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/