On Monday 15 September 2025, UKATA hosted a focused and educational webinar titled “Navigating Respiratory Protection: Key Considerations for the UK Asbestos Industry” delivered in partnership with global safety equipment manufacturer 3M.
George Elliott, Northern Europe Region Application Engineering Supervisor, of 3M led the webinar. He is an experienced Application Engineering Manager within the Personal Safety Division at 3M, where he has been a pivotal figure since 2014. With an expertise in safety regulations pertaining to personal protective equipment (PPE), George is dedicated to advancing the standards of safety and protection in the industry.
Throughout his tenure at 3M, George has been a leading voice in educating customers on the critical aspects of PPE through numerous webinars. His commitment to sharing knowledge and best practices has empowered countless individuals and organizations to enhance their safety protocols.
The webinar explored current Health and Safety Executive (HSE) requirements for respiratory protection and the important distinctions between licensed and non-licensed asbestos work. Attendees received practical insights into the use of integrated PPE/RPE units, considerations around face fit testing and facial hair, effective decontamination processes, and guidance on filter change-out procedures. The session also included findings from recent UKATA research examining industry practices and challenges related to RPE.
Hosted by Kelly-Anne Smith, Events & Marketing Coordinator at UKATA, the event attracted attendees from across a range of sectors, including construction, education, housing, and training. It provided an opportunity for both experienced professionals and those newer to the field to build confidence in selecting and managing respiratory protection in compliance with regulatory standards.
Reflecting on the success of the event, UKATA’s Events & Marketing Coordinator, Kelly-Anne Smith said “This webinar was designed to offer clear, practical advice in an area that remains critically important to safe asbestos work. Working with 3M enabled us to bring technical expertise directly to delegates, helping them better understand how to meet RPE requirements in real-world settings.”
George Elliott, Northern Europe Region Application Engineering Supervisor of 3M said “I was grateful to have been invited by UKATA to collaborate for the recent webinar exploring respiratory protection considerations in the Asbestos industry. Thank you for the opportunity to share insights and contribute to such an important discussion.”
As with all UKATA’s events and webinars, feedback from attendees is encouraged to support the improvement of future events.
Delegate John Crossland, HSEQ Manager of TK Elevator said “These short webinars are an essential tool to maintain the cadence around asbestos. It’s quite easy to become complacent so I appreciate these reminders."
The webinar forms part of UKATA’s ongoing commitment to raising awareness around asbestos risks worldwide and providing free, accessible education on critical issues facing the industry and beyond.
For those who missed the live session, the recording is available here: Webinars - UKATA
For more information on future events or to access resources from the webinar, please contact Kelly-Anne Smith at Kelly-anne.smith@ukata.org.uk
UKATA, a leading association, is dedicated to enhancing the quality and standards of asbestos training with the aim to shield workers and the public from the hazards of asbestos exposure.
The association collaborates closely with its members to guarantee that they have access to the latest information, training resources, and industry updates. They provide a suite of support services to assist them in accomplishing their training objectives. Their membership encompasses a diverse array of organisations involved in asbestos training, including training providers, asbestos removal contractors, consultants, and equipment suppliers.
UKATA is fervent about promoting safe and responsible working practices, committed to working with members and partners to realise a shared vision of protecting workers and the public from the hazards linked with asbestos exposure.
3M are a science-based technology company that is committed to improving lives and doing business in the right way. They have been listed as a World's Most Ethical Company for nine years in succession. They are passionate about applying their science to creating products that, in big ways and small, make things better in some way.
Published on Monday 22nd September 2025