Newsletter May 2003

ToolKit CS™ Asbestos

The clock continues to countdown the days until the full implementation of the Control of Asbestos at Work Regulations 2002. Our web site will give you a graphic reminder of how long there is to run.

We are aware of a lot of procrastination about who has to do what and by when in the marketplace. The fact that the legislation provides a duty to manage and not a duty to survey is still completely lost on the majority of managers - senior and junior. And where will the tens of thousands of tons of asbestos waste end up?

The fear factor is there; how many duty holders will actually grab the nettle and manage any 'safe' asbestos they find rather than reaching for the yellow pages to get it removed? How will property managers resolve the issue of disseminating too much information to their 'occupants'? The heart of the issue is a management problem to prevent exposure to asbestos fibres and consequential illness to workplace workers.

So when will we start managing it within the guidelines of the new regulations?

Survey Data

From our own viewpoint, we have had an asbestos management system available for a while now. But all the interest we are creating is almost entirely focussed on survey reporting. 'Without survey information, we have nothing to manage'; really?

We are providing a new feature to import data from just about any hand held device. Survey data can then be passed into the ToolKit CS™ database at the touch of a button.

This simple utility will enhance the functionality of the existing management routines and summary reports already in ToolKit CS™.

CAD Interface

The single most asked for feature is the ability to link a floor plan which includes coded symbols for asbestos items direct to our asbestos register data.

The illustration here shows how our new Overlay Editor works. The user can use any image from any source including CAD, with or without overlays.

Users can add or edit overlay information, add their own symbols, coded by shape, colour and text style.

'Inexpert users', the receptionist signing in a visiting electrician for instance, can view the floor plan, ascertain where items of asbestos are located and 'drill down' to the data that relates to the item.

ToolKit CS™ Enterprise Edition

Our Enterprise Edition is available to allow 'unmetered access' from just about any PC or laptop into the ToolKit CS™ database. The database can run either CDM or Asbestos applications, or both. This innovation allows any user with permission to access any document, knowledge base, library information and project and site details set up by the core users.

The system allows amazing flexibility for users and controls for managers so that they can provide an audited management system across their own management 'world' and set up to their own requirements.

Upgrade Package

We are currently offering an upgrade package to our ToolKit™ 2000 users. If you are interested in upgrading from CDM ToolKit™ 2000 to ToolKit CS™, then this is a good time to be talking to us. We have so many opportunities to offer you that were not available in our older products; please let us know what your requirements are.

Construction Industry Seminar

Our seminar at Bletchley Park was, according to the attendees an outright success. 'Very enjoyable', 'really worthwhile', 'spot on', 'gave an insight into what is required' are just a few of the comments we received from attendees. 'The icing on the cake was the tour of the Park in the afternoon'.

Our next event will be on Thursday 9th October 2003. We will be at Bletchley Park and the key speaker will be Stephen Wright, HSE's Head of Construction Policy. Stephen is engaged in steering the 'Revitalizing Health & Safety' project from the construction industry perspective. What he is providing should be of interest to everyone in the industry, including the CDM practitioners and those involved in the management of asbestos. Our Partners will be supporting us with associated topics as before. Please book your place on our web site and make a diary entry too!

More Information

Please review our web pages or call us for more information on our CDM and Asbestos Management products.