Training could be the key to protecting your loved ones

Dear Sirs,

Training could be the key to protecting your loved ones

I was saddened by a story in Lincolnshire about Carole Hill, a 77-year-old mother of four who died as the result of asbestos exposure when washing her husband’s clothes. Unfortunately, it is sad but true that this story is not unique as dangers of asbestos were not widely understood during the 60s when her husband worked as a joiner.

As the General Manager of The UK Asbestos Training Association, I would like to pass on my sincere condolences to her family. This case acts to raise awareness of the threat of asbestos, not just to your readers’ health, but to the health of their families as well. Now that we know the dangers, displaying a sense of bravado when it comes to the substance is inexcusable.

When left undisturbed the ‘silent killer’ is harmless, however the danger comes when toxic asbestos spores become airborne as the result of any disturbance to the materials. With many thinking the threat is a thing of the past, firms are putting the issue down the list of priorities when it comes to health and safety training which is totally unjustifiable.

We currently have a list of more than 170 UKATA approved members who provide training on the safe identification, handling and disposal of asbestos to contractors across the country. If you’re a contractor who has not received the correct training in accordance with HSE legislation, I urge you to consider why? This is an important question that might not just save your life, but the lives of your loved ones as well.

Yours faithfully,
Craig Evans
General Manager, UKATA

ENDS

Original Source

Grimsby Telegraph; 11 November, 2014
Grimsby mum breathed in asbestos from husband & sons’ work clothes
http://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/Mum-wife-breathed-asbestos-family-s-clothes/story-24512629-detail/story.html#ixzz3Il9ek98J

Photograph and caption:
Craig Evans, General Manager of UKATA (The UK Asbestos Training Association).

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Ref: UKATA0159 – Grimsby second hand exposure LTE