, Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
• Mold testing and analysis including Thermophilic Aspergillus, Total General Mold Identification including enumeration and identification. Including the identification of common moulds, such as Cladosporium, Penicillium, Alternaria, Ulocladium, Chaetomium and Stachybotrys.
• Testing for micro-organisms usually airborne sampling for total viable count (TVC) and general molds and Aspergillus.
• Locations of possible Zoonosis such as carcasses, guano, nests etc.
• Other items may be listed as hazardous also as part of the inspection e.g. drug use signs / needles as well as identification / highlighting items on site e.g. oils, containers, chemicals PCB's, batteries etc.

In this episode Neil and Ian highlight the importance of utilising asbestos consultants that are local to you and your sites.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the relevance of not being charged per sample during your asbestos survey.

In this episode Neil and Ian go over through what should be included within every asbestos survey report.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the hard-hitting facts surrounding Mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is mostly only associated to exposure to asbestos.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the UK government grants for energy saving home improvements and the asbestos risk associated with these types of works.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the issues surrounding removing non asbestos floor coverings. Are they asbestos works? Can they be removed without coming into contact with asbestos?

In this episode Neil and Ian describe one of the biggest dangers an asbestos surveyor will face during their career – Complacency!

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the importance of checking who runs the asbestos company you employ.

In this episode Neil and Ian highlight the importance of asbestos air monitoring. The Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) state the following:

416 Air monitoring to reduce risks from spread of asbestos is required to:

measure the background concentration of asbestos fibres in the work area during work, to check that the control measures are effective;

measure background fibre levels outside the enclosure, particularly when the enclosure is in occupied premises. Check for fibre leaks around the perimeter of the enclosure and at the airlock and bag lock positions. Also conduct testing at the discharge location of the air extraction equipment, where it is sited internally;

measure background fibre levels inside the enclosure when the asbestos work is complete, to ensure that it has been thoroughly cleaned and decontaminated before dismantling;

carry out measurements for reassurance, eg after accidental release of asbestos fibres.

In this episode Neil and Ian discuss the issues and problems surrounding the removal of asbestos textured coatings.