UKATA announces WYG as first UK asbestos in soils training provider
WYG lead the field for UKATA in the delivery of ground breaking new course
Following the launch of two new courses concerning Asbestos in Soils in April, the UK Asbestos Training Association (UKATA) has announced the first approved asbestos in soils awareness training provider will be the award-winning WYG. Those successfully completing this course will have awareness of the nature and properties of asbestos in soils, its effects on health and know how to avoid the risks from soils and made ground containing asbestos.
Operating from more than 50 locations across the UK, Europe, Africa and Asia, WYG is a professional services firm, helping clients create value and manage risk and operate in complex or challenging environments.
“The issue of asbestos in soils is growing in importance and WYG’s reputation for excellence and high standards means we are delighted to have them as our first approved provider,” said UKATA General Manager Craig Evans. “Development of sites with former industrial use are on the increase and awareness of asbestos in soils will need to be addressed as brownfield developments increase.”
The course at WYG (Asbestos in Soils Awareness) will be delivered under the guidance of Jonathan Ford and Cecilia MacLeod. Jonathan is a specialist with 15 years of analytical and supervisory experience in all aspects of asbestos, including awareness, management, legislation and environmental consultancy. Cecilia is a globally acknowledged expert in environmental geochemistry, in particular groundwater quality and contaminated land. She has over 30 years’ experience working on ground and surface water contamination problems in the UK and USA.
“I have prepared and delivered bespoke training presentations for both clients and stakeholder groups on all aspects of asbestos, and asbestos in soils is a significant issue in many remediation projects,” said Jonathan Ford, Quality Manager – (Asbestos) at WYG. “One of my roles is tender appraisal and compliance audit, advising clients on the selection of suitable asbestos contractors and liaison with enforcing authorities, so competence in this area is important and WYG is proud to be the first UKATA approved provider of this level of training in the UK. In addition to general asbestos awareness, the importance of supplementary specialist training of this type cannot be overestimated when it comes to keeping WYG at the forefront of current best practice.”
Asbestos remains the UK’s biggest workplace killer so managing asbestos within the framework of Regulation 4 of the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012 has never been more important. Asbestos in Soils Awareness is for those working on brownfield sites to help them avoid disturbance of asbestos affected soils. Further training for managing, supervising or conducting work with these materials is also available.
“Asbestos in soils awareness is essential for workers to undertake their roles safely, coupled with an understanding of the key asbestos regulations and how they fit the broader context of health and safety legislation,” added Craig. “With WYG delivering this UKATA course, people can be confident they are in safe hands.”
Tasked by the HSE in 2008 for taking-on, managing and developing the list of training providers for licensed asbestos work in the UK, UKATA is now the leading authority in all levels of asbestos training in the UK. For further information on UKATA, visit www.ukata.org.uk
Published on Friday 18th August 2017