Asbestos fibers are very small by comparison to a human hair for example. When the fibres are disturbed, they quickly become airborne and this is when the battle becomes deadly serious. This is why the government recommends that, as long as the asbestos is located in a place where it will lie undisturbed, it should be left exactly where it is.

Asbestos removal is a dangerous undertaking. Inhaling asbestos fibers can cause serious medical conditions, including lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. When removing asbestos, it is essential to follow the proper asbestos removal protocol to minimize the risk of exposure to the toxic fibers.

Asbestos removal considerations

1. When it is decided that asbestos does need to be removed from a building, a company that offers asbestos removal services should always be used rather than personally trying to attempt the hazardous procedure. Although it is legal for property owners to personally remove the material, strict adherence to the Government’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines must be followed.
2. High concentrations of asbestos exposure often result in diseases such as mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. All of the diseases associated with asbestos damage are highly serious with some being fatal.
   When asbestos is inhaled into the lungs, it tends to become trapped there, resulting in a natural immune response that then results in the release of carcinogens (cancer-causing elements) into the bloodstream over a period of 10 to 40 years. It is possible for the asbestos fibres to remain in the body permanently, as the body is unable to dissolve them naturally.
3. The standard practices that are followed by asbestos removal contractors begin with the total sealing off of the area where the asbestos has been located. This is to prevent the escape of any contaminated air. Contractors working for the asbestos removal companies are required by law to wear high grade breathing apparatuses to guard against the accidental inhalation of the fibres and particles. Following the successful removal of contaminated material, contractors have to be decontaminated before they are permitted to leave the area.
4. Decontamination includes removal and disposal of the worker’s exposed clothes and work gear, while exposed skin should be thoroughly washed. Asbestos is best removed by first applying moisture so that particles become too heavy to become airborne.
5. The removal process itself involves spraying the asbestos thoroughly with water. Once the asbestos is saturated, a pry bar and knife are used to remove the asbestos. As it is removed, it is packed in asbestos removal bags. The bags are double seal bags—the bag should be sealed as the asbestos is being packed, and then it should be seal a second time. It is essential to keep the asbestos wet throughout the process.
   Common disposal methods include burying the material as a hazardous material in landfills, but the safest and most secure way to dispose of asbestos is through thermal decomposition. Thermal decomposition is a process in which the asbestos is heated to more than 1000 degrees Celsius, at which point it becomes a harmless silicate. If the material is heated further, the silicate then becomes a silicate glass which can be used to make nonhazardous materials like floor tiles and bricks.
6. When the asbestos has been taken from the building, it must be totally secured and disposed of in the correct manner. One particular method that is often used is burial in landfill sites. This is now thought to be an unsafe practice and environmentally unsound, and has been replaced by thermal decomposition. Thermal decomposition is a process whereby the asbestos is heated to over 1000 Celcius, producing a harmless silicate. A further heating process can produce a silicate glass, which is used in the production of floor tiles and bricks.

For further information on health and safety and asbestos advice, visit the official Government website at www.hse.gov.uk/asbestos/basics.htm

You may well be thinking that steel security doors or communal doors would look out of place on a residential property. The reality is different – there are a wide variety of finishes and colours to choose from, including some with a passable ‘wood grain’ effect. Steel security doors can be supplied in 4, 6 and 8 panelled designs, retro and post modern, with nearly any design in wood able to be replicated in steel.

Steel and communal doors can be painted in a range of colours to suit your choice and can be obtained with a coating that replicates a grain effect. These types of doors are well respected within the security industry for their durable character, fire resistance and their ability to withstand distortion and rot.

The Door leaf is constructed from 1.6mm Steel and frame from 2.00mm Steel welded for extra strength, 45mm core has a bonded honeycomb infill to give the door extra rigidity. Because it is hollow, it not only has the strength from the steel properties, but the other great advantage is the light-weight end product.

Auto closure features on communal doors

Heavy duty door closers ensure that the doors close automatically, and are concealed from view to protect against attack and an integrated anti-jemmy strip, situated on the leading edge of the door protects the locking system against attack from crowbars and other levers.

Heavy Duty vision panels in a range of different sizes are available with 6mm clear polycarbonate glazing or laminated glass.

With a steel door, although relatively light as described in a previous paragraph, it still has to be supported well by a durable door frame, and of course the locking system needs to be capable of defeating burglars and home invaders. Many steel security doors and communal doors are supplied with a multi point lock that provides a good level of security.

If you are seeking security doors for a commercial or private buildings, and you wish to have the level of security officially verified, you can register for ‘Police Preferred Specification’ status awarded by Secured by Design. Secured by Design (SBD) is owned by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) and is the corporate title for a group of national police projects focusing on the design and security for new & refurbished homes, commercial premises.

With the threat of a recession in 2007, when the opportunity arose to benefit from business coaching, Managing Director Shaun Miller took the decision to get involved in the international Action business-coaching programme. With the professional advice from Derek Tyrell, Action Coach, Secure Site has gone from strength to strength, utilizing proven methods to improve the customer experience and find innovative ways to improve the service delivery

All the hard work paid off when at the Southern Region Action Coaching Awards, held at the prestigious Hurlingham Club in West London, hosted by Bradley Sugars the Action Coaching founder.

Secure Site (UK) was presented with the Financial Award, for increasing the turnover of the business whilst maintaining profits. The award was received with some surprise, on behalf of the Company by Shaun Miller, who said, “Action Coaching really has opened my eyes to a different way of doing things”.

Now Secure Site (UK) really can boast an award winning service!!

When an 80-year-old pensioner collapsed at the Martlets Shopping Centre, in Burgess Hill, the quick thinking of Tony Reader, Secure Site, Security Manager, saved his life after he stopped breathing.Relying on his training, Tony after calling for an ambulance started giving CPR, refusing to give up for over half an hour until the casualty had recovered a good pulse.

Mr Sewell, was taken directly to the Princess Royal Hospital where he never fully regained consciousness and sadly passed away 10 days later.

Not expecting recognition for his actions Tony was surprised when he was invited to the Sussex Police North Downs Division Awards Ceremony, held at Slaugham Manor, Sussex, where he was presented with an Humanitarian award by Assistant Chief Constable Robin Merrett for his life saving efforts, which enabled Mr Sewell’s family to say goodbye to their much loved father and husband with dignity.

When asked about the events at the shopping centre, Tony said, “the first aid training just kicked in and you just get on with it”

Centre Manager of the Martlets, Graham Fogerty, was full of praise and said the overall response has been “incredible.”

“He is just highly trained in all aspects of the job, he is a real professional”

Secure Site (UK), Commercial Manager Nick Swalwell said “I have worked with Tony for several years and his cool-headed approach doesn’t surprise me in the least, he’s a real asset to the a team and a shining example to all professional Security Staff”

With the increased legislation affecting commercial property owners Secure Site (UK) have partnered with Sparks- EPC, Chartered Surveyors and specialist Energy Consultants, to offer you discounted rates for all your Energy Performance Certification issues.

The new legislation forces all property marketed for sale or let to have had a survey carried out and an energy performance certificate issued, which must be included within the sales particulars. Failure to comply, could lead to prosecution and with fines of up to £5,000.00 by the Trading Standards, it is important to make sure that you comply.

With many years experience in the commercial property market, Sparks- EPC have developed a national rapid response team of qualified consultants who specialise in commercial property certification and are able to provide the following Energy Performance Certification:

• Commercial Energy Performance Certificates (EPC)

• Display Energy Certificates (DEC)

For further information regarding this confusing legislation why not click on www.sparks-epc.com, or call 01293 738 126 and speak directly to Geoffrey Sparks and get some sensible honest advice on whether this legislation effects you.

Don’t forget that by mentioning Secure Site (UK) you will receive the discount that we have arranged and with rates starting from as little as £150.00 it could not be easier, so don’t delay call today.

Having noticed the demand by our customers for specialist electronic fire and security services, we are pleased to announce that we have re entered the electronic security sector with a dedicated division Secure Site Fire & Security.

Secure Site Fire & Security has been developed to cater for the specialist needs of customers requiring insurance approved alarm, CCTV, access control and fire services. Managed by Clare Miller with over 15 years experience in the electronic security industry and assisted by Carole Glaves together they make a strong team.

As members of the SSAIB Security Systems Alarm Inspectorate Board, the Company offers a range of insurance approved and certificated electronic security measures to help you reduce the risk crime and prevent attacks.

• Monitored Alarm Systems

• CCTV Systems

• Access Control Systems

• Fire Alarms

Whatever your requirements, whether you just need some simple advice, a new system installed or an existing system maintained or upgraded, professional help is now just a phone call away.

Why not visit our new web site and take a look at all the services we have on offer to give you peace of mind.

Sunday 3rd of May saw the first South Sussex Syndicate Charity Clay Shoot in aid of Help for Heroes. The event was hosted, quite rightly for such a noble cause, in spring sunshine at the renowned Southdown Sporting Gun Club, just north of Findon in West Sussex.

The layout that Dave and Shaun Peckham of Southdown put on included some simpler targets for the less experienced and some more testing for those who were there with the competition in mind. The format was a 100 bird sporting layout, followed by an 80 bird flush for each of the teams of four. There were prizes for Top Team, High Gun, Best Novice, Senior and Lady Gun.

The team competition was won by West Sussex Driveways with a great combined score of 330. The High Gun was Trevor Bell with an excellent 98 ex 100 and Top Lady was collected by Natalie Trist with 53. The Novice high score was won by David Tanner with a creditable 73, the Senior by Brett Hammond with 66 and the Junior plate has been awarded to Harry Blurton aged 11 for his display with his .410.

The organisers were delighted that James Purdey and Sons were able to sponsor the event and Steven Murray of Purdey came down with two beautiful guns, a traditional side by side and their new over and under Sporter. They kindly manned the ‘have a go’™ stand for a couple of hours allowing the rare opportunity to shoot one of these fine guns. Other sponsors included Lyalvale Cartidges, Hearability and other local businesses. The organisers are extremely grateful to the sponsors who contributed their support and to all those who helped on the day.

The afternoon was complemented with a Hog Roast, a bar and in the evening, an excellent 70′s rock band, Highway Jones, who gave up their time for free. Overall the event has been a resounding success and has raised over £3,000 for Help for Heroes. Next year it is hoped to get more entries and more sponsorship to ensure the charity benefits to an even greater level.

There are great many sponsorship opportunities available for the 2010 event including, team  trophies, individual stands and the flush sponsorship, for further information please contact the organisers sponsorship@southsussexsyndicate.co.uk.

Following the discovery of several dead fish in the River Crouch, Essex, local parish councillor and local businessman, Roy Hart Director of Skee-tex Ltd, decided to investigate further and found that hundreds of tyres had been dumped blocking the river.

Because of a dispute between the council and the Environment Agency, Roy a keen angler, obtained permission to clear the waste himself and with the help of three volunteers cleared the polluted river of over 120 dumped tyres.

Roy was left in amazement when both the Environment Agency and the council refused to pay for the disposal of the massive tyre haul, leaving Roy with a substantial disposal bill.

Hearing this story on national TV news, Secure Site Regional Manager Edward Fenner, a British Institute of Cleaning Sciences professional felt compelled to offer assistance.

With local offices in Brentwood, Essex and Hackney, East London, Edward organised a clearance team to attend the next day and remove the tyres for environmental disposal without charge, in support of Roy and his community spirited volunteers.

Afterwards Roy said “Thanks to Edward and his sharp eye reading the national press, he phoned me straight away and offered to dispose of the tyres without any hesitation, at no cost to myself and my three volunteers. Your company saved the day”

After providing Void Property Inspections in association with Lambert Smith Hampton, we were encouraged to apply for inclusion on the ContractorPlus scheme.

Secure Site UK is now pleased to announce that as a result of the application and after rigorous testing of our health and safety operating procedures, we have now been accredited with the LSH ContrcatorPlus status.

LSH ContractorPlus developed in partnership with Lambert Smith Hampton allows up to 850 property professionals and surveyors from 28 regional offices to search on line for reputable contractors and even filter the search by contractor service or location.

The Secure Site Void Alarm is an instantly deployable temporary alarm system that can be installed and monitoring your property within a matter of hours. Traditional alarm systems are unsuitable for most vacant properties, which will have had power and telephone lines disconnected. It’s available for short or long-term deployment in any vacant property – from just £6 a day.

Powered by its built-in long-life battery, and communicating via a sim card similar to the one in your mobile phone, Void Alarm can wirelessly monitor multiple zones in any vacant property for up to a year at a time.

On alarm activation the Void Alarm will signal our central station * on its own dedicated mobile network sim, an immediate response is guaranteed and on receipt, key holders and emergency contacts can be called, as well as contacting up to five additional nominated individuals with a warning text.

Whether you’re a landlord, a commercial agent or administrator and need a cost-effective method of 24-hour monitoring of a vacant property to help prevent intrusion, damage and the problem of squatter removal, Secure Site’s Void Alarm offers a real alternative to a Security Guard presence – at a fraction of the cost.

For an improved response, Secure Site UK has a national team of mobile patrols which can respond to alarm events, investigate the cause and report as necessary or call the emergency services.

* Subject to mobile phone network coverage