Measurement of asbestos in soil and air - Webinar
This is the first in a series of three webinars which will include updates on relevant developments since the publication of CIRIA C733 in 2014. This webinar will provide regulators and practitioners with currently recognised good practice relating to the measurement of asbestos in soil.
When
16 March 2016
12.30-14.30 (Webinar log in open from Noon)
Background
Asbestos is collective term for a group of fibrous silicate minerals (5 amphiboles and 1 serpentine), which are toxic and known to cause serious illnesses. The main concerns in relation to asbestos in soils and made ground are likely to be cancers of the lung, particularly mesothelioma. For many decades asbestos was widely used in a plethora of building materials in the UK, including concrete products, fire-proofing and thermal and noise insulation materials. Currently in the UK, around 2000-3000 people die of asbestos-related disease every year due to historic exposures to airborne asbestos fibres. However, poor demolition and disposal practices, and other anthropogenic processes have resulted in asbestos often being present in the soils and made ground, particularly on brownfield sites.
CIRIA published the first UK good practice guidance on risk assessment and management for asbestos-containing soils in 2014. This series of webinars will add value to this guidance (C733) as it will help the construction industry to keep up-to-date with this rapidly emerging issue, which is currently resulting in significant costs and time delays on a large number of sites.
This is the first of 3 lunchtime webinars on topics relating to asbestos-containingnig soils, which will also include updates on relevant developments since the publication Asbestos in soil and made ground: a guide to understanding and managing risks (C733) in 2014. These webinars will provide regulators and practitioners with currently recognised good practice relating to:
- The measurement of asbestos in soil (Webinar 1)
- Investigating and assessing asbestos in soil - including estimating cumulative exposures and quantitative dose response modelling (Webinar 2)
- Remediation, waste and perception issues – including available remediation options, waste management complications and the importance of risk communication (Webinar 3).
Why attend
This webinar will
• give an introduction to techniques for detecting and measuring asbestos in soil and air, including emerging laboratory methods;
• outline important considerations in designing site investigations at sites where asbestos contamination is suspected;
• discuss some emerging topics relating to the management and monitoring of asbestos fibres in fugitive dust;
• explore some aspects of hazard characterisation in risk assessments.
Programme
12.00 Webinar open to be logged on
12.30 Introduction to Asbestos in soil and air
An introduction to Asbestos including asbestos minerals, forms of asbestos containing materials, the importance of cumulative inhalation of airborne fibres, where asbestos may be found. A summary of key legislation including the Control of Asbestos regulations 2012. It will also explain how this series of 3 webinars works
12.50 Investigation, design and implementation
Site investigation needs and health and safety considerations when investigating a site though to have asbestos
present within the soils. A discussion of the methodologies used for identifying and quantifying asbestos in soils.
13.10 Air sampling – filters & duration
13.30 Laboratory methods for evaluation of asbestos in soils and air
- Polarised light microscopy (PLM)
- Phase-contrast optical microscopy (PCOM)
- Transmission and scanning electron microscopy (TEM/SEM)
- Detection limits
- Fibre discrimination
13.50 The role of hazard characterisation in risk assessments
- How do we estimate the likely airborne exposure to asbestos from soils?
- Bench scale methods for estimating the release of fibres to air.
- Field methods for estimating the release of fibres to air.
14.10 Questions and discussion
14.25 Summary and look forward
14.30 Close
Speakers
Paul Nathanial/Richard Odgen
Who should attend
Clients, Contactors, Consultants, LAs and Regulators
When
16 March 2016
12.30 - 14.30 (Webinar log in opens at Noon)
Fees
Free for LACL and BRMF members
£70+VAT for non members
Booking
If you are unable to book online contact Patrick Williams on 020 7549 3300. Your completed booking form can be returned by post or email to Patrick Williams.