The sixth Annual General Meeting and Conference for UKATA moved to the Radisson Blu Hotel at East Midlands Airport this year and a bumper number of members and delegates joined forces to enjoy what has been described as another superb event.
The AGM got underway with introductory remarks from Chairman Eddie Strong, who welcomed all members and conference speakers to the event and outlined the Association’s achievements and objectives for 2014/15, which are considerable.
Eddie was able to report steady growth in membership, particularly among Category A members, improved financial and personnel strength, the success enjoyed at this year’s Expo and not least to report the great success of the Certificate Generator which has already generated over 380,000 certificates.
Professor Anthony Seaton (11.30 – 12.30) Asbestos: past, present and future
With the formalities of the AGM over, from 11.00 am the conference proper got underway, with five speakers addressing conference on a range of topics. The key note this year was delivered by Professor Anthony Seaton, who delivered a powerful presentation on Asbestos, Past and Future.
Mr Andrew Darnton (13.30 – 14.15) Quantitative risks of asbestos related cancer
The HSE’s Mr Andrew Darnton gave a compelling presentation on the quantitative risks of asbestos related cancer.
Professor Roger Willey (14.15 – 14.45) Asbestos in the environment based on the demolition of Red Road Flats, Glasgow
As a UKATA Director, Professor Roger Willey was the perfect choice to address conference on a specific project as an example of how asbestos should be tackled safely and effectively.
Yvette Leavy (15.00 – 15.20) Presenting current work being done by the British Lung Foundation and upcoming projects
Next up was Yvette Leavy, presenting some of the current work being done by The British Lung Foundation with regard to raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos, plus upcoming projects.
Joanne Kwan (15.20 – 15.50) CIRIA – Partnering with UKATA to launch a new course: Asbestos Awareness in Soils and Made Ground
As a project manager at CIRIA, Joanne is responsible for the award winning contaminated land programme. A widely recognised expert on contaminated land and environmental management, Joanne has been involved in over 30 projects and publications; the most recent was Asbestos in Soil and Made Ground: a guide to understanding and managing risks. Published in March 2014, it is the first UK good practice guidance since 1990.
To read the full report on the UKATA AGM & Conference 2014, please view UKATA Matters, Edition 4
View the full gallery of photos from the AGM & Conference 2014
Published on Thursday 10th July 2014