Thursday 22^nd December saw another successful Rilmac asbestos training day.  The event is designed to refresh all operatives on the latest procedures and legislation regarding their part in the removal of asbestos.  It is also a great opportunity for team building, covering additional topics, and introducing new products to the staff.  This year, the fourth so far, was supported with extra training from the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership and interesting support from Thermac Hire Ltd.

Across the day there were a number of workshops and talks from Rilmac as well as the LRSP and Thermac, with an opportunity for operatives to make a contribution and engage with senior staff.  The Rilmac sessions covered such areas as van inspections, the proper use of decontamination units, and Enclosure entry and exit protocols.  Although fully trained in these areas it is vital that all frontline staff have their knowledge refreshed and updated regularly.

In discussing the importance of the Rilmac Asbestos Training Day Director Michael Woods said, “Training days like this allow us to improve employees’ skills in areas we have identified through Needs Analysis of all staff, which means we can ensure that all operatives are at the same level.  This year’s training day has taken a lot of hard work, planning and dedication.  I’d like to thank everyone involved for making it all possible.  I’d especially like to thank the team from Thermac for their time, enthusiasm, and input.  They really added to the quality of the training.”

The team from Thermac bought in a range of their cutting edge asbestos removal kit for inspection, and to provide training in its use.  By the end of the day all Rilmac operatives had been certified in use of the full range.  Thermac’s useful involvement included an introduction to the new Breath Compressor and Mask & Harness, an overview of the procedures for Blast Pots & Mist Eliminator, and a demonstration of the exciting new Falcon range of blasting gear.  The Thermac team integrated well throughout the day and made a valuable and welcome contribution to this important event in the Rilmac calendar.

As did the Lincolnshire Road Safety Partnership with their challenging and important look at all aspects of road safety.  With all asbestos removal teams on the road making use of one of the 26 vans in the Rilmac Insulation & Asbestos Services fleet road safety is a key issue, and even the most experienced driver can benefit from a refresher.

With team building also being a key part of the day it was fantastic to have Rilmac Insulation & Asbestos Services Director Steve Finn, and Rilmac Group Managing Director Steve Baxter cook a tasty barbeque for all attendees at lunchtime.

The training day was considered a complete success with Ryan Hubbard, Operations Manager, adding, “To get all of our asbestos department together in the same building is no easy feat. A lot of planning and hard work has gone in to making today a great success. It was very pleasing to get complete buy in from all the guys who were not only attentive but enthusiastic to each topic. Some of the ideas that the guys came up with just proves that we have a really good group of forward thinking operatives and supervisors.”

Planning for next year’s training day will begin soon.