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Dewpoint courses are Registered for CPD Points

Dewpoint Professionals is thrilled to announce that it is now registered to offer Continuing Professional Development (CPD) points, marking a significant milestone in providing enhanced professional development opportunities for its members. CPD points are an essential component for individuals seeking to advance their careers and maintain high standards of competence in their respective fields.

CPD points serve as a measure of an individual’s commitment to ongoing learning and development within their profession. By participating in CPD activities, professionals can stay abreast of industry trends, regulations, and best practices, ultimately enhancing their skills and knowledge base.

“We are excited to offer CPD points to our members, as it underscores our commitment to supporting their professional growth and success,” said Dawn Brumpton, Course Administrator. “In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, continuous learning is paramount. By earning CPD points through our programs and activities, professionals can demonstrate their dedication to staying current in their field and maintaining the highest standards of expertise.”

 

For more information about Dewpoint Professional courses please contact us on info@dewpointprofessional.co.uk

CPD

Awaab’s Law set’s Standards for Mould Remediation

There has never been more urgency in getting trained in Mould Remediation then now. Following the tragic death of two-year-old Awaab Ishak in 2020 due to mould exposure at his Rochdale home, campaigners are pushing for reforms in housing regulations. Known as “Awaab’s Law,” proposed changes would establish new timeframes for repairs in unsafe homes. Housing Secretary Michael Gove expressed the need for “strong, robust action” to prevent similar tragedies, emphasizing the proposed legal amendments. Landlords in England would be required to investigate issues within two weeks and commence repairs within an additional seven days. Under the suggested reforms, emergency repairs must be conducted within 24 hours, and landlords failing to meet deadlines may face court action and compensation claims from tenants. The proposals are currently in the consultation phase, with an emphasis on addressing health and safety risks posed by damp and mould in homes across the country. Landlords are expected to maintain clear records demonstrating compliance with the specified time limits.

The message is clear don’t delay, get your staff trained to be able to provide the requirements set down by law.

Water Damage Restoration Course Returns

The City & Guilds Accredited course in Water Damage Restoration is now available to book again.

The Dewpoint Professional Water Damage Restoration Courses are taught over one to three days at the purpose built ‘Flood Simulation Facility’ and includes both classroom and practical hands-on tuition. Delegates will have the opportunity to put their new learned knowledge to use within the facility during the course gaining invaluable experience.

Over 1000 attendees have already benefited form the course which is aimed a those persons who have the responsibility for the mitigation, remediation and restoration of water damaged buildings and contents by providing assistance and information to individual practitioners and organisations that work in the damage management industry to maintain their professional competence.

With currently flooding throughout the UK the need for trained professionals in every industry is critical.

To book a place on our next course on the 28th Feb – 1st March contact us on info@dewpointprofessional.co.uk or call us on 01427 782 944.

Environment Urge Households to Prepare

Photo of a front door with sandbags surrounded by water.

Communities are being strongly advised to ready themselves for potential winter floods, with the Environment Agency emphasising the consequences of neglecting this perilous situation.

Amidst a rise in extreme weather events attributed to the climate emergency, the Environment Agency is launching a public awareness initiative called “Flood Action Week.” The purpose is to motivate residents living in flood-prone areas to take proactive measures now to safeguard their homes, belongings, and loved ones.

In the current year, the UK witnessed its highest-ever recorded temperatures, and the Met Office confirmed that England experienced its joint-hottest summer on record. Despite this, much of the country is still grappling with drought conditions.

Looking forward to the upcoming winter, the Met Office predicts an increased likelihood of wet and stormy weather as the season progresses. It’s crucial to recognise that unexpected floods can occur at any time, and communities are being cautioned not to become complacent due to the dry weather experienced during the summer.

The Environment Agency urge households to take these simple steps:

This year’s Flood Action Week comes as the Environment Agency has now expanded its flood warning service to reach almost 50,000 new properties at risk of flooding and hopes to exceed its target to provide new warning capability for 62,000 properties at risk of flooding by this winter. It brings the number of properties registered with the service to 1.6 million.

With over 250 mobile pumps and 5,000 trained staff across the country, the Environment Agency is ready to take action wherever it is needed this winter. The construction and repair of flood defences has also continued throughout the year as part of the record £5.2 billion government investment in flood and coastal defences.

Storm Babet Weather Warning in place across the UK

Satellite image of storm Babet

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Andy Page, said:

This is not usual autumn weather. This is an exceptional event, and we are likely to continue to see significant impacts with the potential for further flooding and damage to properties. There are numerous National Severe Weather Warnings in place for both rain and wind over the coming days.

Today parts of eastern Scotland could see a further 20-30 mm of rain, but the east-facing high ground from southeast Scotland to the Cheviots, south to the Peak District may see as much as 80 to 120 mm of rain locally. Strong easterly winds may exacerbate the impacts of the heavy rain.

We have issued a second red warning covering parts of Angus and Aberdeenshire for Saturday with 70-100 mm rain possible. This has the potential to cause further impacts in this already hard-hit area.

Katharine Smith, flood duty manager at the Environment Agency, said:

Persistent and heavy rain brought by a combination of Storm Babet and following weather systems means significant inland flooding is likely across parts of the north of England, and possible across parts of the Midlands and East of England, from Friday through to Saturday.

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground to clear blockages and operate flood defences to minimise the impact of flooding in the areas at risk. We also advise people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at https://www.gov.uk/check-if-youre-at-risk-of-flooding and follow @EnvAgency on X, formerly known as Twitter, for the latest flood updates.

Michael Gove MP sets out Awaab’s Law

On the 11th September Michael Gove MP sent a letter to all social housing providers outlining his proposal for Awaab’s Law. Within the letter the Rt Hon MP set out the following guidance:

  • Introduce ‘Awaab’s Law’ to set out new requirements for landlords to address hazards such as damp and mould in social homes. Following a consultation, we will bring these into force as soon as Parliamentary time allows;
  • Provide new powers for the Housing Ombudsman and change the law so that social housing
  • Residents can complain directly to the Ombudsman;
  • Review the Decent Homes Standard and apply it to private rented homes;
  • Introduce new professionalisation standards that will require senior housing staff to hold, or work towards, recognised housing management qualifications; and
  • Introduce the new Private Rented Property Portal and give all private tenants access to an Ombudsman if their landlord fails to resolve legitimate complaints.

From the guidance the message is very clear get trained to deal with damp and mould in housing. Dewpoint Professional is the only training organisation in the UK that runs City & Guilds Accredited courses in Mould Remediation and Water Damage Restoration. For more detail and to book a course email info@dewpointprofessional.co.uk.

Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communitues

Dewpoint Mould Course Restart

Woman looking at mould on a wall.

We are thrilled to announce that Dewpoint Professional’s City & Guilds Accredited Mould Course has restarted and has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm. With a fresh new approach of training live online this course promises to be an invaluable resource for professionals in the industry.

The new trainer for the Mould Course is Graham Keeble, MCs AssocROCS MICWCI, an esteemed expert in the field. Graham brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, along with a unique ability to simplify complex concepts, making them easily understandable for all participants.

One attendee of the recent course expressed their admiration for Graham’s teaching style, stating:

Graham was very good at making something quite complicated relatively simple!

This feedback is a testament to Graham’s expertise and his dedication to delivering a comprehensive yet accessible learning experience.

Dewpoint Professional’s Mould Course is designed to equip professionals with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively identify, prevent, and remediate mould-related issues. Whether you are a property manager, building inspector, restoration professional, or anyone involved in the maintenance and care of indoor environments, this course is a must-attend.

What sets Dewpoint Professional’s Mould Course apart is its practical approach, combining theory with real-world case studies. Participants will gain valuable insights into the science behind mould growth, its impact on health, effective sampling techniques, interpreting lab reports, and implementing successful mould management strategies.

Moreover, the course covers essential topics such as moisture control, building diagnostics, HVAC systems, and legal considerations. By the end of the training, attendees will be equipped with the skills and confidence to handle mould-related challenges with efficiency and precision.

If you are looking to enhance your expertise in mould management or expand your professional horizons, Dewpoint Professional’s Mould Course is an opportunity you cannot afford to miss.

Trainer Graham Keeble stated about the course:

Remember, knowledge is power when it comes to mould. Equip yourself with the necessary skills and join us on this exciting educational journey. Together, we can create healthier and safer indoor environments for all.

4 Year old girl left hospitalised!

Black mould on a window frame.

Several newspapers reported this week about poor Zainab, a four year old girl hospitalised after living in mould-ridden squalor has escaped her damp and overcrowded London flat following an investigation by The Independent.

Zainab Hamid suffered terrible breathing problems as a result of the black mould covering the walls and ceilings of the one bedroom housing association flat she shared with her parents and three siblings.

Mould, if left unattended, can pose serious health risks, particularly to vulnerable individuals such as young children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. Investing in mould training for your staff and establishing robust procedures to address mould-related issues will not only prioritise the safety and well-being of your tenants but also enhance your reputation as a responsible and caring social landlord. For more info email info@dewpointprofessional.co.uk.

Dewpoint Returns!

After the tragic loss of the founder and trainer Laurence Mitchell in August 2022, the company has been tirelessly searching for a trainer to be able to continue the work Laurence started in 2010. The team are delighted to welcome Graham Keeble as the new Mould Remediation Course Trainer.

Graham Keeble Dewpoint Course Trainer.

Graham is a construction professional with over 30 years’ experience, he holds an MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment is an RICS surveyor, a qualified Thermographer and is the Chairman of the Institute of the Clerk of the Works Construction Inspectorate for Devon and Cornwall. Graham has been training in the field of building quality compliance, regulation and procedures for over 7 years as well as lecturing for Dublin Technical University and is scheduled to lecture at Oxford University later this year.

Graham commented:

I’m delighted to join the team at Dewpoint Professional, their training standards and commitment to improve working practices align with all the work I’ve carried out in my professional career. I look forward to teaching the first training session on the 22nd & 23rd June.

UK weather: Flash flooding warning if ‘wrong type of rain’ falls after heatwave

The recent article in the Independent warned us of the risks of flood following the extremely hot and dry weather and nothing ever prepares us for the disaster of a flooding event. However being better prepared how to restore properties after an such an event would reassure most home owners that your company and profession take there restoration seriously.

This clip Dr Rob Thompson posted clearly shows what happens when we get a lot of water on dry ground.

Dewpoint Professional Training Course.
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