After much consideration and having taking advice from all of our stakeholders and from Public Health England, ACAD is suspending face to face training given the increasing severity of the Covid-19 (Corona Virus) global pandemic to protect our members, our staff and the general public.

Clearly this will be kept under continual review but the threat posed to us all should not be taken lightly by anyone.

With such a rapidly evolving situation nobody can predict what will happen over the coming weeks and months but ACAD has pulled together a short list of some topical questions we are being asked by members.

Asbestos Refresher Training

Given the need to maintain annual refresher training, and thanks to the investment in technologies made by ACAD over recent times, ACAD has moved our current training across to our remote delivery software allowing us to continue to support members. This delivery model utilises readily accessible technology for those who do not require practical training at times to suit your existing commitments.

To arrange a convenient time to suit your requirements, simply email training@acad.uk.com

ACAD Site Audits

ACAD site audits are currently continuing with a revised RA in place based on latest Government guidance. Clearly unannounced audits pose too much of a risk at this time given the uncertain nature of what we could encounter so we will could be undertaking planned audits over the coming time period.

To arrange email the team at training@acad.uk.com

Medical expiry

Some doctors are cancelling medicals as in reality their time is needed elsewhere right now. HSE are expected to take a pragmatic position in relation to this given the unprecedented situation we are facing. As such where workers go past their expiry date we understand this will be acceptable, ACAD suggest you ensure you have evidence to support this.

Face fit testing

Can this be done safely without the risk of virus transmission? Guidance is expected shortly but again a pragmatic approach to expiry dates is expected to be applied here too.

Coveralls

Stocks are available and options exist including a return to laundering coveralls. HSE encourage direct connection which reduces overall demand and the hanging up for reuse of coveralls where possible.

Also remember that you can use any colour coverall but this should still be detailed in your PoW in the usual way.

Should supplies get low and you have only a single colour and need to transit then your transit coverall could readily be identified by wrapping a sleeve with a strip of tape or similar. Again, this should be detailed in your PoW.

Summer works and waiver requests

It is likely GCSE and other examinations will be delayed into the summer holidays when large scale Asbestos removal work typically takes place. Given many schools are likely to close it may be viable to bring some works forward. HSE have indicated waiver requests in such circumstances would be looked upon favourably.

Licence Renewals

These will continue but the invitation to renew will start going out an additional month earlier to provide more time for submission. Don’t forget ACAD can still offer the range of support available to help you through this new process.

If you have any questions relating to this, please contact ACAD via email at training@acad.uk.com