For people working with asbestos removal or who are dealing with hazardous materials, the use of the correct PPE equipment is vital. Furthermore, it is essential that all of the equipment in use is also designed, tested and maintained to the correct standards.
One company that has been servicing just these needs for more than 30 years is Beacon International. Based almost in the centre of the country – in Northamptonshire – the company is ideally suited to meeting the demands of the industry nationwide.
According to Andy Thomas, Director of Beacon International, “Over this time we have developed a range of equipment which has been tried and tested by contractors in the UK and across Europe. We have production staff that are trained to assemble and test our range of equipment to a very high standard as well as highly skilled service engineers who service the equipment within our workshop and purpose built decontamination facility. We are also accredited to ISO9001: 2008.”
One of the most important recent developments has been the introduction of ‘Facefit’ testing. Anyone working with asbestos removal or with other hazardous dusts and materials must wear a suitable respirator. It is essential that these respirators fit correctly to the face and head, thereby preventing the user from breathing in hazardous materials. According to Andy, “Basically we start by fitting the mask to the user, the mask is then connected to our test equipment which accurately measures for any leakage. The user undergoes a series of movements and exercises whilst wearing the mask to simulate use in a working environment. We offer advice to users on how to use and maintain their RPE correctly. This is becoming an increasingly important service and one that will increase in demand in the future.”
Andy says that there are currently 650-700 licensed contractors in the UK that heal with asbestos and other hazardous materials. Most of Beacon’s customers are currently asbestos removal contractors but as the HSE continues to tighten its legislation on these very carcinogenic materials, their workload will definitely increase.
Another service that Beacon is planning to introduce in the next few months is a range of specialist training programmes. Apparently, an increasing number of Beacon’s customers have been asking for help in training their staff in all aspects of asbestos awareness, training of supervisors and also for bespoke training in the use of hazardous equipment.
Since a large proportion of the work that has been done by Beacon International is with regard to asbestos removal, the Company offers a wide range of suitable rental equipment for asbestos removal contractors.
Beacon’s rental fleet includes a range of towable shower decontamination units, with two or four shower units available. Built in water tanks and generators are an option which are becoming ever more popular.
Air filtration units or otherwise known in the trade as negative pressure units are readily available in various sizes as well as a wide range or vacuum cleaners for use with hazardous materials.
For further information please telephone 01536 762939 or visit www.beaconinternational.co.uk.
