On the 27th September we checked out of the Britannia Hotel at Canary Wharf and caught a taxi to the Excel site.

It is a huge site with many exhibitions running at the same time.

ExCeL London has been at the forefront of the dock regeneration. Sitting proudly by Royal Victoria Dock, ExCeL is bringing trade and industry to the docks, generating over £2.3 billion of economic impact for the British economy. See the story of how Royal Victoria Dock has emerged to become a hive of industry and activity once again.

https://www.excel.london/our-history

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The Contamination Expo Series is Europe’s largest event designed to showcase the latest innovations that further the protection of the environment and management of contaminated land, water, and air.

The show features over 150 innovative environmental suppliers, 120 CPD-accredited seminars, interactive masterclasses, one-to-one advice from industry experts, unparalleled networking opportunities, and much more.

Guests can filter between areas dedicated to hazardous materials, land remediation, spill response, clean air technology, geotechnical solutions, nuclear decommissioning, and more, as well as the Flood Expo and M&CCE Expo next door.

Were able to walk around and talk to everyone as we met old friends and new friends it really was so very interesting.

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The people involved in Asbestos and Contamination are so passionate about their pathway they have chosen to make a difference to buildings and construction.

New inventions were on show from Scots Face Mask- AVIVA features a Hybrid Reflex Seal, moulding to the wearers face shape and absorbing facial movements to maintain high levels of fit and protection. AVIVA is designed to fit a wide range of facial shapes and sizes. https://lnkd.in/d3swKQ3

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Two talks stood out for me.

Tristian Oliver —Lead paint and dust hazards are likely to be an everyday problem for construction clients, their advisors and contractors and anyone else working on projects involving: asbestos surveying and removal; demolition and refurbishment; repair, maintenance and painting and decorating – even DIY.

According to the UK’s Health & Safety Executive (HSE), it should be assumed that ALL paintwork contains lead unless there is good evidence to prove otherwise.

Commissioning Lead Survey’s full service ‘total lead’ risk management capability is the ultimate insurance policy for protecting your people, your projects, your reputation and your profits. Our specialist capability is as comprehensive as it is unique.

Lead surveys are necessary in order to satisfy the pre-construction information requirement of the UK’s Construction (Design & Management) Regulations, 2015. Health and Safety Executive (HSE) online guidance just another hazard that the rules need tightening up on.
Tristan Olivier’s specialist skill in XRF-i lead surveys and ‘Total Lead’ risk management grew out of his work as the original Founder of the Lead Paint Safety Association (LiPSA.org.uk). Originally a building surveyor, he is probably the leading advocate of XRF-i technology for comprehensive ‘Paint + base’ material assessment and analysis. His Lead Survey business is at the forefront of innovation in this field which provides the basis for delivering effective ‘total lead’ risk management solutions. Lead Survey’s work covers everything from surveys and consultancy; technical authoring, training and expert witness; to accredited (health & environmental) laboratory services; and specialist products and equipment distribution.

Tristan’s pro bono work with the families of lead poisoned children has filled an important gap in public health provision. He is a regular speaker at industry conferences and delivered the Association for Project Safety’s 2017 nationwide half-day training programme on the subject of construction lead hazards.

Then I met up with

Chris Bishop
UK Asbestos Training Association Ltd
Chris has been in the asbestos industry for more than 17 years. With a background in analytical chemistry and quality management, he was Quality Manager for a ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratory that also was one of the first to achieve accreditation to ISO 17020 Inspection Body status.
He gained further site experience as Technical and Training Manager for one of the largest Licensed Asbestos Removal Contractors, and in 2009 set up a small independent consultancy delivering a full suite of asbestos related training and asbestos NVQ assessments.
As Managing Director of ATAC (Asbestos Training and Consultancy) Ltd, he has a range of established clients and has worked in the construction, retail, education and health service sectors, and has project managed several land remediation schemes.

He spoke about What is asbestos?  and to  consider asbestos in soil as a contaminant from an analytical perspective and what the implications are for the client and removal teams.

I was the last speaker of the day and was amazed at how many stayed behind to listen. We had a great discussion afterwards about training and getting through to Youngsters at schools as that is a passion of Paul Beaumont CEO of IATP and I pointed out how Paul has offered free training to Schools.

Paul had also spoken about Asbestos – 2017
Discussion of current position of asbestos in 2017 including the status and industry position of asbestos surveys, removal and training. Case studies and observations of actual information received from Duty Holders, clients and the industry workers

He has kindly given me his presentation on a pen which I will study and use so I have the true facts

Jasper Kosters Directeur/Eigenaar Admanstars Admanstars Nederlandse Basketball Bond Rotterdam Area, Netherlands. is very passionate on the subject.
Jasper Kosters is presented at the European Asbestos Forum where he warns that the young workforce is uneducated about asbestos and thus extra at risk. They need education and more awareness. We all agreed at my talk at the Contamination Expo that this must happen.

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We had been invited to be on the Shield Stand where we had a great time with the team.

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When the show finished that first day it was great to have a drink then return to the hotel arranging to meet in the Lobby at 6.30pm.
There is a great Chinese restaurant by the hotel and we had a lovely meal. A huge lazy Suzanne was placed on the table and this was loaded up with dishes so many times. Everything we could wish for and so tasty.

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The next day we met up with UKATA and they had me modelling in photos. So many smiling this way and that with Craig and the team.
A lot of fun and laughter.

Ray and I listened to so many speakers everyone is so Interesting everyone is so passionate about Asbestos, Lead and training We have learnt so much.
So that was it we all parted to go home I do hope we meet up again soon Talking together and sharing our thoughts is really wonderful.
Thank you to all we met and all the backing and encouragement for my Mavis Nye Foundation together we WILL make a difference to so many.

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