Safety Management Magazine features

Asbestos

The compelling case for mandatory UKAS accreditation in asbestos surveying

With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.

By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 02 September 2025

Asbestos Hasmat Suit Removal MED Istock Credit Shank Ali

Why it’s time for a new national asbestos strategy

A group of asbestos management organisations have developed a methodology that can more accurately identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It presents the information in simple form so building owners have a better understanding of the risk the ACMs pose. The move would also allow asbestos removal strategies to be targeted at buildings with the riskiest ACMs and the most vulnerable occupants.

By Campaign team, Asbestos Information CIC on 01 September 2025

HGV Reversing Back View Truck MED Middelveld Edited

For better or reverse

This July, HSE prosecuted two cases in which two workers were killed by reversing HGVs. They shared striking similarities.

By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2025

    Vivienne Westwood Store. 430 King's Road, Chelsea, London, UK. ( 5 )

    Asbestos in the UK – how the past inevitably catches up with us

    Despite the 1999 ban on the importation and use of asbestos in the UK, the substance remains present in major quantities in a huge variety and number of buildings, meaning careful management is vital to reduce the potentially devastating exposure risks.

    By Chris Ivey, UKATA on 04 September 2025

    Dust Monitoring Photo By Casella

    Artificial stone and the rise of silicosis

    With concerns rising that workers who manufacture and install artificial stone kitchen worktops are at high risk of early-onset fatal lung disease, it is vital employers take steps to prevent and control exposure to respirable crystalline silica found in engineered stone materials.

    By Tim Turney, Casella on 12 September 2025

    Half Mask Credit Draeger

    Respiratory protective equipment: getting the basics right

    Respiratory protective equipment (RPE) is a vital tool for protecting workers from hazardous substances that pose an immediate risk to life and the risk of serious and fatal diseases at a later stage. However, RPE will only provide an effective level of protection if it is carefully selected to match the respiratory hazard, type of work and the physical attributes of the wearers.

    By Ian Kelsall, Draeger Safety UK on 09 September 2025

    HGV Reversing Back View Truck MED Middelveld Edited

    For better or reverse

    This July, HSE prosecuted two cases in which two workers were killed by reversing HGVs. They shared striking similarities.

    By Belinda Liversedge on 01 September 2025

    Asbestos Hasmat Suit Removal MED Istock Credit Shank Ali

    Why it’s time for a new national asbestos strategy

    A group of asbestos management organisations have developed a methodology that can more accurately identify the location and condition of asbestos-containing materials (ACMs). It presents the information in simple form so building owners have a better understanding of the risk the ACMs pose. The move would also allow asbestos removal strategies to be targeted at buildings with the riskiest ACMs and the most vulnerable occupants.

    By Campaign team, Asbestos Information CIC on 01 September 2025

    Asbestos

    The compelling case for mandatory UKAS accreditation in asbestos surveying

    With recent HSE research concluding that asbestos site surveys from UKAS-accredited companies and surveyors consistently deliver higher quality results than their non-accredited counterparts, the time has arrived for the Government and HSE to introduce mandatory UKAS accreditation for all organisations providing asbestos surveying services.

    By Robert Southall, Asbestos Testing and Consultancy Association (ATaC) on 02 September 2025

    Asbestos Removal Hasmat Suit PPE Med Istock Credit Lovelyday12

    Mandatory UKAS accreditation for surveying: essential step or unnecessary barrier to creating an asbestos-safe future?

    There are growing calls for mandatory UKAS accreditation for organisations that offer asbestos surveying services, but there are strong arguments both in favour and against the move.

    By Colette Willoughby, Asbestos Compliance Limited on 04 September 2025

    Hazardous Substance PPE Worker MED Istock Credit Adamgregor

    RPE fit testing: choosing the correct method

    If tight-fitting respiratory facepieces are required to protect against inhalation of hazardous substances, wearers must undergo a fit test by a competent person. However, it’s essential employers understand the benefits and shortcomings of the available test methods.

    By Paul Salisbury, Fire Safe International Ltd on 04 September 2025

    People Sustainability Recycling Environment MED Istock 1359495077

    Changes to ISO management standards: start preparing now

    The key ISO management standards setting out best practice frameworks for effectively managing occupational health and safety, environmental and quality risks and opportunities are undergoing major revision, so it’s essential businesses start planning now to meet the new requirements in order to maintain their certifications under the relevant standards.

    By Dr Keith Whitehead, British Safety Council on 08 August 2025

    Gas Detection Credit Drager Safety D 32 2022 (1)

    Gas detection – the rise of smart systems

    Mobile and fixed gas detectors have long been a crucial tool for alerting workers to the presence of asphyxiating or explosive gases, but developments in smart and connected technology are making it much easier to monitor entire networks of detectors and respond immediately to alarms and emergencies that could pose a risk to life or site safety.

    By Becca Dodds, Draeger Safety UK on 26 August 2025

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