I can sense your compassion about my hair but the real worry is that the garage roof is actually asbestos. However as I’m a bit of an asbestos know all I knew straight away what to do. I de-clothed donned my all in one papersuit ready to tackle the roof when  I realised I could not get my face mask over my newly couffed hair. What a dilemma. Do I carry on regardless or call the experts?

Dissappointing, yes, but this means I’ll now just phone the professionals who can come along and deal with it and I won’t have to flatten my hair or miss my afternoon tipple. Prefect.

You can also contact your local council or HSE for advice but if in doubt what the material is seek professional advice first. Today I’ve decided something we all should drink champagne and dance….. maybe I’ve had a little already darlings…

Tally Ho

time to drink champagne and dance on the table

This time of year is exciting for all and it brings people and families together allowing everyone to get into some Christmas cheer. I love to decorate my home and people even do this to their offices. I even decorate my cat! This has become a usual event at Christmas, pulling out the decorations, unwrapping the tinsel and detangling the Christmas lights. Although god forbid how they got tangled as I spent last year wrapping them into a careful circle of neat-ness.

But my friends, before you start merrily hammering away. Do you know what you are hammering into? I am hammer happy and tack up tinsel on every wall. But this all changed when my friend Mavis hammered through her wall and covered her floor with a white substance.

This was certainly not snow, either! After contacting her local council she discovered she has infact hammer through an asbestos wall. To her horror she had contaminated her favourite short pile rug with asbestos and her living room!

Warning to all you peps out there, do you know if you have asbestos in your home? If not better to be safe than sorry and avoid fixing any decorations into walls or ceilings

So you can jingle your bells safely, here is a checklist to use, before you get decorating;

1. Check you have no asbestos or asbestos containing materials in your building, using your asbestos management plan.
2. Ensure you do not attach fixings to or disturb any asbestos containing materials.
3. If in doubt regarding any building materials, decorate a different area.

The last thing you want is a nightmare before Christmas my lovlies!

And with that I’d like to wish you all a Merry asbestos free Christmas

In my youth I used to be a bit of a DIY DIVA and thought nothing of hammering away at walls in an attempt to change my little home into an open plan lifestyle, only to be halted in my tracks when someone suggested I might have exposed asbestos?

Honestly guys and girls, do you know what is in your home? Do you live in a home built before the year 2000? If so, read on as I’ve put together a little information that you will find really useful if you think you might of found asbestos and what to do. Don’t ask your budgie though, mine wouldn’t stop chirping in my ear!

Put the kettle on first my lovelies then read on…

What Should I Do if I Find Asbestos In My Home? 

If you think asbestos may be in your home, don’t panic. Usually the best thing is to leave asbestos material that is in good condition alone.  Generally, material in good condition will not release asbestos fibres.
Check material regularly if you suspect it may contain asbestos. Don’t touch it, but look for signs of wear or damage such as tears, abrasions, or water damage. Damaged material may release asbestos fibres. This is particularly true if you often disturb it by hitting, rubbing, or handling it, or if it is exposed to extreme vibration or air flow.
Sometimes the best way to deal with slightly damaged material is to limit access to the area and not touch or disturb it. Discard damaged or worn asbestos gloves, stove-top pads, or ironing board covers. Check with local health, environmental, or other appropriate officials to find out proper handling and disposal procedures.
If asbestos material is more than slightly damaged, or if you are going to make changes in your home that might disturb it, repair or removal by a professional is essential. Before you have your house remodeled, find out whether asbestos materials are present by getting a survey.

How Can I Manage an Asbestos Problem? 

If the asbestos material is in good shape and will not be disturbed, do nothing! If it is a problem, there are two types of corrections: repair and removal.
Repair usually involves either sealing or covering asbestos material.

• Sealing (encapsulation) involves treating the material with a sealant that either binds the asbestos fibers together or coats the material so fibers are not released. Pipe, furnace and boiler insulation can sometimes be repaired this way. This should be done only by a professional trained to handle asbestos safely.
• Covering (enclosure) involves placing something over or around the material that contains asbestos to prevent release of fibers. Exposed insulated piping may be covered with a protective wrap or jacket.

With any type of repair, the asbestos remains in place. Repair is usually cheaper than removal, but it may make later removal of asbestos, if necessary, more difficult and costly. Repairs can either be major or minor.

 Asbestos Do’s and Don’ts for the Homeowner:

• Do keep activities to a minimum in any areas having damaged material that may contain asbestos.
• Do take every precaution to avoid damaging asbestos material.
• Do have removal and major repair done by people trained and qualified in handling asbestos. It is highly recommended that sampling and minor repair also be done by asbestos professionals.
• Don’t dust, sweep, or vacuum debris that may contain asbestos.
• Don’t saw, sand, scrape, or drill holes in asbestos materials.
• Don’t use abrasive pads or brushes on power strippers to strip wax from asbestos flooring. Never use a power stripper on a dry floor.
• Don’t sand or try to level asbestos flooring or its backing. When asbestos flooring needs replacing, install new floor covering over it, if possible.
• Don’t track material that could contain asbestos through the house. If you cannot avoid walking through the area, have it cleaned with a wet mop. If the material is from a damaged area, or if a large area must be cleaned, call an asbestos professional.

Major repairs must be done only by a professional trained in methods for safely handling asbestos, for more information or advice about this, please speak to one of our professionals at Fibre Environmental Services Ltd.
Minor repairs should also be done by professionals since there is always a risk of exposure to fibres when asbestos is disturbed.
Doing minor repairs yourself is not recommended since improper handling of asbestos materials can create a hazard where none existed.
Removal is usually the most expensive method, this is because removal poses the greatest risk of fibre release. However, removal may be required when remodeling or making major changes to your home that will disturb asbestos material. Also, removal may be called for if asbestos material is damaged extensively and cannot be otherwise repaired. Removal is complex and must be done only by a professional. Improper removal may actually increase the health risks to you and your family.

Asbestos Professionals: Who Are They and What Can They Do? 

Asbestos professionals are trained in handling asbestos material. The type of professional will depend on the type of product and what needs to be done to correct the problem.
Asbestos professionals can conduct home inspections, take samples of suspected material, assess its condition, and advise about what corrections are needed and who is qualified to make these corrections. Once again, material in good condition need not be sampled unless it is likely to be disturbed. Professional asbestos removal contractors repair or remove asbestos materials.

If in doubt ask the experts, you’ve never go to Asda for a tooth filling?

Chin chin all of you, it’s time for my mid morning tipple.

I’ve looked into this and reserached an article written for the BBC by Dr Rob Hicks.

I sit here wondering myself,  “If it is so dangerous why is nothing being done about this more urgently?”

I am what people would consider old and I myself have been in and around buildings which contain asbestos so what I want to know is what it is I need to look out for?

This brings me onto the research, I decided to take my cup of tea and bourbon in hand and get to grips with my lapdown, sorry laptop and find out about asbestosis. Here below is an interesting article about the disease which I thought helps to clarify things, read away my people…

What causes it?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral often found in insulation materials around pipes and tanks, in tiles and other building materials. It was used extensively in the 1970s because of its strength and heat resistance.

White, blue and brown asbestos are all potentially dangerous and have all been banned in the UK.

This is become if asbestos is damaged, the fine fibres become airborne and can be inhaled. When these fibres penetrate the lung tissue, they trigger an inflammatory reaction. The body recognises there’s a problem and sends defensive white blood cells to engulf and attack the fibres.

The fibres usually resist and destroy these blood cells, promoting further inflammation and irreversible scarring of the lungs, called fibrosis.

There’s no known safe level of asbestos exposure. However, it’s thought the higher the levels of asbestos and the longer the time someone is exposed to it, the greater their risk of developing problems.

Who’s affected?

Anyone who’s exposed to asbestos may develop an asbestos-related illness. Particularly at risk are those involved in the building and demolition industry, the manufacture of asbestos products and asbestos spraying.

Asbestos fibres are also carried on clothing, so the families of those working with asbestos and those involved in the laundering of an asbestos worker’s clothing may be at risk.

Asbestos is now used less and working practices have been developed to protect people from asbestos exposure.

What are the symptoms?

The effects of asbestosis don’t tend to appear for many years, often between 25 and 40 years later.

The main symptom is shortness of breath, initially on exertion but later even at rest. Others include tiredness, a cough, chest tightness and chest pain.

Asbestos can cause thickening of the pleura, the membrane that lines the outside of the lung. Often this will only be noted when an x-ray is performed for another reason. If the thickening is severe and widespread, it restricts lung function causing shortness of breath.

Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer that’s only caused by exposure to asbestos. It can occur in the pleura, where it may cause shortness of breath or chest pain, or the peritoneum (the lining of the abdominal wall), where it may cause intestinal obstruction.

How is it diagnosed?

How is it diagnosed?

A history of exposure to asbestos, the pattern of symptoms experienced, a chest x-ray and lung function tests are usually all that’s needed to make the diagnosis of asbestosis.

People who’ve been exposed are often advised to have regular check-ups because it may take years before lung damage becomes apparent.

What’s the treatment?

Although there’s no cure for asbestosis, it’s important to prevent the symptoms becoming worse by avoiding further exposure to asbestos.

Medication can be prescribed to relieve symptoms and improve breathing. Some people with severe problems are given oxygen.

I hope this has given you an insight into asbestos and the dangers and hopefully people will be more asbestos aware.

“To put things in context I’ve been donning my investigator hat and looking into the worldwide asbestos trade and the health implications of this.”

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral. One form of asbestos, white asbestos, is still widely used in the construction industry in the developing world, but is banned on health grounds in many industrialised countries. Other forms of asbestos – blue and brown – are banned worldwide.

What is it used for?

Asbestos is heat and flame resistant, strong and cheap, and has many uses. It can be mixed with cement for roofing and flooring. It is also used to insulate pipes and ceilings, and to make brake shoes and pads.

Is it dangerous?

Through research by the BBC and the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists, Fibre highlight the truth about asbestos use across four continents, and a global network of industry groups that has spent millions of dollars to promote it.

Microscopic fragments of all kinds of asbestos fibre are potentially dangerous when inhaled and may give rise to asbestos-related diseases:

• lung cancer, which is more common in people exposed to asbestos

• mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the chest, which is extremely rare in people who have not been exposed to asbestos

• asbestosis, a lung disease that causes shortness of breath and may lead to respiratory failure

White asbestos, known as chrysotile, is the only form of asbestos mined and used today. The World Health Organisation says it too is associated with mesothelioma, lung and other cancers, but its promoters say it is safe if used properly.

Where is it used?

White asbestos is banned in the European Union, Australia and more than 20 other countries.

It is still used, in limited quantities, in the US and Canada. The biggest consumers, by far, are China, India and Russia. The main exporters are Russia, Kazakhstan, Brazil and Canada.

Can it be used safely?

Some experts say white asbestos has less potential for harm than brown or blue asbestos, but even trade organisations promoting white asbestos say workers should avoid inhaling dust. Whether any safe level of exposure exists is disputed. US workplace standards allow a maximum 0.1 asbestos fibres per cubic centimetre of air – but the US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health estimates that exposure to this maximum level over a working life will cause five lung cancer deaths and two asbestosis deaths for every 1,000 workers.

How can workers be protected?

They can wear protective clothing, such as respirator masks. Measures can also be taken to lower dust levels in the workplace by the use of extraction fans, regular vacuuming or spraying to keep surfaces wet.

Are workers’ families also at risk?

Those most at risk are workers exposed to high levels of asbestos dust over long periods. However, there are known cases where women have died from asbestos-related diseases after handling their husband’s dirty work clothes. Children of workers also have died from such second-hand exposure.

How long do asbestos-related diseases take to develop?

Asbestosis can develop within a decade of initial exposure to asbestos, though often takes longer. Mesothelioma can take 30, 40 or even 50 years to appear. Doctors say patients diagnosed with mesothelioma have only a poor chance of surviving for five years.

With all these highlighted health risks it is still shocking that asbestos is used in building materials and much more in the developing world.

“Why is the value of someone elses life in a different country less? Who will be the one to clean up the mess of asbestos cancers in 30 years?”

“Memo to nephews and nieces, save your pennies as more taxes will be paying for another countries greed!”

“Enough said on the matter! Right, where’s my cup of tea?”

I have been the boss of my own life for many years but as there is no other person within my house to take on that role, I suppose the duty will fall to me, naturally.

I am writing this as this really applies to you all, in all relationships, business and pleasure. My friend asked me the other what was the key to being a good boss and I told her to stick to these main points.

A good Boss should;

Motivate – And 1, and 2, and 3 and 4, use those arms

Good bosses know how to motivate and get the best out of their employees without resorting to scare tactics. They explain what the business targets are and how each staff member can play a part in achieving them. By setting realistic goals that everyone can feel part of, good bosses give staff a sense of purpose and a reason to come into work each day.

Communicate – Just keep talking…blah

A good boss will ensure that lines of communication are open at all times. For example, if changes are needed within the company, they’ll explain why these are taking place and how they will affect employees. They’ll make sure they’re available to staff to discuss any problems they may have, giving regular feedback on a one-to-one basis (rather than by phone or email). Good bosses will let employees know if they are going wrong, but always in a constructive way so they can both work towards a solution. By communicating effectively, they’ll help avoid any conflicts and misunderstandings in the future.

Praise and reward – Amen

People like to hear they’ve done the job well, and a good boss will ensure that employees get the appropriate feedback and acknowledgement. When rewarding employees you don’t have to be as excessive as Richard Branson, who bought an island for staff to holiday on – gestures can be as simple as marking birthdays or organising a staff summer picnic to get everyone out of the office.

Acknowledge initiative – I like my new massaging chair.

If someone has a good idea, a good boss will acknowledge this and make sure they get full credit for it – even if they’re kicking themselves for not thinking of it first.   

Encourage staff development – You really could do better!

Good bosses work on the development of their staff, offering training and mentoring where relevant. In a small business there are often opportunities for employees’ roles to grow as the business grows, and a good boss will encourage this flexibility, recognising their employees’ skills and abilities. By providing an environment for innovation, the business benefits from a nicely evolving skills pool at no extra cost.

Be honest and truthful – Does my bum look big?

Employees regard honesty as the most important attribute a boss can have, according to a US based survey. For example, if the company is facing tough times they want to know about it, rather than be faced with a nasty surprise when the liquidators call. Also, good bosses are honest about themselves – if they’re wrong, they admit it – however difficult that may be.

Treat staff as individuals – fancy a rolo?

Bad bosses think they are too important to fraternise with the “little people” and are unlikely to even bother learning their names. However, good bosses recognise that employees are individuals and treat them as such, taking an interest in their work and goals and helping identify their strengths and abilities. It’s also important to acknowledge that staff have a personal life, so good bosses will be sincere when they ask staff how they are (and are prepared to stop and listen if something is genuinely wrong!). It may sound trivial, but remembering small things – such as birthdays and where employees are going on holiday – can make a difference.

Muck in – And I don’t mean Alan Titchmarsh!

Good bosses avoid the bad boss motto – “Teamwork is a lot of people doing what I tell them” – by mucking in to help get things done. If staff see the boss getting their hands dirty when the business needs them – such as helping prepare for an important trade show or working on the floor on the busiest sales day of the year – they’ll earn a lot of respect and are likely to motivate staff. No boss should be above making a cup of tea for their assistant!

According to the study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, stimulation of A3AR decreased proliferation of cytotoxic effect on malignant mesothelioma cells and on healthy mesothelial cells exposed to asbestos and other toxic substances that can relatively cause the cancer.

Experts on general and thoracic surgery at the University of Ferrara in Italy said that a strong link has been established between exposure to asbestos and increased risk for pleural malignant mesothelioma. According to them, adenosine receptors play a key role in inflammatory processes and cancer, where it is involved in the regulation of cell death and proliferation.

The big asbestos issues; Where is it? Is it dangerous? Should I remove it?

With all the controversy surrounding asbestos and how harmful it may or may not be it’s no wonder people are unsure what to do if they suspect they might have it in their building or home. I would be the talk of the village if the Vicar knew I might have some on my garage!

I’ve spent most of my life throwing caution to the wind but on this particular subject you really should know the facts. Would you walk into a burning fire? No, exactly, you know this will most certainly harm you.

The same principles apply to asbestos but maybe in not such harsh terms. It is harmful if the fibres are released and you breath them in. Asbestos in good condition poses only a very low risk so long as all the people operating in the building know where it is and know not to disturb it.

It’s the people and organisations, sat in their comfy chairs, who chose to ignore the problem and then face massive costs and fines over not managing their asbestos.

At work?

If you work in a building, ask yourself is their asbestos in this building?

Where is it located?

Is their a designated person responsible for monitoring that asbestos?

Do all people within the building know about the asbestos and that it should not be disturbed?

At home?

Do you live in an older property built before the year 2000?

Have you had an asbestos survey on your house?

Do you know if you have any asbestos present in your home?

Do you know what asbestos looks like?

These are some simple questions that you can ask yourself about asbestos. It really isn’t rocket science and wouldn’t you rather be aware of the risks so you can make a calculated judgement about what action to take.

As I always like to say “Better to be safe than covered in asbestos!”

Check back soon for some more asbestos talk time!

The body’s defence mechanisms often coat the asbestos fibres with a layer of protein and they are then called “asbestos bodies”. Finding asbestos bodies in lung tissue suggests heavy occupational exposure to asbestos, but this does not necessarily mean that you are suffering from an asbestos disease.