First Environment celebrates its 15th birthday

July saw First Environment mark its 15th birthday !

Founded in 1996 the company has grown steadily year on year both in size and the breadth of services offered. Specializing initially in the provision of water management and legionella risk control our capability and in-house consultant team has developed progressively to now cover the breadth of services as evidenced by this web-site.

Scientists first

The Company's founding ethos was to provide our clients with access to professional and independent advice to assist in managing their environmental, health and safety risks. This remains the case today.

The acquisition in 2009 of our Asbestos surveying and Occupational Hygiene division and investment in training and equipment puts the company in good health to continue to provide our clients with the level of service they demand for many years to come.

First Environment lists on the BOHS Consultants Directory

Find us on the British Occupational Hygiene Society Consultants Directory

With an expanding Occupational Hygiene consultancy service portfolio First Environment is now listed on the BOHS consultants directory. Launched by the BOHS the directory provides industry end users a resource tool to locate and select suitable Occupational Hygiene professionals.

Our listing can be found at http://www.bohs.org/consultants-directory/details/78/

BS 8580:2010 -British Standard for Legionella Risk Assessment is Released

On the 31st December 2010 the much awaited Risk Assessment standard BS 8580:2010 Water Quality. Risk Assessments for Legionella.Code of Practice was released by the British Standards Institute to accompany ACoP L8.

This standard gives recommendations and guidance on the assessment of the risk of legionellosis presented by artificial water systems. It is applicable to any undertaking involving a work activity or premises controlled in connection with a trade, business or other undertaking where water is used or stored in circumstances that could cause a reasonably foreseeable risk of exposure to legionellae and contracting legionellosis. The standard is applicable to risk assessments being undertaken on premises, plant and systems for the first time, and to review and audit where a previous assessment has been undertaken and where control measures might have been implemented.

The ubiquitous occurrence of Legionella spp. means that all water systems are susceptible to contamination with legionellae via the water supply or dust entering the system. It is therefore normal practice to assume that a system can become contaminated.

Suitable and sufficient assessment of risks allows appropriate control measures to be put in place to protect the health and safety of employees and members of the public who could be affected by work activities. First Environment has been providing Legionella risk assessment since 1996 and has experience across a diverse range of water systems and environments.

Link: http://shop.bsigroup.com

HSE Campaign to Assist Small Business

Health and safety for small business need not be complex but does need to be addressed. This month we highlight the HSE web site which helps SME's on the path to inform and involve staff in managing health and safety. Implementing good communication and procedures is key to ensuring management meet their objectives. First Environment can assist in providing access to competent advice and provide a retained health and safety advisor service.

Link: http://www.hse.gov.uk/involvement/doyourbit/index.htm