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11/03/2011
Asbestos Dangers In Focus
There's an increased effort underway to improve safety industry standards when dealing with asbestos.
Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its widespread use. It may be present in any building built before the year 2000, so it is essential that those with duties under health and safety law are aware of the risk it poses.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), has just held a seminar on the proper management of asbestos which it said would help prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future.
Already, in the last four years there have been over 300 asbestos-related deaths in Northern Ireland, with this number expected to rise.
Only by preventing or minimising exposure to asbestos will asbestos related diseases eventually be reduced.
Welcoming the seminar, Professor Peter McKie HSENI Chairman said: "Asbestos is an unforgiving substance that can, even for short periods of exposure, result in death and debilitating lung disease. That is why only the most stringent precautions must apply when it is encountered and disturbed.
"It is therefore immensely encouraging to see such a positive response to the seminar from the asbestos removal contractors in Northern Ireland. I know that this sector is committed to the highest standards and like us objects strongly to those who flout the rules."
Some of the topics covered at the seminar included a review of the recent asbestos duty to manage initiative, asbestos surveys, licensing and appeals, and an analyst’s viewpoint on clearance.
Commenting on the seminar, licensed asbestos removal contractor, Suzanne Eastwood of Eastwood Limited said: "These seminars are very important for everyone to recognise the dangers of asbestos and the importance of good planning. The asbestos removal industry would support HSENI's view that the work in this industry must be carried out
to the very highest standards. Attention to detail is key when dealing with asbestos risks. A competent and professional approach is the only way forward."
(GK)
Asbestos remains the most serious occupational health issue in Northern Ireland and the rest of the UK due to its widespread use. It may be present in any building built before the year 2000, so it is essential that those with duties under health and safety law are aware of the risk it poses.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), has just held a seminar on the proper management of asbestos which it said would help prevent people dying from asbestos diseases in the future.
Already, in the last four years there have been over 300 asbestos-related deaths in Northern Ireland, with this number expected to rise.
Only by preventing or minimising exposure to asbestos will asbestos related diseases eventually be reduced.
Welcoming the seminar, Professor Peter McKie HSENI Chairman said: "Asbestos is an unforgiving substance that can, even for short periods of exposure, result in death and debilitating lung disease. That is why only the most stringent precautions must apply when it is encountered and disturbed.
"It is therefore immensely encouraging to see such a positive response to the seminar from the asbestos removal contractors in Northern Ireland. I know that this sector is committed to the highest standards and like us objects strongly to those who flout the rules."
Some of the topics covered at the seminar included a review of the recent asbestos duty to manage initiative, asbestos surveys, licensing and appeals, and an analyst’s viewpoint on clearance.
Commenting on the seminar, licensed asbestos removal contractor, Suzanne Eastwood of Eastwood Limited said: "These seminars are very important for everyone to recognise the dangers of asbestos and the importance of good planning. The asbestos removal industry would support HSENI's view that the work in this industry must be carried out
to the very highest standards. Attention to detail is key when dealing with asbestos risks. A competent and professional approach is the only way forward."
(GK)
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21 May 2004
New asbestos legislation comes into effect
New legislation requiring the management of asbestos in non-domestic buildings has come into effect in Northern Ireland.
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Wilson 'Overturns' Lords Asbestos Ruling
A crippling illness that has hit many people who were working in the construction industry is being tackled with new legislation on compensation. People suffering from the asbestos-related lung condition pleural plaques - usually contracted in the building sector - will be able to seek compensation from next week due to new legislation.
Wilson 'Overturns' Lords Asbestos Ruling
A crippling illness that has hit many people who were working in the construction industry is being tackled with new legislation on compensation. People suffering from the asbestos-related lung condition pleural plaques - usually contracted in the building sector - will be able to seek compensation from next week due to new legislation.
27 September 2011
Asbestos Focus In Maintenance 'Crack Down'
A new campaign will 'crack down' on poorly planned maintenance that has the potential to kill and injure. Amid news that 100 people died from asbestos-related illness in the last few years, the Health Service Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Districts Councils will team up with safety regulators to launch a safe maintenance campaign.
Asbestos Focus In Maintenance 'Crack Down'
A new campaign will 'crack down' on poorly planned maintenance that has the potential to kill and injure. Amid news that 100 people died from asbestos-related illness in the last few years, the Health Service Executive in Northern Ireland (HSENI) and the Districts Councils will team up with safety regulators to launch a safe maintenance campaign.
14 August 2009
Café To Boost Refurbished City Hall
The multi-million pound Belfast City Hall refurbishment is to have an entirely new facility when it re-opens - a new coffee shop. Recalling Belfast's spinning and weaving heritage, the new coffee shop will be called The Bobbin and will be open to customers when the City Hall itself re-opens at the beginning of October.
Café To Boost Refurbished City Hall
The multi-million pound Belfast City Hall refurbishment is to have an entirely new facility when it re-opens - a new coffee shop. Recalling Belfast's spinning and weaving heritage, the new coffee shop will be called The Bobbin and will be open to customers when the City Hall itself re-opens at the beginning of October.
17 April 2008
Asbestos Threat In NI Schools
Up to 93 schools in Northern Ireland have not yet removed cancer-causing asbestos from their buildings, it has emerged. Currently, there are 65 primary schools, including nurseries, and 28 secondary level schools, including special schools, which have still to eliminate the insulating material completely from their buildings.
Asbestos Threat In NI Schools
Up to 93 schools in Northern Ireland have not yet removed cancer-causing asbestos from their buildings, it has emerged. Currently, there are 65 primary schools, including nurseries, and 28 secondary level schools, including special schools, which have still to eliminate the insulating material completely from their buildings.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
