A Northamptonshire team of asbestos experts has secured a major new contract which enables them to tender for projects with thousands of UK universities, colleges and schools.
Acorn Analytical Services has been given access to the network of educational establishments by not-for-profit national purchasing consortium, Crescent Purchasing Consortium (CPC), after meeting its stringent awards criteria.
The CPC is owned and run by the education sector and currently has more than 7,000 educational establishments in its membership.
Acorn Analytical Services director Neil Munro said: “As a market leader in the innovation of effective and efficient asbestos management, our team works with countless educational establishments, businesses, local authorities, hospitals and individuals to make sure their premises are free from the health risks of asbestos.
“To get this endorsement from the CPC is fantastic recognition for our outstanding team and we’re confident it will lead to us building more fruitful relationships with schools, colleges and universities across the country.
“We are really looking forward to working with the CPC and its members over the next five years.”
Asbestos was extensively used as a building material in the UK from the 1950s until it was banned in 1999. It was used for a variety of purposes, including fireproofing and insulation and any building built before 2000, including houses, factories, offices, schools and hospitals, can contain asbestos. Indeed, experts estimate as many as 1.5 million UK properties still contain the ‘hidden killer’.
As a result of its widespread use, the sad truth is even now around 5,000 people die every year from asbestos-related cancers in this country.
The latest statistics from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) revealed in 2018 there were 2,446 deaths from mesothelioma – a cancer that develops in the lining covering the outer surface of some of the body’s organs which is usually linked to asbestos exposure. There were a similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to past exposures to asbestos and 503 deaths were connected to asbestosis – a lung disease that develops due to inhalation of asbestos.
Whilst there are treatments to manage mesothelioma and asbestosis there is no known cure for either disease. Mesothelioma cases are often rapidly fatal following the onset of symptoms, while asbestosis may progress over time to seriously affect normal daily activity and lead to complications which can be fatal.
Due to the potentially fatal consequences associated with mismanaging asbestos, anyone who owns a building containing asbestos has a legal responsibility to ensure it is effectively managed to protect anyone who may come into contact with it.
To show businesses and individuals why it is so important to manage their asbestos effectively, Acorn regularly releases informative podcasts and blogs and has produced a number one best-selling book called Asbestos The Dark Arts.
It also offers a comprehensive suite of asbestos consultancy services from asbestos air testing and asbestos surveys to removal management, and UKATA accredited training and has created a step-by-step guide to help organisations become fully compliant with the law called the Acorn Asbestos Antidote.
To find out more call 0844 818 0895 or visit https://www.acorn-as.com
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